At the start of the pandemic , Big Tech led the way of life in squeeze remote work . Now , it ’s also serve well as a bellwether of how company are planning to safely return to the office . But it does n’t look like everyone is on the same page . While Google and Facebook announced today they will call for all staffers to be vaccinated before return to the spot , Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company is considering whether compulsory vaccinations are “ the right answer or not . ”
In anemailsent to staffers , Google CEO Sundar Pichai wrote that anyone working on Google campus will want to be vaccinated . The policy will start rolling out in the U.S. in the next few weeks and to other regions in the do months . The authorisation will only use in sphere where vaccines are wide usable and will vary depend on local ordinance . Google also noted that it would make exceptions for those who ca n’t be immunize due to “ aesculapian or other protected reasons . ” Pichai also explain that Google will also extend its voluntary employment - from - house policy through Oct. 18 , promising at least 30 days ’ notice before transition to “ full return to office plans . ”
“ We are very excited that we ’ve started to reopen our campuses and boost Googlers who palpate safe coming to website that have already opened to continue doing so , ” Pichai wrote . “ At the same time , we recognize that many Googlers are seeing spike in their communities triggered by the Delta variant and are concerned about give back to the office . ”
Photo: Spencer Platt (Getty Images)
In general , Big Tech has been rather accommodating of a intercrossed study model post - pandemic . In May , Pichai wrotein a blogthat the “ futurity of work is flexibility , ” and that Google would allow some proletarian to apply for completely distant oeuvre within the company or make arrangements to move to other offices . Facebook also said it require to ramp up distant hires , and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company expectshalf of its workforce to run remotelyin the next 5 - 10 age . Microsoft alsohopped on boardwith the hybrid work model with the option for permanent distant work , asdid TwitterandSpotify .
However , it ’s also clear that many Big Tech company are cracking to retort to the post in at least some electrical capacity . Earlier in June , Cook emailed stave requesting some to reelect to the office at least three days a calendar week , while others would be required to come back full - time . The news trigger somebacklash from Apple staffer , who wrote a varsity letter to Cook asking for more flexible play conditions . Amazon is also apparently tug for areturn to “ berth - centrical ” life .
Regardless of what Big Tech may want , the Delta var. is distinctly wedge party — and their worker — to reevaluate and conform their plans . For now , Google and Facebook are the first to need vaccinations as a demand , but it may not be long before others follow .
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