Facebook Commits To Permanent Remote Working Policies

Facebook told its employees last May that they can continue working remotely after the pandemic has ended. 

The social media giant told its staff they could work from home until this summer, but if an employee wants to continue working from home after this time, they must apply for a full-time remote work position.

“For example, parents who are closer to their children and are happy to cut their commute time and optimize their work day, they’re thrilled to work from home,” said Brynn Harrington, vice president of Facebook’s HR team.

However, Harrington added that the company understands this arrangement has not been ideal for some staffers, including those who are working out of small apartments with roommates, and is working on reopening offices for those employees.

Employees have been allowed to work from home until July 2, and those who are not full-time remote workers may continue to do so until one month after their office reopens at 50% capacity.

The company will reportedly reopen its Silicon Valley offices in May at 10% capacity, but will continue to require face masks, physical distancing and Covid-19 testing. Facebook has also said the earliest they may be able to open their largest sites at 50% capacity will be in September. 

This echoes other tech companies who have committed to permanent remote working policies, such as Twitter.