Apple Pauses Its Return-To-Office Strategy For Bay Area Workers

As San Francisco experiences an uptick in Covid-19 cases, Apple has informed corporate workers that it will delay its requirement for employees to be in the office at least three days a week.  

In a message to employees, Apple said that its incremental plan to usher workers back into the office will be postponed.  

Last month, the company brought workers back into the office once a week, increasing this requirement to two days earlier this month. The end goal was to bring workers in three days a week starting May 23. 

“We’ll make changes to other locations as required,” the message read. “We’re continuing to monitor local data closely and are committed to providing at least two weeks notice of any changes.” 

Despite the will of many tech companies to bring their employees back into the office, several have faced roadblocks as the state of the pandemic remains volatile. 

Since its unveiling, Apple’s return-to-office policy has come under scrutiny by employees. Workers are increasingly demanding the ability to choose their own schedule, particularly as many have successfully worked remotely in the past few years. 

“We are not asking for everyone to be forced to work from home,” organized group Apple Together wrote in a message to employees. “We are asking to decide for ourselves, together with our teams and direct manager, what kind of work arrangement works best for each one of us, be that in an office, work from home, or a hybrid approach.” 

For the time being, workers at the Bay Area location will work in the office two days per week and reinstate certain protocols, such as wearing masks in common areas. 

Additionally, Apple said that workers “uncomfortable coming into the office” can work remotely contingent upon their manager’s approval.