Big Tech was the first to embrace remote work at the beginning of the pandemic. It is also a sign of how companies plan to return to work safely. It doesn't appear that everyone is on the same page. Google and Facebook have announced that all employees will be required to get vaccinated before they return to work, but Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company is still evaluating whether mandatory vaccinations are necessary.AdvertisementSundar Pichai, Google CEO, sent an email to employees stating that everyone working on Google campuses must be vaccinated. In the United States, the policy will be implemented in the next few days and then expanded to other areas in the following months. The mandate will not apply to areas without vaccines and may vary depending on the local regulations. Google noted that the mandate will only apply in areas where vaccines are readily available and may vary depending on local regulations.Pichai said that they are excited to have reopened our campuses. He also encouraged Googlers to feel comfortable visiting sites that have been open to continue to do so. We are also aware that many Googlers are experiencing spikes in their communities due to the Delta variant, and we are concerned about how we can return to the office.Pichais' comments were quickly followed by Facebook's announcement that it would require U.S. workers get vaccinated. Lori Goler, Facebook's VP of People, stated in a statement that as our offices reopen we will require anyone who visits any of our U.S. campuses, to get vaccinated. This policy will be implemented based on local regulations and conditions.CNBC's Josh Lipton asked Tim Cook if Apple would follow suit. Cook stated that the company is focusing on when it will return, noting last week's delay in its timeline, which was from September to October. This uncertainty extends to its retail outlets. Bloomberg reports that Apple will require masks in its physical stores beginning July 29th, but it isn't mandating retail employees to be vaccinated.Big Tech is generally open to a hybrid model of work after the pandemic. Pichai stated in May that flexibility is the future of work and that Google would allow workers to work remotely within the company. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that the company plans to increase remote hiring and said that half of its workforce will work remotely within the next five to ten years. Microsoft joined the hybrid work model that offers permanent remote work. Twitter and Spotify also supported it.It is also evident that many Big Tech companies want to return to work in some capacity. Cook had emailed employees earlier in June asking them to return at least three times a week to the office, while others would need to return full-time. Apple employees reacted negatively to the news and wrote a letter asking Cook for flexible working conditions. Amazon seems to be pushing for a return of office-centric living.AdvertisementNo matter what Big Tech might want, the Delta variant forces companies and their employees to reevaluate their plans and adapt them. Google and Facebook are currently the only ones that require vaccinations, but others may soon follow.
