Apple employees will not be returning to their corporate offices in February due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the newly emerging omicron variant, according to a memo sent out today by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
In November, Apple sent out a letter to employees telling them that they would be expected to return to work on February 1.
Tim Cook just sent out an email delaying Apple's return to work. He said the company is giving every employee $1,000 to spend on home office equipment.
There is no word on when employees will be expected to return to work, and for now, those who are able to do so will continue to work from home.
The delay will be good news for Apple employees who have been waiting for the return of corporate offices, but Apple does plan to have employees come back at some point. Cook said that the return date is yet to be determined.
Since the beginning of the Pandemic, Apple executives have made it clear that employees will eventually need to return to work. "Video conference calling has narrowed the distance between us, but there are things it simply cannot replicate," Cook said in June.
Apple is planning for a hybrid work schedule when it is safe for employees to return to the office. Employees will be expected to be in the office three days a week, but will have the option of working from home for two days a week. Apple will allow employees to work remotely for up to one month per year, giving them more time to travel and be closer to loved ones.
Cook said that Apple is giving every corporate employee $1,000 to spend on home office equipment because employees will need to continue to work from home.
