Many businesses had hoped for a return to the norm as time passed. However, the end of 2021 has marked the emergence of a new strain, causing a resurgence in COVID-19 related infections and fatalities. The return to office is once again in jeopardy considering the current climate, and tech companies are looking at possible measures they can take to maintain safety. Our team has taken a closer look at how these technology companies are managing their policies and the challenges involved.
Remote work for tech companies
The initial lockdown moved all but essential workers to remote work, with uncertainty regarding when the situation will change. Tech companies, especially giants like Apple and Google, were among the first to implement remote work policies for their employees around the world. By 2021, many companies had hoped to begin a steady transition back to the office.
Before the emergence of newer variants, things had been looking up. Hospitalizations and infection rates were low, and it appeared things might be going back to normal soon. With the Omicron surge, plans for a return to offices are again on hold. The Omicron variant now represents 95% of cases sequenced by the CDC, with a reported 1 million new infections.
Tech companies had been pushing to set a deadline for the return to office following vaccination mandates. Despite the relative ease of remote work for such companies, many want their employees back at their desks. However, return dates have been pushed back once again, with Google no longer enforcing the January 10th, 2022 return date and Meta postponing the February 1st return date.
Thoughts on the return to office
A total return to work for tech companies does not seem possible in the near future. A recent Business Insider survey suggests that the majority of employees wish to continue working remotely, and in the absence of that option, about 58% are considering resigning. On the other hand, about 60% of companies currently support or consider hybrid work conditions.
A Blind survey further showed that about 65% of employees in the tech sector are concerned about the return to office. Concerns include anxieties about getting infected and difficulties maintaining a work-life balance. The most significant concern was concentrated among large tech companies such as Apple and Amazon.
Hybrid work systems become the norm
Many companies are currently considering hybrid work situations. Google already has over 90% of its offices open, with employees given a choice to work remotely or on-site. The company is also offering a 30-day transition period to get situated with hybrid work. Given the uncertainty regarding the possibility of a return to office, companies have employed their own hybrid work systems.
IBM has not reported any plans for a return to office and continues to offer remote work to its employees. Meta has also made no return requirements; however, offices are open for those who wish to come. LinkedIn continues to follow a hybrid schedule that allows remote work most of the time, with no return date in sight. On the other hand, Microsoft is awaiting further health guidelines to reopen offices, with a 30-day transition period when that day arrives.
Twitter has adopted a hybrid system that allows employees who wish to work remotely to work from anywhere and vaccination proof for those who wish to come into office. Yelp has plans to reopen offices in the early months of 2022, meanwhile following a hybrid work system.
How to manage a return to office
While many tech companies were leaning towards an eventual return to office, few emphasized it as a necessity. Regardless, any such plans upended the Omicron surge, and those few still attempting to return to office have to consider many factors.
Along with the option for hybrid work, which has allowed companies to benefit from remote and on-site work, companies have taken other steps to ensure employee safety. Many companies require proof of vaccination for those wishing to return to office. Even with a return, strict standard operating procedures, or SOPs, are implemented in the workplace for safety. Employees not wishing to get vaccinated are encouraged to either work from home or sufficiently prove a medical or religious exemption.
Hybrid work is primarily seen as the future of work in 2022. Where it is applied, with employees coming in two or three days a week, it is expected to require additional policies for a smooth transition. Employees may be found hot-desking and working hybrid shifts to balance the number of people in office at any time.
Many companies, not only in tech, have contemplated a permanent switch to remote work to counter the uncertainty regarding the possibility of on-site work. Others are simply awaiting any indication which could signal a safe return to the norm. At the present moment, any transition to the office is slow and uncertain.
For numerous tech companies, the future of a return to office work seems uncertain. Many have contemplated a permanent switch to remote work to counter the uncertainty regarding the possibility of on-site work. Others are simply awaiting any indication which could signal a safe return to the norm. At the present moment, any transition to the office is slow and uncertain. Rather, technology businesses are focused on work models that can best thrive in this current workplace environment while maximizing productivity, revenues, and company initiatives.
