Facebook has become the latest firm to postpone its workers' return to the office - and now expects them back in early 2022 - as othe...
Facebook has become the latest firm to postpone its workers' return to the office - and now expects them back in early 2022 - as other tech giants including Microsoft and Google mull vaccine mandates for staff.
The leading social network set a new target of having employees back on its campuses in January, but promised to provide ample notice before they are required to show up in person, which they will only be able to do after being fully vaccinated.
'Data, not dates, is what drives our approach for returning to the office,' a Facebook spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry.
'We continue to monitor the situation and work with experts to ensure our return to office plans prioritize everyone's safety.'
The leading social network set a new target of having employees back on its campuses in January, but promised to provide ample notice before they are required to show up in person
The firm's global headquarters is located in Palo Alto, California, although it also has large offices peppered across the globe, with significant presences in New York and London.
For now, the data shows rising numbers of Covid cases based on the Delta variant, the spokesperson said.
Along with Facebook, Google and Microsoft have said returning workers will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Facebook is also requiring people in offices to wear masks, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
At Microsoft, the earliest date for fully reopening US facilities will be October 4, according to the computing giant based in the state of Washington.
E-commerce colossus Amazon confirmed that it is delaying employees' return to its corporate offices until January of next year instead of September as originally hoped.
Apple has also delayed the return of its staff until October, having previously ordered them to return to its One Infinite Loop Cupertino campus in September.
Like Facebook, Microsoft has said returning workers will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19
The firm has clashed with workers who wish to continue working from home. Apple argues that because it builds hardware, in-person work is vital to its creativity and success.
This month, Google made its campuses off-limits to unvaccinated employees and extend its global work-from-home option through October 18.
Unions and critics of mandates have spoken out against required vaccinations, citing personal freedom arguments.
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