From Google to Apple, how 'return-to-office' plans are shifting with Covid surge

A resurgence in Covid-19 cases has spurred US employers to backtrack on return-to-office plans and institute vaccination requirements for on-site workers. Here’s what major companies have said about their latest policies:

Microsoft:

The Redmond, Washington-based tech giant will require employees to show proof of vaccination before they enter any company facility in the U.S., starting next month. Microsoft also said it won’t fully reopen work sites until Oct. 4 at the earliest.

Google

Alphabet Inc.’s Google pushed back its planned office return to October 18 from September. Workers who come to its campuses will be required to submit a proof of vaccination, CEO Sundar Pichai said in a July 28 note posted on Google’s blog.

Apple

The tech giant delayed its return-to-office plans to October, at the earliest, after previously saying corporate workers should be back at least three days a week by early September.

The Cupertino, California-based company is requiring masks at most of its US retail stores for both customers and staff, even those that are vaccinated.

Facebook

The social-media company is requiring vaccinations for workers coming to its U.S. campuses, according to a July 28 statement. The Menlo Park, California-based company said it will have a process in place for people who can’t get vaccinated for medical reasons, and will be “evaluating its approach in other regions as the situation evolves."

Facebook also is requiring workers at its US locations to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Uber Technologies

The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company postponed its planned return-to-office date to October 25 from September, and told employees it could be further delayed. Uber also will require employees in the office to be vaccinated and to wear a mask.

Twitter

The social-media company shut its San Francisco and New York offices just two weeks after reopening them in July, and paused future reopenings, citing updated mask guidance from the CDC and “current conditions."