In reaction to the containment and social distancing measures against Covid-19, most American companies allow their employees to remain teleworking. As the virus continues to spread in the United States, Google has chosen to extend the possibility of telecommuting until June 30, 2021. So far, the Mountain View firm had generalized homework until January.
Google will promote telecommuting for a full year
“To give employees the opportunity to organize themselves in advance, we are extending until June 30, 2021 the option allowing those who wish to work from home for all those who do not need to be at the office ” explains Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, in a press release relayed by AFP. Not surprisingly, some employees will nevertheless be required to physically visit the premises depending on the nature of their work. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has also gradually reopened the doors of its premises last June.
“I know it hasn’t been easy. I hope this will give you the flexibility you need to balance work and take care of yourself and your loved ones over the next 12 months, ” the executive noted in an internal memo sent to Google employees. According to AFP, Sundar Pichai’s decision was notably influenced by the many uncertainties surrounding the start of the school year in the United States.
For its part, Twitter has decided to go even further. Since May 2020, the social network has generalized teleworking. All employees who wish can continue to work from home indefinitely, even after the pandemic. Other major US groups, including Facebook, are expected to follow in Google’s footsteps in the coming months. So far, the coronavirus has killed 150,000 people in the United States.