Meta is delaying the return of its employees to offices in the United States until March 28, according to a CNBC report. Originally, Meta wanted its workers back in the office by January 31 but due to the ongoing pandemic, it has decided to delay the return. The firm has also told staff that they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes the booster shot that increases immunity against the Omicron variant.
Discussing the new plans, Janelle Gale, Meta’s vice president of human resources, said:
“We’re focused on making sure our employees continue to have choices about where they work given the current Covid-19 landscape. We understand that the continued uncertainty makes this a difficult time to make decisions about where to work, so we’re giving more time to choose what works best for them.”
While Meta has set the target for a return to March 28, workers will have some flexibility. Until the middle of March, employees can request a deferral which would allow them to continue working from home for an additional three to five months. This will give those with weakened immune systems more security.
At the end of 2021, the head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he’s hopeful the worst will be over with regards to COVID-19 in 2022. If his prediction is correct, it should mean that life can begin returning to normal and firms like Meta will hopefully not have to postpone the return to work any longer.
54 Comments - Add comment