Google speeds up partial reopening of offices and limits remote work

Google, one of the first large U.S. companies to fire employees home last year because of the coronavirus, is setting new remote work guidelines by speeding up plans to return employees to the office.

As millions more Americans get vaccinated every day, Google is ramping up plans to reopen in parts of the United States on a voluntary basis before the September 1 return deadline, according to internal documents seen by CNBC. Offices will reopen in limited capacity in April depending on vaccine availability and a downward trend in Covid-19 cases.

“It’s been a year now that many of us have been working from home, and the idea of ​​returning to the office could inspire different emotions,” Fiona Cicconi, Google’s new head of human operations, wrote on Wednesday. Cicconi advised employees to get vaccinated against Covid-19, but said it was not mandatory.

If employees want to work remotely after September 1, they are required to apply for a maximum of 14 remote days per year, according to a separate note marked “Need to Know.” They can ask for up to 12 months in “the most exceptional circumstances”. The company could, however, call employees back to their assigned desks at any time, the note said.

Google is preparing for a general reopening in September, when employees will be required to show up in person three days a week. The company takes a different approach from its industry peers such as Facebook and Twitter, which have pledged to allow most remote work indefinitely.

In a statement emailed to CNBC, Google confirmed the memos and added that “permanent moves for personal reasons are still pending.”

CNBC first reported in December that Google had dismissed the idea of ​​remote working and expected workers to “live commuting distance” from offices.

Cicconi wrote in Wednesday’s email that employees will return to renovated offices that allow owners to stay with their dogs. She said the planning work was being led by the company’s Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS) groups.

“The offices won’t be exactly as you remember them, but our amazing REWS teams do their best to make them comfortable, including providing meals, snacks and amenities where possible,” Cicconi said. “We will even welcome our Dooglers.”

Cicconi warned workers to “remain vigilant to prevent a new wave of the virus,” adding that Brazil is experiencing “significant difficulties” with the increase in cases.

Staff members who left the Bay Area during the pandemic for less stress and perhaps to save money may be encouraged to return. In one of Wednesday’s notes, the company said it could adjust employee salaries based on where they work.

Axios reported earlier on Google’s plans for some employees to return in April.

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