Google lifts COVID-19 protocols

Google has been adamant about returning employees to in-person work. New variants of COVID-19 and increased global infections have continuously delayed this process throughout the past two years.  

In July, Google announced a mandatory vaccination for all its employees by 18 January. Non-vaccinated or non-exempt employees will be laid off. According to Insider, in November, approximately 600 employees (less than 0.05% of Google’s workforce) wrote a letter opposing the mask mandates.  

Last month, the company announced a withdrawal of their vaccination mandate, prior to the 18 January date. Big Tech companies such as Facebook and Twitter have yet to repeal their vaccination mandate, while Apple never imposed a mandate throughout the pandemic.  

Google’s spokesperson Lora Lee Erickson explained: “We’re not enforcing vaccination requirements as a condition of employment for US office workers at this time.

“We’re continuing to implement our vaccination policy requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or approved accommodations for any individuals accessing our sites, because it’s one of the most important ways we can keep our workforce safe and keep our services running.”  

According to CNBC, Google is expected to reopen fitness centers, social spaces, free cafeterias, service shuttles and massage chairs in an effort to return to normalcy. Pre-pandemic Google office spaces also included volleyball courts, rock climbing, nap pods, and gourmet food cafeterias.  

Along with reopening social spaces, the company has removed weekly testing requirements, social distancing protocols, and mask mandates. Unvaccinated employees must wear masks in Google offices and will be subjected to weekly testing.  

Erickson told CNBC: “We’re giving employees who welcome the chance to come into the office the option to do that wherever we safely can, while allowing those who aren’t ready to keep working from home.”  

“Based on current conditions in the [San Francisco] Bay Area, were pleased that our employees who choose to come in now have the ability to access more onsite spaces and service to work and connect with colleagues.”  

Reportedly, approximately 30% of Google employees returned to the office in the past week.  

In-person work is currently voluntary, but the company will soon require at least three days in-person.

According to CNBC, Google is “preparing to begin its 30-day transition period to the hybrid work week if conditions continue to improve. 

When Google requires employees to begin hybrid work, it will be dependent on the regions to determine this date based off current COVID-19 mandates in the area.

However, Google will have to comply with religious, medical, or “other protected reasons” for vaccination exemptions.