Microsoft joins the chorus of technology companies pushing for their office reopening until late 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic could possibly subside. The edge it confirms a Business Insider reports that Microsoft has delayed its full reopening from July to at least September 7th. The move is a response to “ongoing consultation with health and data experts,” a spokesman said.
In an email to staff, executive director Kurt DelBene said the delay provided ‘additional flexibility’ for staff planning for the summer. He added that local office managers also have the freedom to impose further delays if the situation in their area makes it too risky to return.
The technological pioneer is currently in a “soft open” phase where a limited number of employees can return to personal work. About 20 percent of Microsoft’s global employees have been back in office since March, including at their offices in Redmond and Seattle.
The delay acknowledges uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. While vaccinations are increasing rapidly and may make it safer for people to work in the office, it is not clear whether enough people will be protected by July – and the emergence of faster-spreading virus variants is complicating matters. As it stands now, Microsoft has already said that it can make most people work from home for up to half the week. There is simply less pressure to reopen than in the past.