Google will let most staff work remotely this year

For the past few weeks, most Googlers are operating remotely in light of coronavirus. That policy’s finish date has been extended several times now — most recently to June 1 — but CEO of Google (Sundar Pichai) told workers on 7th may that Google is probably going to continue remote work for the rest of 2020.

According to the Information, the Google chief executive officer told workers about this 2020 outlook during an all-hands meeting on 7th May. Googlers that are able to work from home will continue to do so, thus helping reduce the spread of COVID 19.

Pichai also disclosed that offices will begin reopening in June or July for those that need to work on-site. When that happens, there’ll be increased safety measures, whereas different workplace layouts are likely to make sure people are not in close contact.

Google started mandating remote work for offices in Asia before increasing to the Bay Area in early March, and later all of North America. workers “critical to business continuity” are still functioning from sites, however, the vast majority aren’t.

It comes as Facebook laid out an analogous policy morning on 7th May for those who are able to work from home. Meanwhile, Google (via CNBC) this week told workers that they can’t expense food, fitness instrumentation, and home office furniture. This was in response to some Googlers desirous to repurpose unused budgets meant for travel and internal events.

“This includes sending snack boxes/gifts to Googlers or allowing teams to expense breakfast/lunch/dinner as part of virtual gatherings,” the company stated in the forum. “These policies help ensure reporting and tax compliance, as well as consistency and fairness for Googlers across teams.”

Others wished to give to relief efforts, but Google recommends staff use company-approved channels for donations.