Big Tech wrestles with unpredictable back to work reality as pandemic surges – eMarketer

The news: Coronavirus infections in the US are on the rise in every state because of the highly contagious Delta variantjust as companies are returning employees to in-person work. Big Tech companies are being forced to reassess back-to-office timeframes as well as whether to impose vaccination and mask policies, per Mashable.

How we got here: As the nations vaccination rates plateau, the sudden and sustained spread of COVID-19 variants has resulted in surging infections in every state.

The bigger picture: Businesses have looked to Big Tech companies as models for implementing remote and hybrid work during the pandemic, and have largely followed their lead on return-to-office policies. These policies have been a source of tension between employers desire to return staff to the office, and employees preference to remain remote. Meanwhile, many tech workers looking to change jobs are seeking more flexibility around remote work per Fast Company.

The dilemma: Big Tech companies who were looking at returning to work by September are scrambling plans made before the sudden surge of the highly contagious Delta variant. The unpredictable nature of coronavirus variants and increased rates of infection will continue to confound businesses as they struggle to remain profitable while keeping employees and customers safe.

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Big Tech wrestles with unpredictable back to work reality as pandemic surges - eMarketer