Meta postpones its plan to open U.S. office, mandates booster shots for returning staff
As Omicron surges, many companies revisit their plans to reopen offices and delay their return to office plans. The latest to join this growing list of employers is Facebook parent Meta Platforms.
According to the latest plan, employees have until 14th March to decide whether to return to the office, request to work remotely full time or request to work from home temporarily. Employees who wish to return to office will have to present proof of their booster jabs.
Extending some flexibility, Meta allows employees who are not vaccinated for medical or religious reasons to request remote work, "Employees who take no action can face disciplinary measures, including termination. Obviously, this would be a last resort," the spokesperson told ChannelNews Asia.
In a recent statement, the World Health Organisation has insisted that countries should not take Omicron lightly. Dismissing initial claims that it is ‘mild’, WHO suggests it is high time that the people get smart over taking precautions to counter the virus.
In an attempt to battle the virus and learn to live with it, corporate America has increased vaccination mandates and delayed back-to-office plans. Let’s see how the future unfolds.