Microsoft is joining the chorus of technology companies that are pushing to reopen their offices in late 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic is potentially abating. The Verge confirmed a Business Insider report that Microsoft has postponed its full reopening from July to at least September 7. The move is a response to “ongoing consultations with health and data experts,” said a spokesman.
In an email to the team, Executive Vice President Kurt DelBene said the delay gave the team “additional flexibility” to make plans for the summer. He added that local office managers were also free to institute further delays if the situation in their area made it too risky to return.
The technology pioneer is currently in a “soft opening” phase, in which a limited number of employees can return to personal work. About 20% of Microsoft’s global employees were back in the office in March, including the Redmond and Seattle offices.
The delay acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. While vaccinations are increasing rapidly and can make it safer for people to work in the office, it is unclear whether enough people will be protected by July – and the increase in more rapidly spreading virus variants complicates things. As it stands, Microsoft has said it can allow most people to work from home for up to half a week. There is simply less pressure to reopen than in the past.