Apple has indefinitely delayed the date which corporate employees will have to return to the office, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and NBC News’ Zoe Schiffer. CEO Tim Cook sent an email to staff on Wednesday saying the return-to-work date is “yet to be determined.” He also announced that Apple would be giving all employees $1,000 that can be used for “work-from-home needs,” according to Gurman. Apple spokesperson Nick Leahy confirmed the $1,000 bonus to The Verge and says it will apply to every employee, including retail workers.
The delay comes as COVID-19 cases rise and the omicron variant begins to spread. Workers were previously set to return to offices on February 1st in a hybrid work pilot announced internally in November. That itself was already delayed; the company has shifted its plans in the past.
Apple closed three retail stores this week in response to growing COVID-19 infections. On Tuesday, it began requiring customers to wear masks while inside its retail stores.
Correction December 15th, 6:54PM ET: Retail workers will also be given the $1,000 bonus. We regret the error.