Google will not penalize dismissal or suspension for employees who do not vaccinate. But they must require approval when visiting the office.
According to a report from CNBC, Google no longer requires its employees based in the United States to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"We do not enforce vaccination requirements as a condition of employment for employees in the US at this time," said Google spokeswoman Lora Lee Erickson as quoted by us from The Verge, Saturday (26/2/2022).
"We continue to implement our vaccination policy of requiring COVID-19 vaccination or approved accommodation for every individual who accesses our site, because it is one of the most important ways we can keep our workforce safe and keep our services running."
However, the policy that requires employees to be vaccinated in order to return to the office still applies.
"Google's vaccination policy announced last July remains in effect, requiring COVID-19 vaccination or approved accommodation for anyone accessing our site," according to Erickson.
In addition, only employees at Google's Santa Clara County facilities must wear masks in the office.
CNBC also shared details from a memo sent to employees from Google's VP of Real Estate and Workplace Services David Radcliffe. What it says is that Google is revoking a policy that requires anyone entering Google facilities -- even staff who have been vaccinated -- to undergo a negative COVID-19 molecular test. However, unvaccinated employees who are approved to enter the office will still need to follow additional protocols including testing and wearing masks, Radcliffe notes.
Google is also relaxing policies on some in-office amenities, that the company is reopening amenities like no-appointment fitness centers and massages, restoring full shuttle service, adding more places to eat free breakfast and lunch. Google is also opening up all informal spaces such as lounges, games rooms, music rooms, and massage chairs.
Google said in December it would wait until 2022 to determine plans for a return to work. When employees are ready to return immediately, Google has committed to giving them 30 days.
The company has also outlined plans for a hybrid workweek in which most employees are expected to be in the office three days per week.
Apple has also begun easing its COVID-19 policies, as it has removed the mask requirement for customers shopping at Apple retail stores in some states. Apple could also cancel the obligation for retail employees to wear masks as well within two weeks.