Apple employees with kids feel overworked despite internal support efforts
Apple in April promised to develop flexible work solutions for employees with children who are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a report on Thursday notes some parents are still feeling the pinch.
A number of Apple employees who recently spoke with CNET say they feel overtaxed as they adhere to work-from-home orders from the company.
More troubling are parents who say their jobs don't leave much wiggle room for childcare. Schools across the nation are closed due to the coronavirus crisis, leaving parents scrambling to find care for youngsters not old enough to take advantage of remote learning programs.
Apple attempted to avoid this very situation, as evidenced by a memo SVP of Retail and People Deirdre O'Brien sent out to employees in early April. At the time, O'Brien said the company was developing flexible work options that ensure parents "have the support and the flexibility to adjust their schedules as needed." The note also encouraged employees to express any potential conflicts with management.
Today's report notes Apple has increased communication between managers and employees since the outbreak began. Workers are urged to ask for additional accommodations, while managers have been told to proactively help those in need. That includes consolations for parents and caregivers who require time off to care for elderly family members.
It appears those measures are, at least for some, not enough. Still, the company is forging ahead toward a viable solution.
"No deadline is too important, and no priority is more urgent, than caring for our loved ones. Our goal is to be flexible, collaborative and accommodating of every parent and caregiver on our teams," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told CNET. "This is a trying time for everyone -- especially parents -- and we want to do all we can to support every member of our Apple family."
Apple's work-from-home initiative calls on corporate employees, including those based out of Apple Park and other facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, to work remotely in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. Retail workers like Geniuses are also working remote, while retail employees who show signs of COVID-19 are being granted unlimited sick leave.
A number of Apple employees who recently spoke with CNET say they feel overtaxed as they adhere to work-from-home orders from the company.
More troubling are parents who say their jobs don't leave much wiggle room for childcare. Schools across the nation are closed due to the coronavirus crisis, leaving parents scrambling to find care for youngsters not old enough to take advantage of remote learning programs.
Apple attempted to avoid this very situation, as evidenced by a memo SVP of Retail and People Deirdre O'Brien sent out to employees in early April. At the time, O'Brien said the company was developing flexible work options that ensure parents "have the support and the flexibility to adjust their schedules as needed." The note also encouraged employees to express any potential conflicts with management.
Today's report notes Apple has increased communication between managers and employees since the outbreak began. Workers are urged to ask for additional accommodations, while managers have been told to proactively help those in need. That includes consolations for parents and caregivers who require time off to care for elderly family members.
It appears those measures are, at least for some, not enough. Still, the company is forging ahead toward a viable solution.
"No deadline is too important, and no priority is more urgent, than caring for our loved ones. Our goal is to be flexible, collaborative and accommodating of every parent and caregiver on our teams," Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told CNET. "This is a trying time for everyone -- especially parents -- and we want to do all we can to support every member of our Apple family."
Apple's work-from-home initiative calls on corporate employees, including those based out of Apple Park and other facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, to work remotely in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. Retail workers like Geniuses are also working remote, while retail employees who show signs of COVID-19 are being granted unlimited sick leave.
Comments
What the hell is Apple supposed to do, customize the work schedule SPECIFICALLY for every SINGLE employee, that is most ideal for their unique situation? I'm sure Apple is doing what they can based on reasonable limitations and requirements.
Despite not having to commute an hour each way my wife is putting in MORE hours working from home than when she goes to the office. Similar to Apple employees, she is in a global business and is constantly talking to people overseas, in Europe and Asia.
Working from home can be quite a challenge, which some handle better than others (even IF the kids are at school). Throw in the whole family at home, and the whole game changes. What I hope doesn't get lost in this 'remote work experiment' is that remote work doesn't have to mean (in normal times) from home. Society would benefit a lot from remote work where groups of employees work in local spaces (rather than big commutes), or from spaces designed for remote-working. Home might work for some, if the home and environment is properly setup (for some), but if that doesn't work, hopefully we don't just decide to throw the idea out.
Nice. Everything gets disrupted... government orders everyone into a situation... and your solution is just 'deal with it?' It isn't like most of these people have just decided to become lazy.
No doubt. I think some of these people need a few more years of reality under their belt. And, possibly a history lesson or two. Sheesh.
Probably because Apple is one of those work-a-holic as lifestyle type companies. That just doesn't work unless you're single, or can off-load most of the normal family responsibilities. Too many companies are like that. Some of the smarter ones are starting to recognize the longer-term problems.
Yeah, that is certainly the case for some (my wife included). I'm working less hours, but feel more busy overall.
I keep reading posts by bored people, and thinking... I haven't been bored since I was like 10 years old. If it weren't for the money, I'd love me at least a couple months of quarantine!!!
i find I don’t speed and drive so much nicer when not in stop and go and sprint to a stop traffic.
I'm impressed I was sent home with a full SatCom test station.
From my perspective, this is not a story. This is just normal life.
And to expect anyone to learn how to work from home and parent at the same time in just a month is not being realistic.
When my daughter came along, it took us two years to get it and settle into a routine we were comfortable with. Mileage might vary for others, but the effort is not trivial. And the routine that works for one period of time, needs modification during the next childhood era.
I have no sympathy for the Apple folks. I understand what they are going through -- join the club.
re: healthcare workers - I'm not sure about in the USA, but at least here, some help seems to be given to health-care workers in terms of child-care.