Apple employees pen second letter asking for work-from-home options
Some Apple staffers are continuing to push for more flexible work arrangements and remote options by sending a new internal letter to company executives.
Credit: Apple
The letter, which was signed by hundreds of employees and obtained by Vox, urges Apple's leadership to rethink the decision to have corporate employee work from offices for at least three days a week. It was addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple's human resources chief Deidre O'Brien, and related team members.
As an alternative to the current hybrid work model proposed by Apple, the letter suggests that Apple conduct "pilot agreements" that would allow employees to work from home full time with specific restrictions.
"With COVID-19 numbers rising again around the world, vaccines proving less effective against the Delta variant, and the long-term effects of infection not well understood, it is too early to force those with concerns to come back to the office," the letter reportedly says.
According to Vox, the letter was posted to an internal Apple Slack channel dedicated to discussing remote work. The channel has about 6,000 members.
This is the second letter this summer that Apple employees have sent to executives asking for more flexible work options. Despite employee pleas, Apple has taken a hardline stance on in-office work -- leading some staffers to threaten quitting their jobs.
In addition to the internal letters, Apple employees also sent out an informal survey asking other staff members about their work preferences. About 90% of respondents to the survey said they want more flexible remote work options.
Apple is set to begin holding in-person work hours starting in September, with employees required to work in an office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Per that schedule, Wednesday and Friday can be work-from-home days.
Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast -- and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.
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Credit: Apple
The letter, which was signed by hundreds of employees and obtained by Vox, urges Apple's leadership to rethink the decision to have corporate employee work from offices for at least three days a week. It was addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple's human resources chief Deidre O'Brien, and related team members.
As an alternative to the current hybrid work model proposed by Apple, the letter suggests that Apple conduct "pilot agreements" that would allow employees to work from home full time with specific restrictions.
"With COVID-19 numbers rising again around the world, vaccines proving less effective against the Delta variant, and the long-term effects of infection not well understood, it is too early to force those with concerns to come back to the office," the letter reportedly says.
According to Vox, the letter was posted to an internal Apple Slack channel dedicated to discussing remote work. The channel has about 6,000 members.
This is the second letter this summer that Apple employees have sent to executives asking for more flexible work options. Despite employee pleas, Apple has taken a hardline stance on in-office work -- leading some staffers to threaten quitting their jobs.
In addition to the internal letters, Apple employees also sent out an informal survey asking other staff members about their work preferences. About 90% of respondents to the survey said they want more flexible remote work options.
Apple is set to begin holding in-person work hours starting in September, with employees required to work in an office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Per that schedule, Wednesday and Friday can be work-from-home days.
Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast -- and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
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Apple employees pen second letter asking for work-from-home options
My office is phasing in return to office with 3 days/week WFH for the time being. I'd be happy to get 2 days/week WFH permanently. Heck, I'd even be happy with 1 day/week WFH.
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple noticed an uptick in performance during the pandemic. Hardware and Software developers typically lean towards introvert and would likely prosper in a remote setting. Apple is likely more interested in keeping employees at the office for control reasons. Security, and being able to light a fire under people for tight deadlines. If you need an example of this, ya'll should read how things went during development of the first iPhone.
https://www.wired.com/2008/01/ff-iphone/
They have every right to ask for a more modern way of working. Apple has every right to say no but it'll be their loss when they lose experienced people to companies offering better benefits. Apple can either compete with the rest of the market or face a recruitment/retention crisis.
We'll see. Some if us still believe in the value and importance of face to face encounters in building creative, trusting teams in the long run. If you want to treat developers like commodities and generate commodity products, then go ahead. If you want to create something special and be part of a team that reflects your values and goals whose work is a rewarding part of who you are, then maybe come to the office more.