Facebook parent Meta Platforms has delayed its US office reopening date and mandated COVID-19 booster shots for employees returning to the office, joining the growing list of companies revamping reopening plans as Omicron surges. For employees who opt to work from the office, the reopening date has been delayed to March 28 from the earlier plan of Jan. 31, the tech giant said on Monday. Requirements from Facebook. All workers returning to the office will have to present proof of their booster jabs, while the company closely monitors the Omicron variant situation, it said. Meta currently requires all its US employees coming to the office to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Employees have until March 14 to decide whether to return to the office, request to work remotely full time or request to work from home temporarily. Those who do not want to work from the office can request to work from home. Employees who are not vaccinated for medical or religious reasons can request such remote work, a spokesperson said. “Employees who take no action can face disciplinary measures, including termination. Obviously, this would be a last resort,” the spokesperson said by email. Corporate America has doubled down on vaccination mandates and delayed back-to-office plans as the Omicron variant drives up infections to record levels across the country. Kenyan companies should also be able to adapt to such changes and consider their employees and their different needs. The option to work remotely especially for most companies should be made permanent and would also increase productivity for those who are nervous about the virus.
