PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Google Delays Reopening US Offices Until September

A surge in COVID-19 infections has made Google think twice about asking employees to return to their desks.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS
(Image: Google)

When the coronavirus pandemic first started to take hold back in March, tech companies quickly shifted to getting as many employees to work from home as possible. Google was one of those companies, and it planned to get people back in the office this month, but not anymore.

As Reuters reports, Google's intention was to start reopening its US offices in different cities on July 6, initially at around 10 percent of their capacity. By September, offices were expected to be up to 30 percent full. However, coronavirus cases continue to spike in different areas of the US, and Google has now rethought its plans and delayed the reopening.

In an internal memo to employees, Chris Rackow, Google’s vice president of global security said, "For all of you that are working from home, please continue to do so unless you are told otherwise by your manager ... We don’t expect this guidance to change until Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day) at the earliest." He also went on to say "COVID-19 is still very much alive."

The fact Rackow says Sept 7. "at the earliest" suggests the date could easily be revised again and that the decision really isn't in the hands of Google management, it's down to infection rates across the states. I'm sure many Google employees will be quite relieved today to find out they aren't being asked to return to the office just yet.

Further Reading

Health & Fitness Reviews

Health & Fitness Best Picks

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

Read full bio