What you need to know
- Microsoft will require employees, vendors, and visitors to have proof of vaccination to enter the company's offices in the U.S.
- The measure takes effect in September 2021.
- Microsoft delayed the full reopening of its U.S. offices until at least October 4, 2021.
Microsoft will require all employees, vendors, and guests entering its buildings in the United States to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting in September 2021. The company also delayed the full reopening of its offices until at least October 4, 2021. The previous target date to reopen its offices was September 7, 2021.
There are exemptions to the vaccination requirement, including medical conditions and protected reasons such as religion. Microsoft told The Verge that any staff members that are caregivers to immunosuppressed people or that have children too young to be vaccinated will be allowed to work from home until January.
The following statement from Microsoft was shared with The Verge:
As we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, we continue to closely track new developments and adapt our plans as this situation evolves, keeping employee health and safety top of mind. Based on our continued consultation with health and data experts, our earliest date for the full opening of our U.S. worksites will be no earlier than October 4, 2021. Starting in September, we'll also require proof of vaccination for all employees, vendors, and any guests entering Microsoft buildings in the U.S., and will have an accommodation process in place for employees. We continue to review the situation on a local basis in each region/country/state where we work and will adjust dates and policies as needed.
Other large companies have made similar moves, including Tyson, Google, Disney, Walmart, and Facebook, though measures vary between companies.
