Google tells East Coast employees to work from home over Canadian wildfire
Amid dangerous smoke from Canadian wildfires that has caused “unhealthy” air quality in New York City and other East Coast locations, Google allowed employees to work from home on Wednesday, according to a memo obtained by CNBC. The memo advised Googlers to stay indoors and avoid outdoor air, along with limiting physical activity. Google also confirmed that it closed off outdoor terraces at its New York offices. The company’s affected offices have filtration systems that maintain high indoor air quality under such circumstances, the memo said. Meanwhile, Google’s HR head issued a companywide notice that stated an onsite attendance policy would be strictly enforced, CNBC also reported.
FAQs:
What is causing the poor air quality in New York City and the East Coast?
The air quality has been affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires burning hundreds of miles away. It has caused New York City to have some of the worst air quality in the world.
When did Google notify employees to work from home?
Google told employees in New York City and other East Coast locations to work from home on Wednesday.
Did Google close off outdoor areas at its New York offices?
Yes, Google confirmed that it closed off outdoor terraces at its New York offices.
Is Google enforcing its onsite attendance policy?
Yes, Google’s HR head issued a companywide notice that stated an onsite attendance policy would be strictly enforced. Poor adherence could potentially impact individual performance reviews.
Is permanent remote work approved by Google going forward?
Permanent remote work will only be approved “by exception only” going forward. Fully remote workers already at the company are urged to consider coming into the office.
Canadian Wildfire Forces Google’s East Coast Employees to Work from Home
Google has allowed employees to work from home in certain East Coast locales as smoke from Canadian wildfires poses a danger to their health. The decision was made following a memo from local New York office leaders announcing that data from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation indicated “unhealthy” air quality levels, with the directive to limit outdoor exposure. The memo, which was confirmed by a Google spokesperson, also informed employees that on-site offices had special filtration systems in place. However, on the same day the memo was sent, Google’s HR head, Fiona Cicconi, issued a company-wide warning that office-based attendance would be strictly enforced, with poor adherence likely to impact performance reviews. Google has closed outdoor terraces on its New York campus.