Google reportedly extends remote work policy through next summer

Several tech firms have announced plans to let employees work from home until at least 2021, and Google is said to have plans to extend things even further.

The search giant will keep workers remote through July 2021, according to a Wall Street Journal report that cites people familiar with the matter. The move comes amid the growing coronavirus pandemic, which has continued to spread for longer than five months. 

The decision is said to impact most of the roughly 200,000 full-time and contract employees for 12 months ahead. And the plan was made to accommodate employees with families, so they can plan for uncertain school years ahead, the report said.

USA TODAY reached out to Google for more information. 

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In early March, as the coronavirus crisis ramped up in the states, Google suggested that all of its employees in North America work from home if they can. The guidance follows advice from health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The latest news would put the Alphabet-owned firm among a growing number of companies allowing staffers to avoid offices through at least 2021.  Amazon will let corporate staffers work remotely until at least January. 

Meanwhile, Facebook, Twitter and Shopify have said that some employees can work from home permanently. 

Follow Dalvin Brown on Twitter: @Dalvin_Brown. 

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