The return to work in person has its advantages and disadvantages. A few weeks ago, we learned that Apple had developed a hybrid work system which, while dispensing with indefinite teleworking for Apple Park employees, will allow for gradual reinstatement, retaining some of the benefits of remote work. Now, as Bloomberg reports, the company is planning something similar for Apple Store employees.
On site or remotely according to the needs of the moment
According to the post, Apple is developing and planned this remote and face-to-face work systembecause many customers prefer to continue shopping online rather than going to physical stores. In view of this, the Cupertino company will launch a pilot program called ‘Retail Flex’ with some of its Retail employees.
In this mode, employees will work in the store for a few weeks, while others will do it remotely. From home the workers manage online sales, customer service and technical support mostly. This system also provides that employees can be instructed to work remotely or in person as requested by stores, for example when launching a new product.
The pilot test will last, to our knowledge, six months and will start between September and December, just an intense season for the Apple Stores with the launch of the iPhone 13 and even the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros.
According to Bloomberg, Apple will cover the Internet connection costs and about $ 100 in office equipment, while keeping the same pay regardless of where the employee works. During the pandemic, Apple has already asked its Retail employees to work remotely and provided a Mac for this purpose.
It is clear that the situation we went through represented a significant change in the way we do a lot of things. In the case of the Apple Store, both for customers, who shopped online, and for employees, who worked from home, the change is clear. We will see how much is left.
Imagen | Chris Nagahama
