"Advertising 'Work from Anywhere'... Apple Employees Resist Office Return Demand"

Some Apple Employees in the US Oppose End of Remote Work
"Allow Us to Choose Whether to Work Remotely"

Apple's CEO Tim Cook unveiled the iPhone 13 at a special new product launch event streamed from Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 14 last year (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Some Apple employees have voiced opposition to the company's office attendance policy. They argue that it contradicts Apple's advertising that using Apple products allows people to work from anywhere.

On the 29th (local time), CNN reported that a group recently organized by some Apple employees called "Apple Together" publicly petitioned management, making this claim and requesting more flexibility. Considering that Apple is usually regarded as closed off due to its internal affairs rarely being revealed, this public action by employees is unusual. It is reported that about 200 people are participating in Apple Together.

Apple Together also criticized the inconsistency between what Apple emphasizes to consumers and the instructions given to internal employees. While promoting its products as enabling work "from anywhere," the company requires employees to come to the office.

In an open letter sent to management, they stated, "If we do not experience remote work ourselves, how can we understand what problems our products need to solve for remote work?" and "We want to be allowed to choose the type of work style that suits each of us best, whether it is office work, remote work, or a combination of both."

They also emphasized that mandating office attendance would negatively affect the company's diversity. They argued that more young employees, white people, and those with strong physiques who can handle commuting would increase, leading to a more male-centered environment.

Earlier, as the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, Apple began gradually lifting remote work policies starting this month. It began with one day per week in the office and recently increased to two days per week. Starting at the end of next month, it is planned to expand to three days per week. Most employees are required to come to the office especially on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Meanwhile, voices calling for public discussion of internal issues are growing within Apple as well. In August last year, two former Apple employees started the "Apple TOO" movement to expose cases of racial and gender discrimination and to change the company culture. It is also reported that Apple Store employees, who work at frontline retail locations, are recently pushing to form a labor union.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.