Microsoft Delays Reopening Plans, Mandates Employee Vaccines

REDMOND, WA — Microsoft is delaying plans to fully reopen office buildings and will soon require proof of vaccination for employees and visitors before they can enter its facilities, the company announced Tuesday. The Redmond-based tech giant is one of Washington's largest employers, with more than 57,000 workers across Seattle and the Eastside. The announcement comes as Washington and other states contend with a surge in new COVID-19 cases fueled by the more infectious delta variant.

A Microsoft spokesperson told Patch Tuesday that Oct. 4 is now the earliest date for a full reopening of the company's campuses, nearly a month later than the previous Sept. 7 target. The vaccination requirements will take effect next month.

"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."

Microsoft joins a growing list of major U.S. companies announcing mandatory vaccinations before they can return to the office, including Google, Disney and Tyson Foods. In a statement Tuesday, the company said employees with a medical condition "other protected reason, such as religion" that prevents vaccination will be able to "obtain an accommodation." Employees who are caregivers for immunosuppressed people or parents of children under 12 that cannot yet be vaccinated may continue working from home until at least January, the company said.

More information on Microsoft's flexible workplace plan is posted on the company's blog.