Apple to test a hybrid ‘Retail Flex’ work model for Apple Store employees – Report

Apple recently shared a new ‘hybrid’ back-to-office work model with its corporate employees. Starting from September,  employees will come to the office three days a week (Monday, Tuesday. Thursday) and work remotely for two days (Wednesday, Friday). Bloomberg reports that the company is testing a similar hybrid work model for its retail employees as well.

As more and more people are getting vaccinated, COVID-19 social distancing and crowd gathering restrictions are easing. However, the company assess that even post-COVID-19, the consumers are going to prefer online shopping that is why it can “test a hybrid in-store and work-from-home arrangement for retail employees” for the same salary “regardless of whether they work at home or at the stores.”

Apple to begin the new ‘Retail Flex’ program later this year

As per the report, Apple will commence the ‘Retail Flex’ pilot program with a small group of retail employees, later this year. The pilot will run for six months and the company will reimburse the participants internet expenses and $100 towrds office equipment.

The arrangement will allow employees to work some weeks at their retail store location and other weeks remotely. From home, workers will handle online sales, customer service and technical support. 

Workers will move between their store and remote roles depending on demand in stores versus online shopping during a particular period, the people said.

All of Apple Stores re-opened in June, and with COVID-19 vaccination drives, the company is gradually normalizing store operations by removing mask restrictions. People familiar with the matter explained that the decision is based on new online-shopping trends.

Creating such a program is an acknowledgment that the trend of greater online shopping accelerated by Covid-19 may continue despite economic re-openings and vaccine availability in many parts of the world. Workers will move between their store and remote roles depending on demand in stores versus online shopping during a particular period. 

The company is expected a busy September to December spell because of the launch new iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, AirPod Pro 2, M1 MacBook Pro and other products.