Apple most retail stores are still closed, Apple requires retail store employees to temporarily switch to remote technical support personnel.
Some retail employees participated in the company’s project and became AppleCare employees working from home so that Apple has enough employees to handle customer requirements. Apple employees told customers that the Apple retail store in Santa Monica, California was closed.
The company has piloted the initiative privately, and many employees were not encouraged to participate until this week. Some employees said that their current situation prevented them from participating, and they feared that this would reduce their status in the minds of managers. Others said they were surprised by Apple’s request because the company had previously promised that employees would continue to be paid as long as they stayed at home. Other staff members said they would be happy to help the company in this unprecedented period.
Several clerks received the registration form, and those who did not want to register were asked to explain why. However, the plan is not mandatory, and Apple has confirmed that all retail store employees, regardless of participation, will receive full wages and benefits.
This plan is one of the operational adjustments made by Apple in response to the global new coronavirus epidemic. In early March of this year, Apple closed 458 stores outside China due to a new coronavirus epidemic.
Almost all Apple employees, including engineers, work from home. This caused some product delays and required employees to adapt to new realities.
Apple requires employees to participate in the AppleCare project to have a quiet working space where they can place a 27-inch iMac computer provided by Apple. Also, employees need to have a smooth internet connection and the ability to participate in virtual training courses that will take place over the next two weeks.
In a message to employees, Apple retail Director O’Brien said that the Apple Store will reopen in due course according to local conditions.