Google is removing several Covid-related regulations for employees and reinstating benefits to its headquarters.

As it prepares to rehire staff.

In an email to San Francisco Bay Area employees this week.

The business is loosening several regulations around immunizations.

Such as testing, social distancing, and masks.

Google Real Estate and Workplace Services VP David Radcliffe explained the ease of covid norms.

Separately, a Google spokeswoman informed CNBC that the business has changed its mind.

Additionally, it would no longer demand vaccines as a condition of employment for US employees, but declined to elaborate.

In addition, amenities like massages and access to the office’s informal spaces will be reinstated.

According to Radcliffe’s statement.

Google has been able to recruit talent in the past by providing interesting office perks.

Google has been able to attract talent in the past by providing enjoyable office perks.

Unfortunately, many of them were put on hold during the pandemic.

The developments come as the company plans to require most employees to come into physical offices.

At least three days a week as part of a “hybrid” work arrangement.

Despite the fact that some other Bay Area tech firms provide totally remote work options.

Google has had to postpone its return to the office on many occasions due to Covid-19 variant surges, and another rush could derail these new plans.

It’s been almost two years since Google and other big businesses sent their employees home when the epidemic first broke out.

Since then, the labor market has tightened, people have complained about lost benefits, and the economy has slowed.

Workers have expressed a wish to continue working from home.

Vaccines are now available, and testing restrictions have been reduced.

The testing requirement set in January, which applied even to vaccinated personnel, is being lifted, according to Radcliffe’s note.

In addition, Google is removing the requirement for social distancing and masks for vaccinated personnel in most places, with the few cities that still require masks likely to do so soon.

Getting ready for the ‘hybrid’ and returning to HQ

Radcliffe further stated that the business will reopen services such as walk-in fitness centers and massages; restore full shuttle service.

Expand free breakfast and lunch options; and reopen “all casual spaces” such as lounges, game rooms, music rooms, and massage chairs.

“We’re at the start of a trip, so be patient.”

The office experience will be comparable to what it was before Covid, according to Radcliffe. “We’re building and testing solutions to enable new ways of working together, and we’ll collect insights, data, and comments along the way to help us learn.”

In-person business meetings and events are also “ramping back up,” according to Radcliffe.

“We’re offering people who want to come into the office the choice to do so wherever we can safely do so,” Erickson told CNBC.

“Enabling those who aren’t ready to stay working from home.”

“We’re glad that our employees who choose to come in now have access to more onsite locations and services to work and connect with colleagues, based on current conditions in the Bay Area.”