Microsoft will require covid-19 vaccines for workers in the US

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(CNN) -

Microsoft joins the growing list of companies demanding that workers get vaccinated against covid-19.

The technology firm said Tuesday that employees, vendors and guests entering Microsoft buildings in the US will be required to show proof of vaccination beginning in September.

"As we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, we are closely monitoring new developments and adapting our plans as this situation evolves, taking into account the health and safety of employees," the company said in a statement.

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The Redmond, Washington-based company also delayed the full reopening of its US offices to no earlier than October 4.

Previously, they were expected to fully open on September 7.

Parents who work with children too young to receive a vaccine and caregivers of the immunosuppressed will be able to work from home until January.

Microsoft has more than 180,000 employees worldwide, with about 100,000 in the US.

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Reopening plans postponed

The recent increase in covid-19 cases due to the spread of the delta variant is causing many companies to reconsider their reopening plans.

Last week, Silicon Valley giants Facebook and Google said they will require returning employees to their campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Microsoft said employees with a medical condition or other protected reason not to get vaccinated will be accommodated.

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Microsoft's flexible work plan allows most employees to work remotely up to 50% of the time without manager approval.

CEO Satya Nadella said in an interview with CNN Business last week that the company will continue to review data and evaluate its return-to-work policies.

"People may decide in a hurry," Nadella said.

"So one of the things I also want is for us to be data-driven and not dogmatic in whatever policy we create. Not just in terms of openness, but even next year."

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