This is starting to look like a trend: Seattle-based online travel giant Expedia Group has told employees that it will postpone a full return to the office until early next year.
Expedia’s decision was made after Amazon made a similar announcement last week. Microsoft, Google, Apple and other companies have also postponed the time to return to the office, but the current time is relatively short. October is now a more common target for many in the industry.
Expedia said in a statement: “Due to the constantly changing circumstances related to COVID-19, our goal now is to return to the office widely in a mixed manner in January 2022, depending on the guidance of local governments and health authorities.” The well-being of our employees is our top priority, and we look forward to reuniting our global employee community under safe conditions.”
At the same time, the company stated that its offices are open to those who can come in, “while maintaining flexibility and appropriate security standards.
In addition to the flagship Expedia.com, Expedia Group also includes travel brands such as vrbo, Orbitz, Hotwire, Trivago, Hotels.com and Egencia. In 2019, the company moved from its home in downtown Bellevue, Washington to its spacious headquarters on the waterfront in downtown Seattle.