Tech giant Apple is testing a six-month pilot programme called “Retail Flex” that will allow store employees to handle online sales, customer service, and technical support from home. The arrangement will allow retail employees to work “some weeks at their retail store location and other weeks remotely.” Workers will move between the retail store and the online store based on demand and season.
Apple has made it clear that the employee’s salary will remain the same regardless of whether they are working at home or in-store. Additionally, Apple will reimburse participating employees $100 towards internet and equipment.
Despite vaccine availability and store re-openings, the growth of online shopping and the rise of more flexible working conditions during the pandemic has clearly led Apple to evaluate whether its staff always need to be in-store to provide the best customer service to its omnichannel customers.
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