Google wants to bring workers back to the office by April

Google wants its Bay Area employees back in the office by early next month.

John Casey, Google’s vice president of Global Benefits, wrote in an email to workers that the company aims "to be fully functional in [its] hybrid working approach" by April 4.

"We plan to use March to help folks transition to their new routines," Casey said in the email, which was obtained by Bloomberg.

Google said it's hoping to move back to the office as COVID-19 cases begin to drop and safety measures improve in the area. Google is adopting a hybrid work model and has delayed its back-to-office date multiple times because of the omicron variant. Back in December, the company ditched a return-to-office date entirely after originally setting a return date in early January.

Google's hybrid model means workers are expected to be in the office at least three days per week. As of late February, a little less than one-third of Bay Area workers had gone back to the company's offices.

When workers are back, Google's plush amenities will be there, too. The company is reportedly bringing back massages, its shuttle service and unscheduled gym access. They'll also be able to use other perks like massage chairs, music and game rooms.

Google is still mandating that workers who come to the office get vaccinated if their manager hasn't already approved an accommodation. Weekly testing for COVID-19 is no longer required, though, and offices still require masks in Santa Clara County based on local government rules.

Google is at least the third major tech company aiming to bring employees back to the office. Microsoft opened its offices back up late last month, and Meta is looking to bring workers back at the end of March. Apple has not set a back-to-office date.