Apple hit the headlines when it told its staff it wanted to end smart working and for them to return to the office to sit through dull and pointless meetings. But, unfortunately, Apple staff proved even more revolting than normal. There were threats that Jobs' Mob would start haemorrhaging staff if they were forced to commute miles to hear a middle manager's PowerPoint demonstration.  

Apple managers were clearly surprised by the response because they honestly believed that their staff loved to hear them talk and treasured each meeting as if it came from God himself.

It appears that there has been a delay and a rethink, at least until January. Apple is blaming the rise of delta variant but is hoping that staff having spent Christmas at home with their families will have time for long meetings again.

On the retail side, Apple has repeatedly been forced to shutter its stores alongside the rise and fall of the virus. Just this week, it closed its store in Charleston, South Carolina, after more than 20 staff members were exposed to COVID-19. The decision reflected the risks Apple is facing in resuming normal operations. 

Dominic Mensah, UK Sales Director at Sinequa, commented: "Apple's decision to delay its employees' return to the office until January, demonstrates the impact of COVID-19 on modern working practices. So far, an efficient digital workplace has proved essential to business recovery, facilitating flexible working and remote working options for employees all over the world, but business leaders must continue to prioritise productivity and collaboration throughout this shift.

"The best way to ensure businesses function, as usual, is to keep things simple and communicate any changes in working practices as early as possible so that employees can focus on the tasks at hand. The digital workplace has also helped facilitate collaboration between colleagues, so there is no rush to get back to the office.

"Sinequa's most recent research found that workers are forced to reshare information previously shared twice a week on average, demonstrating the importance of a straightforward digital workplace to allow for the streamlined flow of information. With the right tools in place, organisations will benefit from more engaged staff, regardless of their working location."