Google: Some workers are likely to return to U.S. offices in April

Google told workers in an email Wednesday that it expects some U.S. employees to be able to return to the office in the coming month. 

Why it matters: Tech companies, among the first to shut their offices a year ago, are largely shifting to hybrid work environments, allowing some employees to continue working remotely part or all of the week.

The big picture: Google's move follows similar announcements from Facebook, Microsoft and other companies.

Details: 

• Google is encouraging workers to get vaccinated but is not requiring it.
• Employees won’t be required to come into the office until at least September.
• Google is expanding some pandemic-related benefits. 

What they’re saying:

“In the United States, the situation is also mixed and we must continue to stay vigilant to prevent a new wave of the virus. We are also seeing some hopeful improvements in parts of the country. I’m happy to say that over the next month, it is likely we’ll begin to welcome Googlers back to some of our U.S. offices on a voluntary basis.”