- TikTok employees working from home must continue to do so amid LA wildfires, company says
- Affected homeowners must take time off
- The company’s LA office is closed due to power outages
Devastating wildfires affecting at least 45 square kilometers in California are believed to have already burned 1,300 properties, but TikTok says workers affected by the flames must use their personal/sick days if they are unable to work from home.
This is despite its LA office being closed due to power outages caused by related winds, making working from home the only current option for local workers.
Workers without power, internet connections or even homes are now having to eat into their limited time off to pick up the pieces, according to TechCrunch reporting.
TikTok says LA firefighters should use personal time off
The company reportedly confirmed to workers that its office would remain closed from January 8 to January 12, but instead of giving workers time off, they are being asked to work remotely. TikTik is believed to have a three-day office mandate in place.
An HR representative shared a link to the company’s paid sick and safe leave program in one message — workers in the area get 10 such days off a year, as well as 15 paid days off for holidays and the like.
But because there is said to be no flexibility in the hybrid work setup, poorly employed employees must either continue to attend the office or use one of their limited sick days to take time off, making them a valuable resource that workers try to save for emergencies.
A spokesman for the company said TechCrunch: “The safety and well-being of our employees is our highest priority… In light of the current circumstances, our offices have been closed since Tuesday and will remain closed for as long as necessary. While employees who can safely work from home are encouraged to do so, we also recognize the unique challenges this situation may present and are committed to supporting our team with flexibility if they are unable to work remotely at present time.”
A spokesman for the company said TechRadar Pro in an email:
“The safety and well-being of our employees is our highest priority. In light of the current circumstances, our offices have been closed since Tuesday and will remain closed for as long as necessary. While employees who can safely work from home are encouraged to do so. so we also recognize the unique challenges this situation may present and are committed to supporting our team with flexibility if they are unable to work remotely at this time.”
