With all of Apple’s US retail stores shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the iPhone maker is asking store workers to morph into remote technical support staff. Apple began testing the idea over the past few weeks but this week has begun encouraging employees to make the transition while the stores remain closed, Bloomberg reports.
The program is not mandatory for Apple’s retail staff. Employees will continue to receive their full salaries and benefits if they don’t transition into remote technical support staff.
Those who agree to provide support as part of the AppleCare program are asked to have a quiet area that can house a 27-inch iMac and the ability to participate in a virtual training class. Apple will provide a speedy Internet connection to its workers. In a video message, Apple retail chief Deirdre O’Brien said the program has been “going great” and that Apple stores may begin reopening on a case by case basis by the first half of April… Nasdaq.com