'Stop controlling us' | Why Apple's office return plan may boost culture, but stifle diversity

Apple employees have launched a petition against the firm’s order for staff to return to the office, amid concerns that the move could impede diversity and wellbeing.

The tech giant recently told its employees they must come back to the office for at least three days a week, in a bid to boost “in-person collaboration”.

Last week, The Guardian reported on an internal memo sent by CEO Tim Cook which confirmed the decision. Cook wrote: “We are excited to move forward with the pilot and believe that this revised framework will enhance our ability to work flexibly, while preserving the in-person collaboration that is so essential to our culture".

However, employees are fighting back against the decision, claiming that the policy will see Apple become a “whiter”, “more male-dominated” and “more able-bodied".