TikTok tells LA staff impacted by wildfires to use personal/sick hours if they can’t work from home

LA TikTok staff told to use personal time due to wildfires.

: Wildfires in Los Angeles have forced TikTok to close its office and employees are told to use personal or sick days if unable to work from home. Many are without power or Wi-Fi, complicating remote work. TikTok has 10 paid sick/personal days plus 15 PTO days for eligible employees.

The greater Los Angeles area is currently experiencing devastating wildfires, burning over 45 square miles and forcing nearly 180,000 people to evacuate. TikTok has closed its LA office due to power outages and high winds, instructing employees to work from home or use their personal/sick days if remote work isn't possible.

Employees, affected by power and Wi-Fi outages, face the dilemma of using their limited PSSL days, reducing available days for other emergencies throughout the year. Despite a policy not explicitly covering natural disasters, employees can alter their work-from-home status in TikTok's "My RTO" portal to prevent PSSL hour deductions.

Amidst challenges, internal messages show a disconnect between the company's business-as-usual approach and staff concerns, particularly as TikTok faces an impending U.S. ban. The situation adds stress, with employees encouraged to contact HR or EAP if evacuation is needed, leaving staff to balance safety and job demands. TikTok later stated their commitment to employee flexibility and well-being.