Apple boss Tim Cook has ordered all employees back to the office for at least three days a week from September, saying the move will restore the “in-person collaboration that is so essential to our culture”.

In a memo sent to employees this morning, Cook said all employees at the company’s headquarters would need to come into the office on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as an additional day, starting on September 5.

“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,” wrote Cook.

“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,” he said, according to the memo.

“We also know that we still have a lot to learn. And we are committed to listening, adapting and growing together in the weeks and months ahead.”

Apple attempted a similar three-day office schedule last September, which was scuppered by rising COVID-19 cases.