Should I be concerned that my manager is always out of office and working from home?

Anonymous

August 4,2022 at 2:20PM UTC

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Should I be concerned that my manager is always out of office and working from home?

I'm on my second week on the job and my manager has been 'working' from home since my third day. Is this a red flag? I still am punctual to work, and am actively doing my duties, having access to things I need to do my job granted to me. but I am concerned on whether this means that they are looking to replace me or if that means they are looking to leave on their end.

I do want to add that they live 2 hours away from work so it may just be easier to work from home when it comes to their duties.

What are your thoughts on this?

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Georgene HuangAugust 4,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
Did you have an expectation that they'd be working on-site when you started to work? Your post implies that you may have had those expectations. If the company/team has a flexible culture and other people are working from home as well, I think it may simply be the context in which your new employer works. I wouldn't assume that this has anything to do with you and them wanting to replace you or your manager leaving unless there are other reasons / expressions of this that come up. You can also bring up the subject of what to expect as a pretty direct question, if you're just trying to understand their workplace style / preferences.
AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 3:12PM UTC
I would think your manager is giving you autonomy and trusts that you are resourceful and independent and will let them know if you run into challenges or issues you need their support on.
If you are used to direct supervision and would feel more comfortable with more oversight, set up more 1:1 calls to check in and provide a status of your work
Unless you have been missing your deliverables and struggling without supervision I don't think there is a reason to think they want to fire you.
Barb HansenAugust 4,2022 at 3:38PM UTC
This is excellent advice!