I work for a large legal nonprofit. I work from home since COVID as I have a chronic illness that could be severely affected if I exposed myself, even now.

14 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 21,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

   Despite the agreement you struck to work from home, it sounds like this location manager is being crystal clear that they place great value on someone who can train employees...in person. I think this speaks to a larger trend of return to office so I'd keep a very close eye on other tasks that may be given to other in-person employees.

   We can all argue about the merits of being able to work from home but it will ultimately be up to your employer on how much flexibility they're continue to extend to you.

   Sounds like the train is about to leave the station on this one. Might be time to visit with your boss for a candid convo about next steps.

2. Cheryl MagenOctober 21,2024 at 5:58PM UTC

   I would let it go for now. If it becomes a pattern, then you might need to worry.

3. AnonymousOctober 21,2024 at 7:13PM UTC

   You are wise to keep tabs on the evolution of things at a higher level only because companies change, grow and sometimes make decisions on the down-low. This is the right of management but doesn't foster am open trust. Especially with those staff working remotely.

   I would keep checking in with your boss even though he doesn't see a problem. Find ways to include your understanding in writing.

   Unfortunately they can decide at anytime to go back on their arrangement with you but it would be best to keep your accommodation to work from home up to date with regular notes from your doctor and diagnosis' from your medical advisors. This will be what you provide as things move back to the office and you need yo remain at home.

4. Christine FordOctober 21,2024 at 10:02PM UTC

   I would do what i could ti at least occassionally show my face in the office. Too many people have abused the wfh thing so now everyone suffers for it and the pendelum is swinging back the other way. Your instincts are correct. He is ramping up someone in your area, someone who can go into the office. So that it wouldnt be a hit should you leave. I would get some face time in. Remote is a double edged sword. If you are not tethered to an office you are no longer competing w everyone in a commutable distance, you are now competing w everyone on the planet w wifi. The one thing you have on them is some proximity. I would use it. But your instincts are correct. Hes maneuvering to make you redundant slowly.

5. Elizabeth NathanielOctober 21,2024 at 10:27PM UTC

   Please don’t get upset , it is an added qualification to train the new comer , in the line of approach. Write elegantly in your CV that as additional expertise, same can uprise and ‘Show more interest’ to impart your job to the new comer and time to time talk to your boss that you are upgrading the new entrant with all available knowledge and information.

6. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

   Unfortunately things are moving back to the office, so while there is a history of you working remotely, that is not a legal mandate. Thousands of workers have had to leave their jobs because they can't move back to an in-person work environment. Meta and Amazon have made in-person work mandatory but for a select few.Remain a Rockstar with impeccable work and make sure you medically document your health requirements with diagnosis and prescribed isolation by your doctor. It's never enough to base this need on your personal interpretation of what you need. Document it by your doctor and keep it current. It's the only way to make your accommodations legal. Otherwise it's viewed as personal preference.

7. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 7:01PM UTC

   This! Be prepared. The leadership may not be willing to keep this role remote permanently.

8. Rae WagonerOctober 22,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

   Is it possible that they are looking to backfill your training duties for when you retire? Or cross-training so that one person isn't the only person who knows how to do this training?

   I know that it feels personal, and my knee-jerk reaction would be to "defend my territory," but maybe this person doing training is an "and" and not an "or."

9. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 1:38PM UTC

   From what you described, it could be harmless growth or they could be preparing to replace you. We don't have the answers.

   If you need this job to be remote for four years, I'd find a way to talk with your manager or find out about the growth of the company and how you can be a part of the growth. Could your title be changed to Senior leader/ training. Could you create a training book (this is always a risk that you're giving away your secrets, but that is part of progress/life in some businesses). Could you pivot to another role?

   Definitely plan a time to talk with your manager about expectations of your role (esp. if there's overlap from new hires), but come prepared with what you offer and what you can do/suggest. Don't come to the meeting expecting them to help you.

   Can you offer to switch to hybrid and come in office for specific meetings. Offer to run a team and come in monthly, etc.? If you must be fully remote, then do whatever you can to secure your job/title/salary/benefits....use them all.

   Even at the worst case scenario, aim to level up for your next move. Please don't let worry steal your peace. Do the best you can to put your best foot forward.

   If anything changes about your job, have it documented. That way, if they attempt to blame you for anything, you can say--you moved that off my plate on X date.

   In summary, prepare to move, but keep pushing forward. Many companies are coming back to the office, so do whatever you can to secure your arrangement for as long as you can (but also, do what you can to prepare if you had to leave- certifications, titles, etc.).

   Good luck!

10. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

    Excellent and actionable advice!

11. AnonymousOctober 23,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

    I would get the accommodation to work from home written in stone.

12. AnonymousOctober 26,2024 at 12:19PM UTC

    You said yourself that you do niche work and retire in 4 yrs. Sounds like they're preparing a sucession plan. Under these circumstances they'd be remiss not to b prepared.

13. AnonymousOctober 26,2024 at 4:59PM UTC

    Just do your job, unless you have some specific verifiable reason to think they are pushing you out let it go. If you think they are pushing you out be prepared to look for other work just in case. No work is guaranteed and perhaps they just wanted some face to face training done.

14. AnonymousOctober 27,2024 at 4:22PM UTC

    If you are retiring in 4 years. I would let it go. They are probably planning ahead to ensure your successor can do the job - but that’s just my two cents