Our company is transitioning to hybrid office hours starting January 1.

76 Comments

1. GirlBossanova161544November 3,2021 at 12:38PM UTC

   You asked. They answered. Move on. If you're not ready to move on, I'd assume you are not the only one upset about going from fully remote to a hybrid situation, maybe ask around to other employees and see if any of them have broached the subject with their managers before I went back to my own team a 2nd time.

2. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:22PM UTC

   Do not make threats on which you may not want to follow through. Tipping your hand that you will look elsewhere will not change their minds.

3. KathrynNovember 4,2021 at 12:24PM UTC

   Do not make it a threat but start looking when you leave you can mention the remote option was important to you. They said no move on

4. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:26PM UTC

   I would find a new job. It’s an employees’ market right now, and employers need to realize that. Since your manager and her manager said no to your working remote full time even though your company had that option before, I think that is good reason to find something else and leave. It perfectly acceptable to mention this in your exit interview.

5. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:34PM UTC

   I would disagree with you on it being an employers' market. Every day I receive applications, but 1 in 17 is qualified. Trying to find someone that can do the job, and will do it well, that's every bit the challenge that it was 4 years ago.

6. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 5:51PM UTC

   I said employEE’s market, not employER’s market.

7. AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 1:50PM UTC

   Yes, I did write the wrong word, a thousand apologies. However, I gave the correct answer. It is FAR from an employEE's market. It's a morass of underqualified people that don't have basic skills. I still receive applications every day, and 90% of them are tossed when their resumés are replete with spelling and grammar errors. If the mastery of spellcheck is beyond them, what else can't they do? And then when I am able to find those few people that look like they may be able to do the job (make simple change, interact with customers in a pleasant manner, turn on and off the equipment) these people are mortified that they will be expected to work the entire time that I am paying them, breaks not withstanding. 1) PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE- I ask them if they are waiting for an organ or to donate one. If the answer is no, then put your phone away. It's rude to customers and it's disrespectful. 2) PEOPLE DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS leave them in the car, most people have problems of their own. I cannot even get past these 2 hurdles toward decent employees. I have one employee that understands public behavior and responsibility-if I could clone her, I would.

8. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:27PM UTC

   They have answered you and It doesn’t sound like they are flexible at all. If that doesn’t work for you, then you need to look for other opportunities that will

9. ChrishoggNovember 4,2021 at 12:36PM UTC

   You ask, "Is it worth bringing it up with them one last time and mention that if we are not able to make a full time remote scenario work that it might make me look into other opportunities?"

   Who knows the answer to that question? I don't, and really, no one else does either.

   The only way to get your answer is to say this to your management and see what happens.

   If it was me, I'd assume I already have my answer, based on prior conversations, and I would not ask/mention/threaten again.

   But you're you, so you be you and do whatever you think best.

   And then you'll know.

10. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:37PM UTC

    They have given you their answer. Like it or not, work from home is coming to an end in most places. If you really want to work from home, you are going to have to find a different job. Pestering has never been a successful job tactic, in my experience.

11. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:39PM UTC

    I want to piggy-back onto your comment. To the OP, since you know where they stand, do not disclose that you plan on looking else where to them. They may surprise you and speed up your exit!

12. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdNovember 4,2021 at 12:50PM UTC

    I agree. I'm not accusing the OP - but threats to leave a job can have two outcomes:
    1. People scramble to accommodate you as they can't afford to have you leave.
    2. People "write you off" and you'll find yourself out the door much sooner than you'd hope to be.

    Some companies have openly embraced working from home. Others (like the one I work for) have not. I personally dislike WFH - but I wish more companies were more accepting of the concept.

13. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 3:41PM UTC

    I afte with you whole heartedly, except my experience is the opposite. I went fully remote in 2018 & it'd have to be a massive offer to get me to ever go back into the office! :) Totally understand it's not for everyone though. It's been interesting telling recruiters that it's one of non-negotiables because of the "back to office" happening right now.

14. Megan RussellNovember 4,2021 at 12:38PM UTC

    Are other people being allowed to return to full remote work? If so, I would discuss with my manager(s) on what makes your position different that keeps you from having the same option. If no one is allowed to do this, then you have your answer. It would be then you would need to determine if finding a new position elsewhere is a better fit. I wouldn't necessarily use it as a leveraging tool though because it has been proven time and time again that those types of ultimatums don't pan out well. Best of luck!

15. Karen GongawareNovember 4,2021 at 12:42PM UTC

    Working from home for certain occupations has become the norm whether companies want to accept or not. What reasons do you have for wanting to work from home, other than it is home? Commute time? Cost of gas (it is getting really high)? Able to get more work done in 8 hours than at office? What is in it for the company (not having to heat or maintain large building etc.) by having you work from home?
    It isn't pestering, but you haven't really given a reason for working from home. What is their reason for denying you? Is it valid or just plain stuck in pre-Covid thinking that too many companies are doing?

16. Bretley DannerNovember 4,2021 at 12:45PM UTC

    You have not said why you need/want to be remote? Loving your job, and the people you work for (didn’t say you didn’t like them), IS HUGE!! You might not be that lucky when you move on. Why do you need to be remote full time. Can you not be happy with 1/2 and 1/2? A little confused here….

17. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:48PM UTC

    Our office went hybrid at the beginning of October after being fully remote during Covid. This is an old school, literally and figuratively speaking, and it was surprising to them that productivity went up during the Covid, even with everyone working remotely. We are required to be in the office every Tuesday and one other day a week. So far, I’ve been completely alone in the office -except for one day. Someone at the top has decided they want folks in the office. Meanwhile, we sit at our desks and have zoom meetings with people in the building b/c we can’t meet in person. Some people have been able to secure fully remote positions, but not others. All this is doing is driving people out of the organization. Btw - both of us that have showed up are almost 50, and in senior positions. If we who are used to complying with senseless mandates are finding this a no go, just imagine how long the generations after us will put up with this ridiculousness. And…I’m looking for another position, fully remote.

18. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:51PM UTC

    I wrote the above post - our positions do not require in person, especially when no one is doing anything in person. And, on the rare occasion, it did require us to be in person, we’d of course, come into the office. We’re all well educated, certified in our field, professionals.

19. Wendy Place BurnsNovember 4,2021 at 12:53PM UTC

    It may not be that they dont want to honor your request, especially if you've been consistently productive, but rather that they'd have to honor it for every employee which may not be feasible. The problem with levying an ultimatum is, you have to be prepared for either outcome. If your desire is to remain remote and your company will not honor a hybrid approach, it may make sense to find one that does. Many companies discovered during Covid that they can be successful without physically 'seeing' a body at a desk. Best of luck!

20. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 12:58PM UTC

    You love your job, you're good at it, you feel valued, you have reason to go into the office, you just don't want to do it on their schedule? It sounds like in your current situation the good significantly outweighs the bad. Not to mention the good is comprised of the intangibles that are somewhat elusive and not easily identifiable in an interview. Other than not wanting to go in on a set schedule, what does the lack of flexibility cost you? Will something significant like your marriage or home life suffer?

    I'm guessing no.

    So maybe instead of focusing on this one thing that you don't want to do, focus instead on the benefits that will transpire if you do it. Reconnecting with colleagues, extra face time with the higher ups, getting insider intel on a new project, etc.

    What I'm saying is, try it. You have a lot to lose and little to gain at this stage. If you're miserable after three months and if the company is a) still insisting on hybrid and b) unwilling to work with you, then look elsewhere.

21. NataliaNovember 4,2021 at 12:59PM UTC

    I would also check with HR Manager to understand the company's position going forward. I find it hard to believe that if they had a remote program before the pandemic, they will do away with it now. It might be that they're trying to figure out how to transition appropriately based on the needs of the organization so you're better off checking about the long-term strategy on this front. Good luck!

22. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:01PM UTC

    I'm really not sure the question here, the employer has shared with you on MULTIPLE occasions that the answer is NO, they are moving to a hybrid schedule.. This is actually quite generous and a lot of people aren't being given even that as WFH for some comes to an end.

    I think you need to evaluate based on that if you really do 'enjoy the job' as much as you have said - or if you enjoyed it more because it was remote. There are still plenty of opportunities to find something that will offer you the 100% remote you are looking for. Don't continue to pester them with a question you already know the answer to. It isn't going to win you any prizes if you ultimately make a decision to stay.

23. Meaghan Wagner, Goal Guru Leadership CoachNovember 4,2021 at 1:06PM UTC

    Personally, I'd say the next time to bring this up is with an offer in hand!

24. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:06PM UTC

    I would wait until you have a written offer to leave and then bring it up.

25. Michelle PrinceNovember 4,2021 at 1:13PM UTC

    Given that you love your job, count your blessings and appreciate the flexibility you DO have. Be grateful for the opportunity to work in a place where you enjoy it, offers flexibility, and you matter. Yeeesh!!

26. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:32PM UTC

    Wow way to disregard how someone feels, her question is whether to discuss it again .

27. Ivy FrankNovember 4,2021 at 1:57PM UTC

    This is so old school. Be happy and be quiet. Employees have been told that for so long and are fed up.
    She brought it up and was ignored. They obliviously do not value her so time to move on.

28. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:18PM UTC

    As a young professional myself I understand your position completely. I was hired this year with a company that promised permanent remote work and now they’re saying it’s mandatory for me to go back in the office. Companies that are not more flexible on this issue are going to find out the hard way. Working people are burnt out. People are quitting in droves. My house is quiet, lacks office politics and my set up is expensive. I never want to be in an office again. I suggest not saying anything to them and just start looking.

29. FlossyNovember 4,2021 at 1:23PM UTC

    Yes, don’t ask don’t get. I would also bring up you have demonstrated your willingness to be in the office when it is worthwhile. Are there changes to your role they could agree to make remote and option? There is plenty of data to back you up on remote being a driving factor in the great resignation. Bring articles and data. Bring your own productivity stats.

    Absolutely start looking. Turn on the sensor on linked in to recruiters only you are looking.

    Start connecting with your network and telling exactly why you are looking.

    If you decide to accept a new position, ask them to put in your offer letter your remote status.

    I wonder if you are the only one objecting to this? My guess is no.

30. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 1:28PM UTC

    What is it about coming in to the office that bothers you? Risk of exposure to covid? The commute? Seeing other humans (or perhaps only certain ones you don’t like?) I’m not asking sarcastically, but truly looking to understand which aspects of the job are must haves and why. Also, I’m assuming you aren’t going to be monitored for staying exactly 8 hours those two days- most companies don’t monitor hours closely… do you have flexibility in what times you come and go?

31. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 2:14PM UTC

    Your response does come off as being sarcastic. You should learn to answer questions more diplomatically.

32. Sue MooreNovember 4,2021 at 3:56PM UTC

    I didn't see any sarcasm. I looked at it as trying to address the underlying issues.

33. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 10:27PM UTC

    Thank you so much. I’m so thankful to see reasonable human beings reading replies at face value. Indeed I’m not here to be sarcastic or mean. Some people have social anxiety and prefer not to go into an office. Some people are immunocompromised so they can’t afford to take the extra risk of covid exposure. And my last bit about office hours reflects exactly what happens in my corporation- and what we do. We come in for a shortened day. I’m very disappointed to see such mean reactions in a forum where we are meant to help and support each other.

34. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 10:24PM UTC

    Super disappointing that even though I genuinely was trying to help and even explicitly explained this pretty early on in my answer, you still decided to not take my explanation at face value and take a stab at someone who was only trying to help the OP. Maybe you should learn to give people the benefit of the doubt and find another venue where to project your anger.

35. Nicola StrandNovember 4,2021 at 2:03PM UTC

    You say you don't have flexibility, but they're moving to a hybrid schedule, which offers more flexibility than 100% in the office model. Before I can offer further advice, I'm missing how a hybrid schedule will negatively impact you - do you live a long way away from the office? I don't know where you're located, but where I live in Europe full time remote positions are rare - most places are hybrid or full time office.

36. Erin BeemerNovember 4,2021 at 2:13PM UTC

    If you ask the same question, you'll (likely) get the same answer. Perhaps consider an alternate proposal. For instance, remote work on Mon/Tues and Wed-Fri in the office could meet your needs and your employer.

37. Liz RizzoNovember 4,2021 at 2:15PM UTC

    Given that you’ve asked and been answered by two managers above you, I think you should stop asking, stay positive and productive in your work, find another position that suits you, and leave. I think that expressing you’re going to start looking and might leave often backfires.

38. Ladyboss737918November 4,2021 at 2:33PM UTC

    If you really love the company - It's worth setting up a time to discuss options.

    I would definitely bring several to the table.

    There could be a dozen reasons why they're saying no, and none of them may be personal.

    If they agree to the discussion, definitely have your arguments ready but also, really listen. Their hands may be tied by a switch in company policy or even department policy.

    Our workforce is 80% remote, but that 20% that isn't, can't be. They have to be at a facility. I've had that conversation before with someone who really wanted their position to be remote and we couldn't do that. I did say I understood that may lead them to look for other positions - and I added I hoped they would first look within the company. Hopefully, your supervisor will let you know she knows how important this is to you, even if her hands are tied. If she doesn't, it's not worth letting her know it will lead you to look elsewhere - just go look.

39. Maggie StoneNovember 4,2021 at 3:02PM UTC

    To be blunt with you, it sounds like you have your answer. Unless you are a caregiver for someone or have a medical issue that would provide a logical reason for being remote. If you feel good about the job in general, why is being hybrid a deal breaker.

40. Emmy BemmyNovember 4,2021 at 3:14PM UTC

    As someone else said, I would not bring it up again, but rather re-evaluate what you like about your job and your real reasons for not wanting to return to the office. Having a job you love, that you excel at and that you feel recognized at is very hard to find. Is it really worth throwing that away so that you don't have to regularly return to the office?

41. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 3:15PM UTC

    I don't know why you're complaining about going into the office 2 days a week. Our company is requiring 5 days. There are worse situations and if you don't like it, then you have the option to look for other work.

42. AyianNovember 4,2021 at 7:40PM UTC
    Honestly Anonymous, it's not helpful to be negative at people who have it 'better' than you in your view. If you don't know why someone , ASK! Any work environment CAN be worse. You aren't adding anything other than negativity to the conversation here. Since you didn't ask, I'll try to answer that question for you - Having a fixed day or days with fixed hours to be in the office removes some of the flexibility of working remotely. Since they're clearly able to do the job fully remote, this is an inconvenience and irritant. Appointments with doctors and other necessary activities must now be scheduled around the company-enforced hours of office operation including those of any children in the home, if there are any. This is even more irritating when considering that this person is the most physically present of the members on their team already. Please try to put yourself in other people's shoes to foster empathy - and find yourself a better place to be so you aren't bitter when other people are unhappy with a negative change in their situation that is still more tolerable to you than your own situation.
43. AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 7:10PM UTC

    Yes the OP said they said no so I suggested she look elsewhere!

44. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 3:15PM UTC

    I understand that you have asked twice and have been told "no" twice. So the probability of that changing is slim. You may be able to negotiate flexibility with when or which day(s) you cn go into the office.
    Since you can't change their decision, you can change how you see it.
    The hybrid model might be a temporary arrangement for the next year or so while the company adjusts and returns to prepandemic standards since they had a 100% remote situation prior to the pandemic.
    Can you go in for a couple of months (most places do annual reviews in Feb/March/April) and negotiate a change to your hybrid work then?
    Since the company is rolling out the hybrid work model across the whole company there may not be a place for you or your managers to negotiate 100% remote right now. You can ask if the hybrid is temporary or if 100% remote is something that can be discussed at your next annual review.

45. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPNovember 4,2021 at 3:30PM UTC

    Sounds like they will not change their mind. Since you do love your job and you are trying to be transparent, it would not hurt to let them know your intentions one last time. And if working remote is not an option, then you should look for a new job. Just make sure it doesn't come off as a threat. I know that as a manager, its best to know what the employee is thinking and if its within reason, I would try my best to accommodate. And if I am not, then I can't be surprised with the outcome. I would like to add that the pandemic has really thrown many organizations into a tizzy. Working remote may work well for some, but not all. Some people need to be in a work environment to feel 'like a team'. So if the organization feels like in person is best, then that's their choice. Good luck!

46. LindawerNovember 4,2021 at 3:37PM UTC

    It sounds like hybrid is the compromise the company is offering for all. Go with it and be glad you don’t need to go in every day. Request flexibility for different or additional days on an as needed basis. They’ve shown a willingness to be flexible. I wouldn’t push it.

47. Cortney SpencerNovember 4,2021 at 4:28PM UTC

    Nope. Not worth bringing up again. I would not let them know you are looking into other opportunities either. Once you plant this seed in their head, not so good intentions may be at play. Quietly do what you need to do. The bottom line is that you and your managers do not share the same values about remote work.

48. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 4:32PM UTC

    I think a hybrid situation is a fair compromise, but I wonder why they are not still offering a full time remote option, as they did prior to the pandemic. Regardless, I absolutely would not tell them you may seek other employment. It will come off as a threat and get you canned. If anything, apply for other jobs, get an offer in hand, THEN tell them (and only then if you're absolutely confident you'll pass a potential background check). Give them the opportunity to make a counter offer if you'd like, or give your notice. If you are able to secure another offer with the flexibility you are looking for and a salary that works for you, I say take it. Even if they counter and you accept, you may end up miserable with them. We would all like to thing things aren't held against us, but they are!

49. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 6:35PM UTC

    Not worth it. The company's stance of valuing behinds in chairs more than proven productivity & talent retention has been made clear. If remote work is a deal breaker, it's time to stealth hunt for a company & move on.

    These sorts of short sighted shenanigans are on the rise as employers resume stuffing their heads back up their behinds wrt remote work & talent despite remote work having been fully proven to be productive & culture cohesive during these times of Covid.

50. Laura Ann KleinNovember 5,2021 at 1:49AM UTC

    I wish I had said this--"short sighted shenanigans" is the perfect description.

51. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 7:55PM UTC

    Yes, that seems fair to look for another job if they’re not allowing you to work remotely. You’re not married to a job.

    They’ve shown that they don’t want you to work remotely and that the full-time remote shift was only temporary. If you ask again, they’ll say no again.

    Therefore, if you want a permanently remote role, then you need to search for one. Just make sure you don’t mention you’re looking for a new job before you get one. Otherwise, they may fire you if they know you’re looking for a job because they ended the remote shift. Don’t get that you’re on at-will employment.

52. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 8:48PM UTC

    Personally I would start looking for another job, you don't have to take it but you might just find a better job or a higher paying job with greater flexibility.

    I don't know what industry you're in but companies are hiring remote workers everywhere and you might be able to find a job that wasn't available to you pre-pandemic that could have the ability to pay more then jobs in your current location.

53. Carrie PomeyNovember 4,2021 at 8:58PM UTC

    It may be what they do for one they must do for others and the company could not be set up to monitor situations like that.
    I would suggest asking questions like are there concerns with remote work? Is there something specific one could do to earn the privilege? Etc.

54. Maura van der LindenNovember 4,2021 at 9:02PM UTC

    Interesting that your company seems to have discarded their prior full time remote program in favor of mandated days in the office.

    Personally, I will no longer take jobs where I have to be in the office on more than an occasional basis. But I'm fairly senior in my field and have a position that requires both focus and confidentiality, so the typical open plan or cube office is not very feasible for me.

    If it were me and the only reason they are requiring you to come in is to check a box, I would find another job and be up front that you are only interested in fully and PERMANENTLY remote positions, maybe with very occasional office visits.

    There still seems to be a view that people work harder in the office but I've not experienced that to be the case, especially for those that don't work well with lots of interruptions or who resent being there.

    I want to be judged by my results, not by the number of hours I sit in a chair that is visible to my boss.

55. AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 9:07PM UTC

    I think it would be foolish to bring it up again. They've been very clear on this issue. To make a threat may convince them to start looking for your replacement immediately due to your threat.

    Instead understand your tradeoffs (you might have to take a step down in $ and might have to work as a contractor without benefits).

    There is nothing wrong with insisting on your must haves. There is everything wrong with continuing to request those must haves after being told no. You do not want to be unprofessional.

56. Eloisa JacintoNovember 4,2021 at 11:25PM UTC

    Hi. Hybrid work seems a fair and reasonable arrangement for any companies and their employees. I work in one where a good number of positions cannot really do full time remote work because of the nature of their work. Is that true in your case? If no, it would be good to understand where your managers are coming from with their stance. And at your end, to assess why full-time remote work is becoming a deal breaker when you love your job and feel valued by your organization.
    I don’t think talking to your boss with the idea of leaving if you do not get what you want is a professional way to handle the situation; and if you are not ready to walk away, you might find yourself without the job you love.

57. Joanna PoeNovember 5,2021 at 12:50AM UTC

    Wait until you have accepted an offer, not before, then put your reasons in the resignation letter. If they come back with new terms, then you've got leverage either way.

58. AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 1:04AM UTC

    Your need to work 100% remote is not their problem and they made their position very clear.

    I would make peace with moving back into the office or find a job that enables you to be fully remote. Right now they are out there but I've found they are paying less. Good luck!

59. sherrycooks@rocketmail.comNovember 5,2021 at 12:20PM UTC

    Really I see this as a perfect time to make a job change as there are more jobs then applicants.

60. Laura Ann KleinNovember 5,2021 at 1:47AM UTC

    Look for another job, you've made your requirements known and were willing to work with your leadership. It's a shame your organization will be losing a talented, dedicated, and respected associate. Attrition is expensive and they are shooting themselves in the foot. Like most of the others who have replied; it's ok to have requirements and you aren't married to a job.

61. AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 4:17AM UTC

    If the company valued their employees, then they should be seriously considering (and agreeing to) your request- especially since you were fully remote previously. There are several “remote only” jobs appearing and I would start applying to these so that you can have the lifestyle you want - at a company that respects your choice.

62. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachNovember 5,2021 at 12:17PM UTC

    What is it about your role that your management believes is best done in person?

63. sherrycooks@rocketmail.comNovember 5,2021 at 12:19PM UTC

    Never give an ultimatum unless you are willing to follow through as they may take that as your notice and relieve you of your duties. Are there job tasks or duties that prevent you form working remotely ? What about productivity ? Is your productivity does not decline and you are readily available then go for it. If someone is working remotely and we cant reach them during normal business hours then that will effect their decision too. Good Luck.

64. Stephanie LekowskiNovember 5,2021 at 12:34PM UTC

    Absolutely not- you made your case. Speaking as someone who tried pre-pandemic to get a flex or hybrid schedule due to personal needs and was ghosted, Any further attempts on your part is only going to put you on the layoff/fire list. They'll blame it on budget issues or even come up with a trumped up "performance issue", but your days will be numbered. Keep your mouth shut and keep looking discreetly as possible.

65. DianeNovember 5,2021 at 1:18PM UTC

    What is the issue about being in the office? Are you in an environment that you consider unsafe in terms of social distancing? Do you know why they are refusing you?
    There must be a valid reason, correct?

66. Deborah MitchellNovember 5,2021 at 2:44PM UTC

    I would start looking before I gave an ultimatium.

67. Heather FlemingNovember 5,2021 at 3:25PM UTC

    Why is being 100% remote a deal breaker when you say you are in the office more than most aleady? If they are offering hybrid, and you are there half the time now, nothing is really changing. I personally, would not leave a job I felt valued in for what sounds like an issue with semantics. I think it would be beneficial to work out a formal hybrid schedule so you know when you are home and in the office so those boundaries are well established.

68. AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 4:21PM UTC

    This article may be helpful to you!https://fairygodboss.com/articles/im-a-chief-people-officer--successfully-ask-your-boss-to-stay-remote-by-framing-it-like-this

69. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistNovember 5,2021 at 4:36PM UTC

    You've spoken to your boss and to your boss's boss - they both know what you want. You say you are valued by your organization but they're not willing to give you what you're requesting. I would reconsider just how much you are valued.

    Since we are in the Great Resignation, I should think that every employer - especially one who is not listening to what their employees want/need - realizes that person might be looking for other opportunities.

    Personally, I think that if they were interested in hanging on to you, they would be trying to accommodate your request.

    You've made your preferences clear, I don't see what an ultimatum would accomplish at this point except possibly ending things before you've found another position. I would start looking immediately.

    Find a 21st century company that values WHAT you do - not where you do it from.

    Good luck!

70. AnonymousNovember 5,2021 at 4:44PM UTC

    I started a hybrid schedule this week, and it’s confusing. Everyone is just working in their private offices, as if they were at home. Staff meetings are still on Teams or Zoom. I don’t understand why we were called to work from the office. When I mentioned I had to go back to the office to family and friends, they all unanimously to just find another job! If you want a change of lifestyle at work, now is the time to find it. Everyone is doing it! Haha

71. AnonymousNovember 6,2021 at 7:17AM UTC

    I can relate. I'm in a similar situation and really find it annoying to have to come into the office. My organization changes the expectation of WFH on a whim and this was even before the pandemic. Some leaders at my org have vented that they do not enjoy working from home so they think everyone else is chomping at the bit to return to the office too.

72. Sophia KellyNovember 5,2021 at 6:44PM UTC

    There may have been points of pain for them in having so many people working remotely that aren't immediately evident. This could be as simple as feeling useless without humans to herd in real time, or it could be harder to verify that you are doing your job when they don't see you in your chair doing your job. It could also be that they don't want to set a precedent, and there were others who were a lot less productive than you at home who want to stay remote and they don't want to say yes. If you can come up with some measureable criteria then you can meet them as a condition of staying remote, and it would avoid them having to give remote work to people they don't think perform well there.

73. laura.the.daintyNovember 5,2021 at 8:23PM UTC

    I think it depends on your relationship with them. I have told my supervisor in the past that I was looking into other jobs because of the commute and that I would keep him up to date on my status, but not all teams are open like that. It is also possible that your managers' hands are tied and that they have no choice in the matter.

74. Andrea HansenNovember 6,2021 at 8:55AM UTC

    You can bring it up to them, but don't be surprised if they won't change their mind.

    Don't be surprised if you don't get different answer. Regardless of the pandemic, the mindset of corporate America has not changed. They want what they want on their terms and couldn't really give a flying pig about what you need or want.

    I have found this out the hard way.

    Look for the next thing with with a quiet voice.

    I wish you the best.

75. Changemaker828603November 6,2021 at 4:29PM UTC

    Good luck finding a position that is fully remote. And they won't budge, because if they give it to you, they have to deal with everyone else who wants to be remote.

    Don't be childish by giving an ultimatum, it probably won't work and puts you in a spot of quitting. Negotiate what you can, and look for another job that meets your requirements. You may find one, or not.

76. Liz MilneNovember 14,2021 at 2:59AM UTC

    Don't threaten to leave unless you are actually prepared to leave! But certainly ask why you can't go remote more than you are doing at present.