Insisting on on-site work for a job that can be done remotely.

56 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 6:58PM UTC

   No, it's the company's culture. I've noticed some older, more traditional companies insist on most everyone to be in the office.

   If you prefer a remote or hybrid job, stick to newer companies or companies with younger leadership.

2. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

   Ageist much?

3. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:50PM UTC

   Her post states the company is less than 5 years old and has management in their 20-30's, so that kills your opinion on old people running a company. lol

   It's company preference. I think a lot has to do with trust.

4. Caryn MichalakJanuary 11,2022 at 8:34PM UTC

   Is your administration an older generation?

5. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 10:50PM UTC

   Wouldn't say that it's a red flag but if it's not what you are looking for move on. I know several younger people who want to be in the office more to separate work/home and some working parents that also like to be away from the house. It's really a preference for the person and employer.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 12,2022 at 3:28AM UTC

   For me personally, GIGANTIC red flag.

7. AnonymousJanuary 12,2022 at 4:05AM UTC

   Not a red flag for them. Clearly they believe some people need to be in office. It's their choice.

   Like everyone says, younger companies don't have issues with remote work at all. My company gives everyone the choice on where they work.

8. Heather LewisJanuary 12,2022 at 5:42PM UTC

   It just depends on the culture of the company. For example, some companies offer PTO to part-time employees and some do not. One is not worst than the other. You just have to look at the full picture. Are they offering better pay for going into the office, lunch perks, good PTO, etc?

9. AnonymousJanuary 12,2022 at 6:00PM UTC

   Yes - It starts from the top of the organization. The Senior Leaders have trust issues...

10. AnonymousJanuary 12,2022 at 7:33PM UTC

    It's a personal flag that this may not be the place for you if you value remote working. The company does not sound open to that arrangement

    It would definitely not be a red flag for those that prefer an office work schedule.

    It really all depends on the individual.

11. EricaJanuary 13,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    You are not entitled to work from home just because that is your preference. It’s not what the employer wants, their business, their rules. If it’s important to you to be able to work remotely, then this is clearly not the job for you.

12. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

    Jumping straight to calling someone entitled. Bold? Yes. Helpful, though?

13. EricaJanuary 13,2022 at 7:18PM UTC

    I did not “call someone” entitled. I stated that no one is entitled to work from home merely because they would prefer to.

14. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 10:11PM UTC

    Still not helpful, but thank you for the clarification.

15. EricaJanuary 13,2022 at 11:55PM UTC

    Certainly no less helpful than your comments. Have a beautiful evening.

16. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

    It is not a red flag. It sounds like you and the company are not a good fit for each other

17. Karen TrémelJanuary 13,2022 at 1:30PM UTC

    Like some others who have commented, I don’t think it’s necessarily a red flag. It very likely relates to a specific type of collaborative culture they want to build. Or it may be that, at face value, it appears that it can be done remotely but there are certain aspects of the position that necessitate being in the office. I work in training for a tech company. While we are currently remote, I still have a training role I’m hiring for that I need to assume will one day necessitate being in the office once we return.

    That said, you need not apply if your preference is to work from home. So many companies are now able to offer this option that you should be able to find other opportunities.

18. Angela K JohnsonJanuary 13,2022 at 1:31PM UTC

    Agree with others. Not a red flag and every company is different. IMHO if you are questioning anything regarding the company and or top mgt you may want to think on it more. If you're not comfortable working in an office just yet just keep looking. There are plenty of places accepting applications for 100% WAH.

19. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

    Even if aspects of the work can be done remotely, there are excellent reasons to insist on at least some on-site work that you may be overlooking. Collaboration is one. Short informational sharing, being able to spontaneously ask and respond to questions that come up so as to move the work along, is difficult over a workday where every interaction needs to get scheduled. I would avoid asking questions rather than having to have yet another Zoom meeting with 2D people. I also find that when staff have distractions at home, they become less communicative and are more apt to get behind. Communication, collaboration, culture, sense of mission are all negatively impacted by remote work.

20. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:38PM UTC

    Personally, I think it’s a red flag. It shows unwillingness to compromise, micromanagement and possible lack of progression or efficiency within the company. But, I bet they’re making the accommodations for somebody, just not you....

21. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

    Not a red flag for the company; it's just their culture. I have a friend with a similar issue right now. She was approached by a headhunter for a direct-hire position (she wasn't looking to leave her current position). She's currently been a contractor for 5 years at a company and LOVES her job, but not the contracting part. And she's permanently remote. The company who wants to hire her on expects 100% onsite, although the position could easily be hybrid. And the salary is over $10,000 more/year (plus vacation and benefits). She's really struggling with her decision right now.

22. BeaBoss750792January 14,2022 at 3:45PM UTC

    Your friend should hold out for a company that allows at least hybrid. The extra money will be nice, but her commute is going to eat up a lot of time.

    There are tons of employers out there who will allow at least hybrid. No need to jump at the first bite that she gets from a headhunter.

23. Sharon MJanuary 13,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

    In this day and age it’s surprising that a software company would require 100% onsite work.
    I would think this would be an older Mgmt team and not 20’s & 30’s. It’s a red flag for me.

    I’ve been in the IT field for over 20 years. Full remote or even hybrid should be offered. My current IT position is fully remote. Who wants to be 100% in office during a pandemic?

24. BeaBoss750792January 14,2022 at 3:47PM UTC

    Agreed. I’ve worked in tech for over 20 years. Startups stand a low chance of success as it is.

25. Kelly MeigsJanuary 13,2022 at 2:07PM UTC

    Since they're a young company, maybe they are just trying to establish their culture. And that's not easy to do with everyone working remotely. There are alot of benefits in being with new IT companies: stock options, room for growth, etc. It's worth a conversation about their choice.

26. Dcre1977January 13,2022 at 2:12PM UTC

    Not to me. It simply may not be the job for you.

27. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:18PM UTC

    If remote is your preference then this is not the company for you. But if it's a local commute with some schedule flexibility it may be worth considering. The only possible red flag I would see is them not reaching their potential for longevity and growth in a new company with such young owners.

28. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:01PM UTC

    I've made this mistake, and it is a mistake. It's pretty much the same thing as entering into a relationship with someone that you're not crazy about and thinking you can change them. Not happening.

    OP: trust your gut.

29. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 2:30PM UTC

    It may be as several posters said that they're trying to create culture, but it may be that management doesn't trust their staff. I'd definitely be asking more questions.

30. Celeste Glasgow RibbinsJanuary 13,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

    Have you asked why they insist everyone work onsite? Are they trying to build a collaborative environment with a close-knit team? There’s nothing wrong with asking.

31. Tami Lee TurnbullJanuary 13,2022 at 2:55PM UTC

    It is. Right now with COVID it means they are putting their money/ego over people's health.

32. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:11PM UTC

    It's definitely a reason to ask questions, in my opinion. As a project manager who's been leading global teams for years, when a former employer insisted that I had to be in the office (pre-pandemic), and that if I wanted to remain with the company after I moved for family reasons I'd have to move to a different role, it made no sense to me.

    I ended up taking the role and the corresponding pay cut, only to be laid off 9 months later when they took a COVID-related revenue hit. But the office shut down and everyone had to be remote, even the other project managers.

    It was just my manager's preference, and his manager's preference. But that was all that mattered. You have to decide for yourself if being required to be in office is a deal breaker.

33. Lisa ApolisJanuary 13,2022 at 3:13PM UTC

    To me, it's a red flag. The management team is young, inexperienced and wanting to show off their power. I would pass on this job.

34. Mindy SwankJanuary 13,2022 at 3:22PM UTC

    Yes. Especially with younger people like that. With older people you could safely assume they’re just set in their ways, but there’s a reason someone in their 20’s and 30’s isn’t using the technology they grew up with, and it’s probably to do with micromanaging power.

35. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    It's not a "red flag" per se but it's indicative of the workplace culture - it sounds like face time is highly valued. If that's not the environment you're looking for, then it's worth a pass.

36. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:34PM UTC

    This is a red flag. It shows lack of control and a desire to retain power through imposing unnecessary requirements. In order to ensure office fit and a strong orientation, I often require remote employees to be on-site for a large chunk of the onboarding and to come onsite occasionally, but if you can work remotely and produce the same or higher quality work, keeping you in the office isn't necessary and often just shows a leader who is weak or lacks the skills to manage without physical presence.

37. Ann B.January 13,2022 at 3:40PM UTC

    Could they have signed a long-term lease on the office space and don't want it to go to waste?

38. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:40PM UTC

    Companies and their ownership/leaders have the right to run their business the way they want. That doesn't make it right or wrong, just their way (as long as they are following labor laws, etc.) Lots of people might like working for them. "Red flag" or not, if it doesn't resonate with you, don't work there. But don't drag them through the mud because it doesn't work for "you".

39. Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)January 13,2022 at 4:28PM UTC

    Your very first sentence says it all & conversation closed.

40. Kim KibbyJanuary 14,2022 at 5:09PM UTC

    It is wrong during a pandemic when a job can be done from home. Period.

41. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

    It’s only a red flag if one chooses to make it. There may be a reason for this, and company leadership retains right to deem if staff is 100% on site, hybrid or 100% telecommute.

    That being said if it is your desire to work from home, it is a red flag for you.

42. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 4:18PM UTC

    I’m echoing what others have said here. Some companies and managers for some reason want their employees on-site even if their job can easily be done remotely. I personally choose not to work for those managers or companies. That would be a red flag and deal breaker for me, while it might not be a red flag for someone else. It’s a matter of personal preference.

43. MicheleJanuary 13,2022 at 5:22PM UTC

    It would be a red flag for me. It would indicate a culture of micromanagement and lack of trust.

44. Kristie WhiteJanuary 13,2022 at 6:01PM UTC

    I suspect that because this company is young (only five years) and in software that they are worried about corporate espionage - the risk that someone who works on or around their software development will copy, steal, or sell their programming without their knowledge.
    It may be that they have a high security system that cannot be accessed from home due to security reasons and they are reluctant to change that. Their security may not allow access via the Internet as that is a less secure firewall. So...your decision is about whether or not you want to work for this company regardless of this requirement. But for a software company - and with management in their 20s and 30s (its not possessive, its plural) - my guess is they are trying to become a unicorn and may have venture capital involved. Which would also mean they have to have stronger security to protect their product cuz they owe a lot of money to investors. ;)

45. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 6:41PM UTC

    Doesn't really matter if this is a red flag or not, the age of the company or their management team. It's their prerogative to require that employees be on-site. If this isn't for you, do everyone a favor and move on. Nothing to see here.

46. AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 8:41PM UTC

    Were still in the midst of a pandemic .
    Why would any company want to require 100% on-site for a job if their not a hospital or urgent care facility?
    it’s a red flag for me!

47. M. GirlJanuary 13,2022 at 10:01PM UTC

    Ummm all of this simply states nothing.

    1. Is it a red flag? Why the hell would it be a red flag. So what if it's a software company? Are you in software? Does your specific position mean remote? If not, just stop.
    2. Ummm to anyone saying jobs can be done remotely, Yes a lot can. In the company I'm in some of ours can be. The position I'm in can't allow allow that. And you know what? I could care less. I'm in a career. This is my goal and my choice therefore it supercedes other decisions. My main priority is how I move up. I could honestly care less if it's at home or at work. So ask yourself- what are you looking for? Do you want to move up? Do you just want a job that you can be comfortable and stay for a while? There are no wrong answers, just what works for you. For me? I don't want to lose the teamwork and collaboration because it is on the job training for mentorship, leadership and others. Those are my values, not anyone else's so why would I say it's a red flag if someone says that it sounds bad?
    3. Age of the company and age of management doesn't matter. Do you sit on their board? Their exec meetings? There are older generations that went straight to work from home home others that are young that will never. Assume too much and generalize too much? If you sat on their board or exec teams or leadership then you'd know why and then you can say it's a red flag. If you don't.... just stop to at least save face.
    4. It's a red flag for you. Only for you.
    And finally - when did everyone just assume they get the entitlement to work from home? Did you start the company? Are you part of the frame work? No? Then hush. It's not a red flag, it just doesn't work for you. Assuming and generalizing does nothing. Being in an office does not equal micromanagement. You can be micromanaged with zoom calls which many WFH employees complain about often. Get some experience.

48. Heather CutlerJanuary 14,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

    Thank you @M. Girl! You've articulated EXACTLY how I feel every single time someone bellyaches about a company requiring that employees work in-person! Doesn't matter if its reasonable or not. As long as the employer issues the paycheck, its their call to require people to work in the office.

49. Kristie WhiteJanuary 15,2022 at 7:28PM UTC

    I think your response @M.
    Girl reflects your lack of experience. So for a teaching moment, here are my thoughts…
    Policies reflect culture and management style. During the hiring process, you won’t get a lot of inside information so a candidate needs to consider all of the clues and what they might mean once inside. It’s business analysis.

    Just because working remotely isn’t important to one person doesn’t mean it isn’t critical to someone else. Putting someone down because they are evaluating the cost/benefit of working in the office vs. working remote is bad manners. The world of work is changing and “moving up” has already changed from the 1950s style of always being in the office. Working remotely requires managers to actively manage people, i.e. know what staff are working on, their progress and issues, maintain communications and transparency and be involved. It is not easier, it is harder because a manager can’t just eyeball someone or talk to them once a week and assume they are fine because their butt’s in the seat.
    Age of a company and age of management do matter. Humans come to the table with perceptions and expectations based on their experiences, organizations do the same. That’s why a young organization that starts to become very successful often brings in a more experienced leader. It also speaks to the stability of a company. So this is one of the clues that’s important to evaluate.
    You’re right. It’s all about choice and choosing to work remotely does not make a person less career minded, less qualified or less dedicated to success. Just like having your butt in the seat doesn’t make a person a valuable human capital asset.

50. AnonymousJanuary 16,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

    @Kristie White

    I couldn't agree more. In my experience, companies that are inflexible about things like remote work (even when we are not in a pandemic) can be challenging employers.

    Responding to some of the other posts I've seen here (not the one directly above), there really is no reason to put someone down or question the amount of work experience, ambition, or skills because she wants to work remotely. I am quite senior, and I have worked remotely for the last 8 or 9 years. My agreement was always to be in the office for a meeting that could not be done virtually or was otherwise mission critical.

51. AnonymousJanuary 21,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

    This is a forum for us to uplift and help each other out, not to swear at each other.
    It pains me to see the good aspects of your response overshadowed by the tone of your piece.

    1.OP specifically states that the job in question CAN be done remotely, though the company insists on on-site work. If the company didn't give a reason for their policy, then that already is a reason to stop and think.
    2.You're absolutely right when you say that different people have different priorities, and that for some, these priorities may affect whether they wish to work in-person or remotely (even when the job can be done fully from home, other factors may bring an employee to the office). And yes, something that's a red flag for one person may be a green flag for another.
    3.The age of the company does matter, to an extent. Since it's new, it may still be trying to develop a company culture, which would explain why they want everyone in the office. Or perhaps the managers are not yet experienced enough to do their jobs with everyone working remotely. One way or another, a newer company will have more excuses than an older, well-established company with a strict hierarchy. Providing more detail about the company being discussed helps people consider OP's original question, so there's no need to be rude.
    4.The fact that OP asked this question at all does suggest that they may subconsciously see the situation as a red flag. However, the point of the post was to see if this was a red flag for anyone else, and to get opinions on the matter.

    And finally, though certain aspects and certain areas of life may have returned to normal, we happen to still be in the middle of a pandemic. People in high-risk groups may need to work from home for safety, and others may wish to do so as well. Some people may not have a car to go to the office, and may not be able to work out something with public transport. Like you said, assuming and generalizing does nothing. You don't know OP's situation, and neither do I. Therefore, you have no reason to judge them for asking their question. Get some manners.

    Edit: typo

52. AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 3:19AM UTC

    i don't think it's a red flag since they are openly stating that is what they want, so applicants can decide if they want to apply for the job or not; at this stage no one is forcing the candidate to apply, nor are they falsely advertising it as a remote position.

    one reason i can think of why they wouldn't want remote workers is because there are a lot of people in the software field working remotely who are working two or more jobs at the same time and it's not being found out because it's all remote.

53. Rosa GoesJanuary 14,2022 at 4:18PM UTC

    It's not a red flag. It means the company decided that is how they want to operate. You can try to negotiate for a couple days remote, but if this is what they want then it may not be the company for you, especially since you consider it a red flag. I recommend looking at other software companies that meet your needs. Good luck to you!

54. AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 10:08PM UTC

    Remote work is against their strategy and they need you to be in the office.

    No a big deal ..... it just doesn't sound like it's a great fit for you.

55. AnonymousJanuary 15,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    This is supposed to be a forum where people feel safe to ask questions about this sort of thing but some people just can't answer a simple question without tearing someone down. Thought this place was different. Guess not.

    To answer your question, if you want a remote position and they are insisting it be on-site, then it may not be the right fit for you. Wouldn't say a red flag unless they originally told you that you could work remotely. Some companies just like to keep employees in the office to micromanage them.

56. AnonymousJanuary 21,2022 at 3:31PM UTC

    I wouldn't worry too much about the on-site aspect.

    Until lockdown last year, my brother's programming company wanted everyone in the office every day, even though it was not at all necessary. After a period of everyone working from home, they switched to a hybrid model.

    If I had to guess, I'd say your company wants new employees to be on-site for a while, and perhaps later open up the possibility of remote work. Given the young age of the company and management, I'd say they're still trying to foster a company culture, which can be difficult when everyone is working remotely.