I could really use some advice.

Anonymous

September 21,2021 at 8:21PM UTC

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I could really use some advice. I just started a new position at a new agency in April. I was told by the hiring manager that this was a remote position. In fact, when the recruiter reached out to me she asked me what it would take to leave my old position, and I told her it would be full time remote work. The hiring manager and the recruiter insisted that this was fine.

Fast forward to September and we are starting to have “future of work” discussions. I was told that everyone will need to be in the office at least once a week, be able to meet with clients and attend company meetings in person. From the sounds of it eventually everyone including myself will be in the office full time. I honestly love this position, but I feel like I have been gaslighted. I’m in the process of searching for another remote position that is truest remote.

I have already expressed my concerns to my managers and haven’t heard back yet.

Am I doing the right thing? Am I the only one who’s tired of corporations playing these games?

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JenSeptember 21,2021 at 8:32PM UTC
Yes, this type of event can be frustrating, and it is hard when an employer's situation changes (thereby changing your own). But the most productive way to go about getting what you want is to negotiate for it in a positive, how-can-we-all-benefit sort of way. Instead of focusing on the "bait and switch" that occurred (being promised one thing, and receiving another), try coming up with a proposal of sorts, itemizing ways in which you have been successful in your new role, and how working remotely has contributed to your (and therefore the company's) success.
Then list out specific ways you will actively keep connected with your work community while remaining remote - and maybe bend a little here (i.e., agree to attend the most crucial company meetings/events). If you show willingness to compromise and have been performing well, they may very well be willing to meet you in the middle.
But if being 100% remote is a dealbreaker for you, there is no shame in seeking another position. Best of luck.
Jacquelynn LucasSeptember 21,2021 at 8:34PM UTC
Was it written in the offer letter? or somewhere in HR records that your working schedule would be remote? I wouldn't pull the fire alarm yet - as you haven't heard back from your manager. Once you do, then you can decide whether or not this position is feasible.
AnonymousSeptember 21,2021 at 9:27PM UTC
Just remind them that you accepted the policy based on being f/t remote.
It's hard to have broad company discussions and remember individual side agreements.
Megan LeasherSeptember 21,2021 at 9:38PM UTC
You may have been gaslighted or the organization may be changing its perspective on where and how work gets done. Both sound frustrating and I am sorry you are in this situation. I hope when you hear back from your managers you gain clarity. In the meantime I agree with the prior comment about gathering thoughts about making a case of how you being remote is a best-case-for-all scenario.
LindawerSeptember 21,2021 at 10:04PM UTC
For what it’s worth. When our company called us back to the office in June they followed up with a survey asking people’s preferences for work at home days if we went hybrid. They acknowledged that during the shutdown people had been hired as remote workers and they’d honor those arrangements as well as those who already had remote work approval before. Also people who were in the office less than 3 days would lose their assigned desk and share ‘hotel’ workspaces on their in office days. I would have a private talk with your hiring manager asking them to honor the arrangement under which you took the job. If it isn’t possible and it poses a hardship I’d look elsewhere. Hopefully they’ll realize the need to be flexible because people have a lot more options these days.
AnonymousSeptember 21,2021 at 10:24PM UTC
My question; they may be right - it was remote then but as some are RTO.
As plans are changing, maybe they didn't gaslight you? Just a thought.
Deborah PavekSeptember 21,2021 at 10:35PM UTC
Once a week seems completely reasonable to me, as things are constantly changing, still your managers may not have a full answer to give you, yet.
My suggestion is to discuss the potential to work out a hybrid solution if fully remote doesn't work.
Many companies are realizing that a hybrid solution really is the best answer for everyone concerned, it can't hurt to bring up the possibility in an open and receptive manner.
Francilla V LapenaSeptember 21,2021 at 10:44PM UTC
Wow, congratulations on getting the job, because it sounded like they wanted you a part of their team. Perhaps you can make suggestions to still have it a WFH position? I understand you wanting that 100% WFH, because that is what i am searching for. Since the world is opening back up, I see the demand for WFH being less (discouraged a bit). I think you should stick with what you feel is the best thing for you, but stay with this position, as long as you feel safe, and are able to meet their demands. You should definitely not stop putting yourself out there, for sure. But also, keep an open dialogue with your hiring manager and direct manager about the future possibities, and most imporantly, too, a time line of the changes to take place. Best to you!
AnonymousSeptember 21,2021 at 11:09PM UTC
Congratulations on landing the job that you are really passionate about, my suggestion would be not to assume that they have gaslighted given many companies are still figuring out Return To Office pathways. Assume the right intentions and discuss your need around being remote and see where that goes. Finding another job is always a choice but given you have landed the one you really like, it is worth trying all options to be able to continue remotely.
AnonymousSeptember 21,2021 at 11:43PM UTC
It's not just corporations. I was told that I had a full tuition scholarship with one university, but they rescinded the offer a week later. They modified their website to reflect a new requirement, which was "no previous degrees". I was so upset; when I called them about it, first they told me that "it wasn't their job" to know all the details about every scholarship, and not to blame them; then when I talked to someone higher up the food chain, I was told that the state had changed the requirements. Not so. I had already called the state about that particular aspect of my application before I applied for it, not wanting to waste anyone's time. Another university gave me the exact same scholarship, however, and I am happily studying away. It's really hard to value responsibility and reliability when the corporation itself keeps changing the rules and yanking people around, then gaslighting about it.
Jackie GhedineSeptember 22,2021 at 10:33AM UTC
I'm sorry this happened to you - bait and switch is real.
You are not the only one tired of corporate America and the 'games'. It's why 3M women have left during the pandemic and everyone is talking about the Great Resignation.
Organizations have been broken for a very long time. The demands on individuals have become impossible to meet, the lines between work and home are completely gone (bosses texting anyone) and the always-on demands are creating impossible-to-meet expectations.
We have gotten to a point where we need to get every single thing in writing to protect ourselves from situations like this occurring.
Can you schedule a meeting with HR also who was part of this promise and initial discussion? Can you handle the conversation with your manager to say, "I was brought on board fully-remote as per our agreement when I joined, I want to ensure this is being communicated across the organization?" This puts the ownership on him to manage it up instead of you asking for what you already received a commitment around.
Good luck.
Amber GuetebierSeptember 22,2021 at 12:39PM UTC
Any chance you have the correspondence about a full-time remote position still? I'd screenshot that. Did you sign an employment agreement/contract? Does it specify remote? If you were hired as a full-time remote employee, seems like they are in the wrong here. Especially if they aren't willing to have the discussion openly about it. I have worked full-time remote (employee status) for years and it's totally a thing, half the employees were remote, half were not.
LeeSeptember 22,2021 at 4:29PM UTC
Elvis, leave the building. You have no business in this discussion. Put your job listings where they belong.
AnonymousSeptember 22,2021 at 5:08PM UTC
I am on my third round of interviews for a "remote-first" company. At the final interview, they told me straight-faced via Zoom, after harping on how much they value remote first principles, that anyone in NYC has to come in 1-2x a week; possibly, more. It is completely and utterly disgusting. Seems to be the only city that is forcing in-person work when we are about to be hit with a second wave of Covid this winter. I am sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I would recommend what one of the earlier commenters said re: find your onboarding documents and negotiate for remote only like you were originally promised.
Rosa GoesSeptember 23,2021 at 7:29AM UTC
You have a good reason to look elsewhere for a remote position. Their plans may have changed, but its not what you signed up for. You don't want to stick around and work for a company that promises but doesn't deliver. Good luck to you!
Cassandra J FenykSeptember 23,2021 at 12:09PM UTC
This is truly disturbing, but it IS happening everywhere. I agree with everyone that you should find your original hiring agreement to back you up. But in reality, even if your agreement stipulates remote, it will not save face for you if you insist on remaining remote when everyone else is heading back into the office. If you truly love the position, perhaps negotiating 1 day in the office would smooth it over and then see how it goes. You may not mind seeing people outside of your home once a week.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:13PM UTC
Insist on sticking to the original agreement, however I would be flexible with really urgent matters that would require your physical presence as long as it is not a regular or frequent occurrence.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:17PM UTC
I think you need to ask yourself: How much do you love this position? Would going in once a week make you not love it? Are you just sticking to your guns or are there valid reasons you need to not go into work? ie immuno-compromised, no transportation, small children at home, etc.) Then approach your manager about the original agreement and see if you can work a compromise.
Katie RichertSeptember 23,2021 at 12:23PM UTC
I hired in remote only, am now in the office 2 days a week. I get more done at home but like having the chance to be in for meetings and details I may miss at home. I do finish out the days until 5 remote as I pick up my son from school. If that portion changed I’d either have to ask for enough to have help with pick up or start searching again. I really enjoy who I work with though, also why I was willing when asked.
Allison RuffnerSeptember 23,2021 at 12:23PM UTC
Firstly you, you did do the right thing about going to your managers about this. They really should honor the agreement. However, if you love this position, and you do not have a reason that makes it impossible, it might be worth going forward with company meetings, an clients. Especially if it's not too often.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 23,2021 at 12:24PM UTC
I understand your frustration. I would start with some questions. Remind them of what they told you in the hiring process.
“I see that the policies for remote work are changing. When I was hired, my role was a remote role, how do these policy changes impact my current role.”
“I have some confusion around what is expected of me and my role in terms of the in person policies. Clue you provide some clarity?”
By asking questions, it requires your team to give direction and answers and if they do not, it might be a topic for Human Resources.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:27PM UTC
I understand. However, I would mention from my experience that when an organization agrees to a remote operation it's always not absolute remote, that you cannot even attend meetings in person when called upon. Remember, there are times when even those remote operations results are to be reviewed not to mention B2B meetings, etc, you can't do everything remotely. Now, with these new developments, you need a sit-down and discuss. I am sure there are agreements you signed review and put down your points in regard to remote operations
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:59PM UTC
I agree with you 100%. I do not understand where people think circumstances can not change. During this time leaders are re-evaluating what their needs are and our circumstances can change. I look at this this way - adapt (which we all should be able to do) or move on. I know my job was on-site and I preferred on-site. My job is now 95% remote and I either adapt or move on.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:33PM UTC
Honestly? If I were your manager I would let you go. And make sure the wfh option is listed on next working contract.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netSeptember 23,2021 at 12:34PM UTC
I think you need to be aware that things change especially this work from home. I think it is reasonable if not smart to have employees come to the office for at the minimum team building and to all be present for meetings. As time marches on, I believe we will be seeing more of this. I think this was an enthusiastic promise which probably should have added a "for now."
Get busy and look for another job if this does not suit you as the company always needs to do what is right for the company and employees who are unhappy with these decisions need to move on. We will not, as a country, turn into a remote society.
Cindy LaceySeptember 23,2021 at 12:42PM UTC
I am not sure that is true. I worked for a major financial services company before my retirement 4 years ago and we were largely remote for several years before that. The company did ask us to come into the office perhaps once a quarter. At least one of my colleagues moved across the country from new England to Arizona and has not been required to go into the office. So it can be done. The issue here is was her position misrepresented. If she has it in writing, all to the good, but otherwise she may have no option but to look elsewhere.
KelleySeptember 23,2021 at 12:35PM UTC
Please tell me you got something in writing that your position is remote, because then you can take that back to them as proof that that is how your position is set. It’s one thing to go in for an occasional meeting even as a remote worker but not be in the office consistently. If they are going to play games and you have nothing in writing, it may make sense to look elsewhere, but make sure you have something in your contract when you sign on.
BethBSeptember 23,2021 at 12:38PM UTC
It could very well be that things have changed at the company, things that the people involved in hiring you have no knowledge were even in the pipeline.
We are all navigating uncharted waters, including the people who make decisions at your company.
Plain and simple, the job requirements have changed and if you don’t like them, leave. And not in an angry way, in a this isn’t for me way. Are you in an at will state? Then forget the screenshots and fighting. Ask if there are any exceptions to the one day a week change because you had been told you would be 100% virtual. If there aren’t and this is a dealbreaker for you, move on.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:38PM UTC
I hear you. I'm supposed to start a "remote" position as well and hope they don't pull the same thing on me.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:56PM UTC
You are not wrong, and you are not alone in terms of getting LIED to. The consummate professional NEVER makes empty promises. They should have said it was remote for as long as they can see, however, changes may occur, and that to some degree those changes may be deemed necessary and imposed from shareholders. This way you are prepared and accept the position from that perspective. That's the correct way of communicating to a prospective employee who is leaving their current position and making this big step! Of course, all integrity goes out the window when managers/employers just think of themselves and could care less how these changes affect people's livelihoods. Shame on them. I guess start looking...but know that promises made (even in writing), seem to be meaningless these days- as integrity with managers and employers are at an all time low, which is why there is ZERO loyalty from employees!
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:58PM UTC
If you love the position, it might be worth finding a way to compromise. Companies change policies/locations/job responsibilities all the time, regardless of how you were hired. My advice is to bring forth a schedule that works perfectly for you, and then be willing to compromise slightly if needed. Because if you love the job and your reasons for not working in office aren't due to health/commute/family care - you might end up enjoying more of a flex schedule. I had a company change reporting location on me years ago, and yes, I dug my feet in because it required a substantially different commute... I was told that it was my choice, however I wouldn't be able to continue in my current role (and no discussion of something else in the company). I put together a plan of what worked for me/my family AND my team/job and I ended up loving the outcome and the new location.
If it's a complete hard NO for you and/or your company, then I would continue with your current job as the company requests while searching for a new job that better meets your needs. Good luck!!
BeaBoss645203September 23,2021 at 1:03PM UTC
Perhaps back in April your manager believed it was a remote position, but try to realize that as time goes on and the situation with covid changes, a lot of remote positions will no longer be. Companies want and need their employees in the office at least the majority of the time - it sounds like the company you are at is slowly implementing this and it may be out of your managers hands, as managers have a boss as well. I suspect that a lot of remote positions are going to stop as employers are ready to do business as they use to. I am not sure where you would search to find a job that would be totally remote , but good luck with your search
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:26PM UTC
I have to disagree with you here. Yes companies may want their employees in office but seeing as we’ve been remote for almost 2 years now, definitely not a need. There are definitely companies that will be and continue to be 100% remote
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:10PM UTC
I believe that things are evolving on a monthly business with Covid restrictions easing. As a manager and having access to c-suite executives it's very important for a business to build a team and recognize talent for secession bench purposes. In any business I think that your work does speak for itself, however if you want to progress and grow within a company you need to be 'present' and 'flexible'. If you love the position and you want to further your career at this company then bend a bit. If you are inflexible about attending meetings and being in the office, find another position. I have found that I'm happier being in the office rather than remote. I have my finger on the 'pulse' of what's going on internally. Good luck in finding what makes you happy!
NataliaSeptember 23,2021 at 1:11PM UTC
I understand how you must be feeling right now. I would recommend that before you start looking for another remote position, you have a discussion with your manager to understand if this is something that will include you or the commitment they made to you when you were hired will be respected. It seems like you might have sent an email on this topic; I would recommend bringing it up on your next 1:1 with your manager and go prepared to discuss why it would be important for you to stay fully remote. Also, keep in mind that even before covid, companies had "flexible work arrangements" for some employees. You staying fully remote might be a flexible work arrangement that they plan to keep. It can be controversial so they might be trying to figure out how to position it.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:15PM UTC
Entirely possible to find a really-100%-remote job (I have one) and if that is what you want, kindly and professionally stick to your guns and be ready to move on if needed. Be sure to mention this in interviews: "I am looking again because I was told the position would be fully remote, and the company revised that expectation. I am looking for a fully-remote position. Is this job planned to remain fully remote?"
ValerieSeptember 23,2021 at 1:20PM UTC
Find a company who is remote first, or maybe consider taking a job with a company in another city/far enough away to make commuting impossible. Smart, flexible companies are currently recruiting all over the country. It’s a talent pool game changer. Remote opportunities are out there. I worked fully remote for a company a decade ago. This isn’t new territory. Just not the right company. Best of luck!
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:20PM UTC
Stick to your guns. Those were the terms you were hired under. If you have it in writing, that would be even better!
Sarah MuddSeptember 23,2021 at 1:22PM UTC
I disagree with others who say things are changing regularly with covid. While that is true there is a difference between saying "this position is currently remote, but we aren't sure if it will remain" and "this is a remote job and will stay that way." I would also be upset because you were lied to in the interview process. I would have a polite but pointed conversation with your manager that directly asks why you were told one thing but another is true.
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdSeptember 23,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
Thank you Sarah! I stand with you.
However, if the poster didn't get anything in writing stating that full time remote work would be acceptable - she'll have this as a challenge.
But, I love your comment about asking management why she was given the impression it would be ok to always work remote - only to now be told she needs to be in the office.
Christina JSeptember 23,2021 at 1:23PM UTC
Sorry this is happening to you. These are very confusing times. Here are a few steps that may help:
1. Revisit the contract and see if the remote work was written in.
2. Talk with your manger/boss about the initial discussion regarding remote.
3. Review any emails that may have your previous discussions around the contract and the hiring manager.
Hoping everything gets cleared up for you!
Kerry RoperSeptember 23,2021 at 1:46PM UTC
Of course you haven't heard back, this is a "discussion" all businesses have to eventually have, or are currently having and depending on the industry, they have to do what they have to do. Positions are out there, but everyone is fighting for the permanently remote or sitting still waiting to see what their employer is going to do. Recruiters are busier than rabid bees due to the lack of people to fill the positions that are open, where the future of the remoting in may or may not change, and they can't always get the last word on the true path the business is taking on the matter, in other words they lie in order to get a warm body in the seat.
However, what they did here was a classic switcheroo. The recruiter didn't ask enough questions, and the employer should have been more transparent than they were. Now you know the kind of people you're working with.
I'd start looking for a permanently remote position.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:47PM UTC
I am sort of in the same situation, though not entirely. My new job that started in April was supposed to be remote for at least a year. A new manager was hired after me and then we were required to go into the office once a week. I have never liked it. And now suddenly they are pushing for a full return to office ASAP. There have been other problems with the job so the sudden push for a full return to the office was the last straw. Having experienced going in once a week I have decided going into the office is not for me. I thought I could do it after a year like they had said it would be, but I can’t even do it now. So I submitted my resignation. Again, the in office requirement is not the only reason but a big deciding factor after experiencing a lot of other problems with the job.
Jennifer HoweSeptember 23,2021 at 1:47PM UTC
As others have said, I would definitely have a side conversation with your supervisor. Prior however, I would review any signed documents and/or emails that discuss this position being 100% remote, to ensure what your understanding of the position is what is actually in writing. If you do not have the documents in writing and a conversation with your supervisor does not result in you working 100% remotely, I would recommend thinking about if the 1 day per week in the office is truly a deal breaker, as you said you do enjoy your job, and if it is ,know you will find a position that is 100% remote that you equally enjoy. Another thought...if they are not willing to uphold what was agreed upon with you being 100% remote, it says a lot about the company and their desire to retain (or not) high caliber team members.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 1:56PM UTC
One thing that I think folks forget about "work" is that, unless you are a member of a Labor Union or have a written contract, your position and work description is subject to change. And, this speaks to probably 90% of the workforce. I'm sorry about this, but it's the reality of work life. And so, your employer/manager are not being nefarious- things at your current workplace have changed and leadership feels that people need to be physically present (at least once/week, as you've described). Your response is up to you. You love the job. You feel frustrated that the job has changed. But, you also should acknowledge that there were no permanent promises with this position- only best intentions at the time. The world of Covid has thrown every industry for a loop and there really are no longer guarantees on "anything" (I work in healthcare; I know this!). So again...the impetus is on you and your response. I think it's ok for you to inquire and push back a little bit..but be careful. Be glad you've got a job, my friend. You're simply going to have to weigh the pros and cons of sticking with this employer; it's not up to them to personally craft something around you when things have changed within the company. Keep that in mind as you move forward. My advice: Stay under the radar and watch what happens without voicing too much (and sounding dissatisfied). My guess is that leadership will change direction again, with CoVid variants blowing up the hospital systems. Lay Low and count your blessings.
Sarah BordersSeptember 23,2021 at 2:02PM UTC
First off, I just want to say that it’s only gaslighting if, for example, your request for clarification is met with something like, “If you were listening when we hired you, you’d know that working remote was *always* going to be temporary,” or some other manipulative response that makes you question your memory (or sanity).
That said, it’s entirely possible this was a miscommunication from the start, rather than a bait-and-switch tactic, so I would be careful about ascribing nefarious intent as you address it with your employer.
To the heart of the matter, I am firm believer in not settling for less than 100% of what you need to be happy in your career. You are going to spend so much time at work, and life is far too short not to love the work you do, the people you get to work with, and the environment you work in.
It seems that you *do* love what you do, so you just have to ask yourself whether this change is a dealbreaker. Once you’ve determined what your bottom-line needs are, try following up with your boss and/or HR about it; reiterate how much you love your job, but express your concerns about this change, and the uncertainty of where it will end. Maybe there is some room for compromise, but again, unless work is just a job for you and not a calling, don’t compromise on what you need to be happy.
Good luck!
Cindie BeachSeptember 23,2021 at 2:15PM UTC
What did your offer letter say? Remote work for now or remote work now/in the office possible?
What did you agree to/sign?
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 2:34PM UTC
“At least” once a week indicates the expectation of more. That being said, it’s not up to your employer to tailor their policies based on individual employee needs. Companies pivoted in reaction to the pandemic to stay in business and to continue to serve their clients safely. Now they are pivoting back to SOP. How long has it been since first recruiter contact? If the process has been long, it’s not surprising that things are changing. Again.
GirlBossanova934974September 23,2021 at 3:06PM UTC
I would be looking for another job right away. The truth of the matter is that times change. HOWEVER, the agreements that we make are not subject to change once the terms are agreed upon. Your manager made an agreement. Now he or she is being overruled by someone higher up in the company. OK! Fine! You folks don't keep your agreements. As such, I as the employee am now free to look around and go elsewhere as soon as possible. The "smart play" by the employer should have been........we anticipate being remote for the next few months BUT...........after that, things COULD change. OK! That's fair. Reneging upon agreements is not fair game. MOVE ON!
DanaSeptember 23,2021 at 8:37PM UTC
This is absolutely correct. Plus, as in any relationship, when one party commits to an agreement that is so important you base your decision to work there on it, and then changes their mind you have to realize you can not trust anything they say going forward.
Good luck finding another job.
Gerry HolmesSeptember 23,2021 at 4:10PM UTC
How companies do one thing is how they do all things. Obviously they are not thruthful or true to their word. If misleading is their thing they will do it again.
Renee Radcliff SinclairSeptember 23,2021 at 5:24PM UTC
I wouldn't be so quick to label this as gaslighting...things change, company needs (and, therefore, exceptions) change. I know it might be hard to see that from the position you are currently viewing this from, but most people really do not set out each day thinking about who they can mess with. Take a deep breath, build a strategy that you can present to your boss(es) that outlines hiring discussions and your productivity while working remotely (even as a new employee), and how you propose to continue bringing value to the organization from a remote location. It doesn't sound (from this post) like you've explored options with them yet -- you might just have a positive outcome! But please, please, please don't assume people are out to screw you. In most cases, they are not.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 5:51PM UTC
Sadly, one must always get these kinds of conditions IN WRITING.
Kelli CantrellSeptember 23,2021 at 7:13PM UTC
Its really best if you had a written contract that lists job expectations and duties. And that includes the job location. Talk to your managers and state what you expected. Jobs are always changing though. Its the current world, the current environment. Unfortunately the responsibly is on you.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 7:16PM UTC
Unfortunately companies can change their minds at any time. The company I work for is choosing to terminate all existing remote work contracts and requiring everyone to be in the office a minimum of 3 days a week, including people who were 100% remote before the pandemic. To be able work remote, the decision now needs to be reviewed and approved by an operating committee. The catch phrase they're using in their communications is we work better when we're together. This is a major company and the new policy will impact quite a few employees. I started remote knowing I would eventually go into an office but am happy for the option of two work from home days. I feel for my colleagues who were 100% remote for years and suddenly have to switch gears.
In your situation, I would ask for clarification on the new directive and remind your manager that working remote was the deciding factor on leaving your last position for this company. See if there's some flexiblity or if you could be put in a non-client facing role if you prefer not to meet with clients.
Joanna PoeSeptember 23,2021 at 9:31PM UTC
I feel like a lot of people hired during the pandemic are getting this, and the only way to be sure you've got a leg to stand on is to get your remote-work position and schedule in writing.
If it wasn't explicitly stated in the offer letter and all you've got are emails or chats going between you and the hiring manager, that may be enough to satisfy most people's sense of fairness, but might not be enough to get an unreasonable manager to change their minds. It all depends on your direct manager and your relationship with them, at that point.
If you can get anyone's attention, maybe write up a proposed flex-work schedule that has you only going to the office once every other week or something, on specific days, and schedule all your client meetings for those days? Otherwise, look on job boards that specifically cater to remote, and good luck.
Rebecca SteigerSeptember 23,2021 at 10:19PM UTC
I live in the Seattle WA area and traffic / commutes are terrible with congestion. I don't understand why Companies don't apply logic: Less overhead for office space, less time wasted commuting, happier employees. If the same amount of work, sales , company income is the same or better, why not continue? ISSUES WITH CONTROL. Example: working remotely, your productivity increases with less time spent. In the office they can add more to your responsibilities for the same pay. Maybe they don't have a company culture that values happy employees. I
Karen GongawareSeptember 24,2021 at 6:29PM UTC
I am assuming you signed a contract stating you will work FT from home. That's all you need.
Tina AsherSeptember 24,2021 at 7:58PM UTC
That's really unfortunate. Companies merge, managers leave, and HR personnel change frequently. Negotiating terms to take a new position should always be in writing. I made the mistake once of negotiating to keep my 5 weeks of vacation intact instead of going back to the standard 2 weeks to start and another week added each year. The boss agreed and yet I didn't get it in writing so when he left I had to "re-negotiate" it with my new manager. Hopefully, you can re-enter into an agreement with them and they will honor it in writing for you.