Need suggestions on how to approach the following situation.

Anonymous

February 11,2026 at 3:53AM UTC

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Need suggestions on how to approach the following situation.

I have worked for County government for 18 years.

Eight years ago I was asked to help a director in another department while remaining assigned to my home department and handling duties. I was never officially transferred to the other department so technically I'm still an assigned employee of my home department. In addition, I absorbed the duties of the previous admin in the new assigned department.

For the last 4 years I have been working a hybrid schedule during the COVID era. Recently, a return to work mandate was implemented and those positions working remotely had the choice of onsite or hybrid. I decided to remain hybrid. I signed a work agreement and it was approved by the director my main (home) department.

The department director I was assigned to assist recently retired. Now a new director has been appointed. A memo was sent last week that all (200+) employees in his department return to work onsite 40 hours. He is not aware that I am an employee of another department with an approved work agreement for a hybrid schedule. As far as he knows I've always supported his department. He is aware I work a hybrid schedule. He didn't even ask me before he distributed the memo.

Not even sure his reason for making this mandatory.

Should I speak to the new director about arrangement? Or speak with the department director in my home department?

I want to be relieved of the duties of the department I was never transferred if I can't remain hybrid.

I want to be strategic in how to approach this.

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Katheryn MFebruary 11,2026 at 2:57PM UTC
This sounds incredibly frustrating — and also like a structural issue more than something you should be negotiating alone.
I wouldn’t start by going directly to the new director. You’re officially an employee of your home department, with an approved hybrid agreement signed by that director. The new director may not even realize he doesn’t actually have authority over your work arrangement.
I’d loop in your home department director and have them clarify: you report to them, you’re supporting the other department, and your hybrid agreement still stands. Let leadership sort that out instead of putting you in the middle.
Longer term, this really needs to be formalized. Either your role gets clearly defined under the new director (updated job description, expectations, reporting lines), or you should be relieved of duties you were never officially transferred into — especially if flexibility is being taken away.
I’d frame this as a need for clarity, not pushback.
AnonymousFebruary 12,2026 at 12:56AM UTC
Agree with Katheryn's response.
AnonymousFebruary 12,2026 at 8:36PM UTC
I would work through your home Director. Having them negotiate through chain of command would be smoother than trying to take point on this. Of course ask to be cc'ed to offer additional information if needed.
Julie WozniakFebruary 13,2026 at 2:06PM UTC
I would not "approach" it at all. Follow your director's directive and your newly signed agreement. If the other department's director questions this, direct him to your actual (home) director.
If they transfer you, only then would you need to comply with the RTO directive.
AnonymousFebruary 25,2026 at 3:10PM UTC
speak with the new director. do NOT assume poor motives. this is a busy place (you said 200+ employees)...so be tactful and inform the director of your signed agreement. If an issue, approach HR.
AnonymousMarch 3,2026 at 7:14AM UTC
No, I don't assume a poor motives. Directors have to make executive decisions. And, I confident he did so based on information I'm not privy to. And, I've always been supportive of the job. But I respect the coc and it's best that the Directors speak with each other.
AnonymousMarch 6,2026 at 2:10AM UTC
UPDATE: Thank you all for your advice. My home department Director spoke with the new Director in the department I assist and explained my work arrangement and agreement. The new Director said he is fine with the arrangement and will let it stand because he likes working with me and appreciates my work.

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