Return to office?

10 Comments

1. Rebecca AliDecember 3,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

   First - yay for finding a job you love to do! Not everyone finds that sweet spot. Before you spend too much time agonizing over whether you have to leave, consider a few alternatives that you would be willing to negotiate with your manager. It's likely the company will grant you a medical exemption due to your underlying health conditions. However, if that doesn't happen for whatever reason, you may want to consider where your red line is - are you willing to go in 1-2 days per week? Can you come in for special meetings, project work, or events? If so, what sort of accommodations would you need - quiet space, mask wearing, extra breaks? These sorts of issues are generally seen as an either/or but often there is a way to negotiate a middle ground. Good luck!

2. AnonymousDecember 3,2022 at 3:23PM UTC

   My advice...for what it is worth...and it is free. Is communicate.

   Speak with your supervisor about your enjoyment of the company and position along with your health issues. With Covid we learned more people than we knew had issues like yours. Good people, great employees but need a bit of flexibility.

   Explain your needs up front so they will be aware before decisions are made.

   In the end your chances will be 50/50 if you can continue as is now. But if you don't mention your needs it will likely be 100% not in your favor.

3. AnonymousDecember 3,2022 at 11:44PM UTC

   It sounds like an absolute deal breaker so I hope they provide you with a remote accommodation or you’ll need to look for another position whether you won't be in an office.

4. AnonymousDecember 4,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

   I was in a similar situation in that I started a job fully remote during the pandemic and after about a year, was asked to come into the office 3 days a week. I have to say, it’s been brutal! Soon after returning to the office, I started experiencing chauvinist behaviors (like a man telling me to smile more while working alone in my office?!), not to mention the dreaded commute and exposure to pot smoke upon arrival to the city. I hate it and wish that I spoke up/protested more. On top of that, none of the executive team have been in the office for 3 days per week since the policy started, so apparently the policy only applies to the powerless. I also ended up getting COVID due to exposure in the office. Please speak up. I can attest to the misery!

5. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachDecember 5,2022 at 10:56PM UTC

   I would have this discussion with your manager and keep it strictly regarding your work output (and not base it on personal enjoyment, even if you love it!). Maybe ask for a trial period for you to WFH or come in on important meeting days, or a hybrid schedule .

6. Karen BurkeDecember 6,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

   I can relate to this. I switched to a new role within the same company in October. It's work that I am excited about, but the fact that it was remote was important in my consideration (the location it's at is 2x as far from my home as my previous role). Now the company has decided we can't be productive unless in the office (despite record profits), and now I'm trying to figure out what my next move is, because HR decided I'm a "hybrid" employee.

7. AnonymousDecember 6,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

   consider starting with what your boundaries look like. Are you willing to compromise at all?

   you’ll need to communicate your needs with your supervisor about what you want/need, why, and how you can compromise with them if you are willing.

   I do believe face to face collaboration is needed from time to time but returning full time would be a deal breaker for me.

   For example, I’d be willing to return 2 days a week at for important collaborative meetings if I lived near any office… as it stands it’s never an option for me unless they want to pay for a hotel for me because I live hours off the beaten path. Also, what other accommodations will you require, like isolation away from others if you are worried about getting sick, etc.

   If they aren’t willing to negotiate - then you have your answer and it’s time to look for another opportunity (while you still have a job).

8. AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 2:07PM UTC

   i am in the same boat - immunocompromised, an introvert and being called back into the office. i got an ADA accommodation to work from home, but i did tell my boss i would work hybrid most of the time unless i feel uncomfortable when getting to work and can tell everyone is sick and then on weeks that i get my infusions, i can WFH. i also mask up while i'm there which is frustrating and can feel lonely but it eases my fears of catching something at work. i can unfortunately tell that it will be better for my career to be in office since i am still new to my field and gaining experience.

9. AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

   Heartbreaking. I have been remote since the pandemic took hold in 2020 and now my company wants everyone back in the office for "culture," so I feel your pain. I am trying to start with 2 days a week with a slightly earlier start time because of my commute. I also have respiratory health issues, so along with the fact that I cough a lot, I will be at a cubicle in a mask uncomfortable.

   RANT: I really believe that this return to office movement is all about power and privilege. My CEO lives in a nice area, drives a nice car, has a lovely commute and works in a nice corner office with a window. He likes hot-shotting around, small talk and having lunch with power pals. Good for him. He can do that without me shivering at an ancient cubicle in a loud group office with no windows. As a "poor" I live farther away and have to battle traffic and a 40+ minute commute each way in an older car I hope survives. I am also the primary grocery shopper, cook, and house stuff person because my partner has a physically demanding job and works odd, long hours. The flexibility of being able to eat at home, start dinner, put in laundry and be available to my senior dog have been the bright spot of my job routine. And I work during the hours I would have normally been commuting. I can't really afford to go out to lunch, and frankly if I am going to go out to a restaurant, I would like it to be with people I want to spend time with, someplace I want to go. I'm not interested in social time with my coworkers. So now I'll have to meal prep on my day off to bring food to work to eat at my desk. I am already exhausted thinking about the florescent lighting and fake smiles.

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 31,2022 at 9:24PM UTC

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been put in this spot. I have worked remote for over 15 years and love it. For me personally, it's a deal breaker.