Posted on 06/07/2022 6:22:42 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
To Jonathan Pruiett, it just didn't make sense.
A geospatial analyst who updates Google maps for a living, Pruiett had been called back to his company's offices in Bothell, Washington, five days a week, starting June 6.
Like many on his team, Pruiett had only worked remotely, having started the job in the pandemic. He'd adapted well to it, finding efficiencies such as multitasking during virtual meetings, using the time to process data.
And yet, now he was being told to report to office. Anyone who failed to report within three days of the return date would be processed as having abandoned their job.
"Nothing will change other than having a couple snacks in our office and having an in-person meeting," Pruiett said. "We're kind of starting to think that this job isn't worth it."
Source of tension between workers and bosses
More than two years into a pandemic that has no clear end, the debate over remote work has only intensified. Working from home isn't possible in many jobs. But for those who have the option, it's now evident that it is feasible, even beneficial.
But how beneficial is a point of contention between workers and their bosses. Some bosses are deciding too much is lost when people aren't in the office and it's time to come back.
Tesla boss Elon Musk is one of them. He recently emailed his employees with the subject line "Remote work is no longer acceptable." He reasoned that Tesla creates and makes "the most exciting and meaningful products of any company on Earth. This will not happen by phoning it in."
Musk told them anyone wishing to do remote work "must be in the office for a minimum (and I mean *minimum*) of 40 hours per week."
(Excerpt) Read more at npr.org ...
The boss who isn’t flexible and keeping up will find his company is fast becoming irrelevant. Sears is a prime example of a company not adapting to the change in the market. Why? Because in part people there did what the boss said.
I’m trying to get the f out of the DC area.
Commuting is such a colossal waste of time. But if you like it knock yourself out.
Who wants to be in physical proximity of woke prog fascists that loom everywhere in the work place.
I visited the main datacenter maybe 1-2 times per year. I was essentially remote as far as my actual job anyway before the lockdowns.
Now? My job hasn't changed other than my commute is about 30 seconds. People no longer wander by my desk socializing, annoying me by using their speakerphone, playing putt-putt in the aisles (That included the Director of the department), etc.
My productivity is way higher than it was working in the office, and my expenses are down. I'm an introvert, so I do not miss being around people.
Along with doing payroll, I am secretary and hostess for my boss. So working from home is not an option.
Oh man, you are living the dream.
“Didn’t wear a mask and shook people’s hand. In this case it wasn’t a pandemic if you refused to participate. I am in close contact with around 10 strangers a week and around 50 employees”
Well, good for you. Don’t be so sure of your health. It will fail in the future -guaranteed with age.
A great many people caught Covid from others who were asymptomatic and unprotected. Many died. I spent eleven days in the hospital and thousands in medical bills due to Covid. I was very fortunate it was in Jan ‘20 before Covid treatment protocols came out.
Well, it changed ownership, the new bosses were idiots, and it closed. I’m just retired now.
That's not healthy either. Your coworkers are coworkers, not friends and social circle. It's wrong to do that to them, and to yourself.
Enjoy your retirement!
This is a great time to be retired.
I’ll probably have to work til Jesus comes back...But my job is pretty good and the commute is not far.
I work for a company that has no office. Every employee works from their home. We have total access to each other via WhatsApp. Doesn’t matter where I am I can talk to the manager….or even the owner if I wanted to via WhatsApp. I wouldn’t go back to an office for any reason.
Where you live is YOUR business
Where you work is your EMPLOYER’S business.
Laguna Beach is still beautiful! I was there for the long Memorial Day holiday and so enjoyed it.
And if you could have done that remotely might you be a little more understanding of those with jobs that can be done well or fully on a remote basis?
Churn works both ways.
Same here. I've been working remotely for more than 5 years. There is no point to me going into the office for much of anything. No real upside to my employer to have me in the office either, as they'd have to pay for space, electricity and other similar things. If they were to suddenly demand I spend time in the office (where ever that is, I don't even know anymore), they'd lose big time, because I'd suddenly be an 8-5, M-F worker. No more 2AM calls, and weekend work, without substantial additional compensation. They'd actually have to staff 24x7 to get 24x7 worth of work. It would simply be prohibitively expensive for them. The nature of my work is fairly solitary. Fortunately my boss understands that. I'm not always working, nose to the grindstone during the week, but everything gets done, and they know I'll be there when they need me at other times. It's a reasonable compromise.
I hear you. I live in NW DC. I fear there is going to be big problems this summer and as we inch closer to Nov.
I’ve given up caring what other people do if it doesn’t affect me a long time ago. If the employer wants them in the office they go to the office. If they don’t want to go to the office they go to the unemployment line I guess
I worked in the same office 35 miles away (but 60-75 minute commute) for 16 years until COVID hit. They sent all but the factory workers home. First full COVID year I got my first perfect performance review ever. Second COVID year I got a near perfect and only lost points because of a customer delay.
Last July they called us back into the office but said we had a choice: full time in office or 3 days in office 2 home; 2 days in office and 3 home; or full time at home. I opted for full time at home.
I have already received a decent raise plus 2 bonuses in 2022 so I am confident that my employer knows I am still working hard and getting the job done from home.
The company in January moved 15 miles FARTHER away from my home into a much smaller office (70% less space) making my possible commute 90 minutes or more. (Office is near Boston.)
I save around 500 miles a week, 7-9 hours commuting time, and $7,000-$8,000 in MA income tax 9I live in NH). No way I am going back into the office. Life is so much better now.
Company benefits too as they no longer have to pay for office space for me - plus I am working more hours now than before. When was in the office I worked 8:45-5:15 each day and did not stay late or take work home unless an extreme emergency. Not I routinely work 45-50 hours.
I think it all depends upon the circumstances of the employer and employee and the work that needs to be done...
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