I used to feel valued here but not anymore. RTO has been the worst thing that’s ever happened to this company. I used to appreciate the flexibility of being able to work from home without a pointless commute and was fine with going in the office when there was good reason like a real face to face meeting.
Before I would often go above and beyond b/c of that flexibility I was once allowed, working 10 hours a day or more if needed, and sometimes even just to get more things done faster. Now I do my 8 hours, drive over an hour home in traffic and don’t even consider doing anything more until the next day. They’ve certainly lost productivity from me and it’s not with any malicious intent, I’m just exhausted after spending nearly 15 hours a week driving that I mostly used to spend working instead.
I wasn’t working two jobs, or going to Costco, or golfing, or whatever other jokes you people like to make here. I have plenty to do and I actually like the work I do. The work is fulfilling, but the policy now is horrible and constantly makes me consider leaving. I like my job and I don’t want to leave but this is just atrocious, and I know I’m not alone. To right the ship, the fix is simple. End RTO, and win back the trust of the employees and instantly boost morale. You’d be surprised how quick the culture could change if you actually had happy employees.
For any people who take advantage, target and punish or terminate them, not the masses. If managers can’t identify the slackers then punish them, not the masses. This isn’t 1969 anymore, we don’t need to be sitting in an office to actually work. We are a global company and sell the ability to work from anywhere but don’t enable our own employees to do so.
The morale will only improve when the policy improves.