New job backtracking on WFH

[wfhconfusion]

Just looking for some views on this.

I was recently offered a new job by a company in a different country. They were happy to look outside their location to get someone with the right skill set, and they found that remote working was fine for them during covid, so (seemingly) no issue there.

At first I was told I would be working from home, then they were talking about getting me some office space in my nearest city. However I was told that even if this happened, I could work from home the majority of the time. They simply wanted a base. The same day this conversation happened, they sent my contract which said I would be fully remote working initially, but that office space may be made available in the future. This sounded ok based on our discussions so far.

They are now pressing ahead with setting up an office space for me, and have ordered lots of equipment (dual screens, printers, phones, etc). They have now said that if I want to work from home at all, I have to have all of this equipment there too. That's a bit of an issue due to space. I've been working from home in my old job (which is very similar) for the last five months with no problems. I have a laptop and monitor and its fine. But apparently this is not good enough.

Now I'm expected to travel an hour each way by public transport to sit in an office on my own every day. I'm really pissed off but I've already finished up in my old job, and I'm due to start the new one in two weeks. The new job has longer hours, but I didn't mind that when I accepted it as I thought I could work from home. It's a good role and I don't want to start off complaining, but I am feeling pretty disheartened. Is it worth making an issue of or do I need to suck it up?

Have you spoken to the company I express your concern? Perhaps you need to get clarification

When it became apparent that they wanted me in the office, I said that home working was fine for me and that I had space for a laptop and monitor. I also said I was happy to do a mix of office and home, especially if certain tasks require office attendance (though as far as I can see, that's not the case). Their response was that "being in the office would be better."

I didn't push it because I'd already been back and forth with them a lot on the salary and I didn't want it to seem like I was being difficult and pushing back on everything.

Just seems mad that they're forcing me into an office at a time when everyone else is moving away from it. Especially as I'm on my own so don't have the benefit of being with colleagues.

It's a great job opportunity, but this has made me resentful before I've even started, and also makes me wonder if this kind of backtracking will be a common occurance going forward.

Can you just accept the stuff and carry on as you were? My work is also being funny about dual screens - I’m working sitting on my bed, I don’t have space for one let alone two additional screens. It was easier to just accept them and put them away in a cupboard.

Is the office space in a building with other employees of the same company, or just a rented space for you to use alone?

If they’ve determined you need that equipment for the job then I think I’d be trying to make a workspace for it at home and demonstrate how you can fit it in without the office costs.

I didn't push it because I'd already been back and forth with them a lot on the salary and I didn't want it to seem like I was being difficult and pushing back on everything

Negotiating salary isn’t “being difficult” and nor is querying changes to what was discussed when you accepted the job. It sounds like the expectation has changed quite a bit from what was agreed initially and there’s nothing wrong with speaking to them about it to see if you can come to a better compromise.

I would just agree with the proviso that it’s reviewed at the end of the year. By then you will have a better idea of the actual working hours and commute.

@MsEllany If I'd known this was the way they'd react I absolutely would have. Basically they told me what equipment they were ordering for the office and then said "I suppose we should get you the same stuff at home?" I said I was fine with a laptop and monitor as anything more would be difficult space wise. I had no idea this simple comment would lead to them doing a complete about face.

Is it a US company , are they worried about setting a precedent for their local workers ? I can’t understand why they would rent an office space for one person an hour from where that person lives. Do they understand how far the distance is ? I ask because I have had problems with geography and overseas clients, one insisted that a city 2 hours drive away was the nearest facility for something when actually there was one 20 minutes away. Turned out that the had thought I lived somewhere completely different but with the same name

@GingerAndTheBiscuits It's a room in a large office building. I know someone who works for another company in there and she goes in about once every two weeks. She said the place is almost empty.

I think the company have become quite excited about the idea of having a new office in a new country. They are making plans to announce it soon. I guess this may be what's driving it.

@CantSleepClownsWillEatMe

True, and that's the kind of advice I probably would have given to someone else in this situation. I felt weird about it though. Maybe because I've come from a very toxic workplace with a bullying boss, so standing up for myself has previously resulted in a lot of drama.

[quote wfhconfusion]**@CantSleepClownsWillEatMe

True, and that's the kind of advice I probably would have given to someone else in this situation. I felt weird about it though. Maybe because I've come from a very toxic workplace with a bullying boss, so standing up for myself has previously resulted in a lot of drama.[/quote]
New job, new attitude!

Stop framing this in your own mind as being difficult or causing drama. Not easy I know but something you have to work on. It’s perfectly acceptable for you to phone your line manager and raise the issue.

Politely outline that the job was initially intended to be on a wfh basis and that suited you. They then talked about office space but on an occasional basis which was also acceptable to you. They have now indicated that they want you to work in the office space full time. Point out (the bleeding obvious but hey, point it out anyway!) that this is quite different to what was initially agreed and outlined in your contract and so you want to discuss what compromise can be reached that suits both them and you.

Look, it can’t hurt to try. If they say no, it’s ft office based then you either take it on that basis and possibly keep looking for something else, or you decline the job.

If you’re worried about what they might think of you, does it matter? Worst case scenario is you’re working all by yourself in that office space so it’s not like you have to worry about the atmosphere.

Have you left your old job? I would be very put off working fora company who changed their working terms like this. Feel like if you want to work for them regardless then perhaps put up with it. But if you've got other options then say you're not happy and it goes against what you were told at interview and beyond.

I'd be inclined to keep your current job if that is an option, or use Covid 19 concerns as a reason to agree continuing wfh or only going in say once a week.

Thanks for all your advice.

I have left the old job and I wouldn't want to go back anyway as I had a horrible bully for a manager. This job is a good fit in a lot of ways, I'm just worried about what they'll be like as employers if this kind of flip flopping is a common thing.