Awkward situation with colleague and return to office

[Fantasisa]

I'm back in my office working full time, there is loads of space and it is very safe so I don't have any concerns. I wanted to come back so as soon as we were allowed I came back as it suits me much better.

My boss now wants our team to return on a part-time basis and a colleague who has been there the longest so has been able to cherry pick the best parts of the duties of the department is refusing to return at all to office based working.

My boss has said if they want to continue to do much coveted x project, they will need to return to the office otherwise it will be given to me to lead.

The project could be done remotely but it definitely creates more work done that way for my line manager. I would LOVE to do it but I feel like my boss is only dangling it in front of me to back my colleague into a corner which makes me feel awkward.

For background, my colleague seems genuinely worried about Covid and isn't doing it to be difficult, doesn't drive and is concerned about getting the train to work. Boss has offered flexi hours so they can miss 'rush' hour.

WWYD? Ultimately, I guess I will have to do what my boss wants and this would be an amazing career opportunity for me. But I don't want to get caught in the cross fire or damage my relationship long term with my colleage.

If he gives it to you there’s nothing you can do since you’re just following orders. She’d be unreasonable to have an issue with you over it.

That's what I'm telling myself and it isn't even a done deal yet so I shouldn't overthink it. I have really wanted to do a project like this, it just feels tainted somehow.

I'm sure most people would put their own career needs before that of others, so there is no reason for you not to accept the opportunity if given it, especially, as you say, your colleague has already cherry picked the best bits.

You say your boss has valid reasons for making the project be run from the office and the colleague has valid reasons for staying out of the office.

Neither's reasons are super strong but neither are they weak. This is their negotiation. Take no part. Assign no good guy and bad guy hats.

The boss has options because you are ready to rise to the challenge. It is not an ultimatum, it is the boss explaining the options and giving your colleague a choice. It is not like your colleague is going to be made redundant or totally sidelined if this one project goes to you, is it?

They are intelligent professional adults who will make considered professional judgements. Accept your seniors' decision whatever it may be. Watch and learn junior

Well that has told me and good advice.

It is highly unlikely my colleague will be made redundant, but they will possibly get given lower level work to make up the time of the lost project. My boss is incredibly busy and Covid has added a huge amount to his workload so I think he wants the team back in to speed up our productivity and reduce the burden on him which I know my colleague doesn't think is a good enough reason to come back to the office.

Perhaps I should just watch it play out and hope it works out in my favour!

I would focus on what is beneficial to you. Accept the project if you are offered it and want to do it. Your colleague would likely do the same if they have been cherry picking for years.

It's not awkward, you are an employee and will have to do whichever part of the work your boss requests as long as it's within your job description. Nobody will get 100% of what they want through all this.

Ultimately, some businesses are finding that productivity is poor with people wfh. If your boss chooses to give you the project, take it with a smile. You said it created more work for him if people wfh, so you taking on the project and being on site is better for the business.

Take the project, but let her have some involvement in it.
You do need to look after yourself, and it is your bosses choice.... But! I personally never see myself working for my boss, I work for my colleagues as part of a team. This includes their personal development.
I think it's unfair on your colleague. As someone that has had their career hampered by not having much money, can't drive, has kids etc I can see how efforts to be more flexible for people with differing needs opens up the workplace and makes it more diverse.
While it's not your responsibility and not totally in your control, at least try and involve her.
If she's a dick about it though - forget it lol