Employers hell bent on working in the office full time

[NewDayNewLife25]

Anyone else currently job searching and noticed the same thing?

I'm utterly miserable in my current role which is unfortunate as I've been there for 4 years and use to love it, but a new manager has changed things. I've always worked from home.

Anyway, I've been applying for jobs, mainly remote/hybrid working but also a few office based roles. I always state in my cover letter what I'm looking for, and my address is on my CV too.

A few employers have contacted me, saying that I'm perfect for the role, have all the experience/skills that's required and that they think I would make a great addition to the team. But as soon as I've asked about the working set up, that's it, done. They won't entertain it and decline my application.

I just think it's a shame. I know that they probably have plenty of applications, but surely it's more important to hire the right person, with the right skills and experience. Not just because that person happens to live near the office. Half the time they can't even explain why they need the person in the office. Is it control?

I'm fed up already!

I don't actually. After 5 years, it's established custom and practice and I completely understand why people would be unhappy about having to go back to commuting. They have got used to wfh. I wouldn't mind being in the office; lord knows I spent most of my life doing that! I couldn't face the commute. It's such a fucking waste of time, and it's so stressful driving in heavy traffic. And no, there's not suitable or even adequate public transport!

I wouldn't get away with doing half days during school holidays or any other time. My kids are adults now, so it matters not a jot! I don't know anyone who brags about things like that. Everyone I know works hard.

Do you ever wfh? Why are you so deadset against it? Don't do it if you don't want to but why do you resent other people who do?

So you thinking that attending a teams meeting from bed is really a code name for you wanting a nap?

I’m really not bothered about using correct punctuation on you. I think it would be a bit wasted on you

I wouldn't get away with doing half days during school holidays or any other time. My kids are adults now, so it matters not a jot! I don't know anyone who brags about things like that. Everyone I know works hard.
Precisely. Clearly you haven't seen the other side of it! Many people ARE getting away with it and DO have kids theyre simultaneously looking after, and DO brag. Just because you haven't seen this doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

Do you ever wfh? Why are you so deadset against it? Don't do it if you don't want to but why do you resent other people who do?
I'm not actually dead set against WFH, and it's interesting you've interpreted my posts as such. I think a hybrid model in particular can be wonderful for work-life balance, but let's not kid ourselves about the fact that for many people it lowers productivity and they are doing other things on 'work time'.

And yeh, I've worked from home for a bit. I used to work at a university actually, and a lot was allowed to be WFH. And you know what? I DEFINITELY did less work while WFH! I know that is not the case for all, but it is for many - including so many of my friends - so I totally see why employers are trying to get people back in the office amidst claims of lower productivity. Of course I can also understand why employees don't want to!

But, the bottom line is, it's up to the employer to decide. And then it's up to the employee to decide if they want to accept the terms of that job or apply for a different job. What I don't understand is the moaning about employers not offering WFH (or 'only' a hybrid model). Don't like it? Don't work there.

You don't need to be embarrassed at your lack of knowledge.

It wouldn't be wasted on me at all. I have an excellent command of both language and grammar.

@mainecooncatonahottinroof

I have never picked up kids, got a food shop or walked my non-existent dog.

Probably 75% of people wfh work hard & likely do more as they're not commuting. I think the minority are spoiling it for those who are conscientious.

I think if people don't like being asked to go in for 2-3 days a week then maybe it's not the job for them. Surely the employer chooses where they want their employees?

It is coming across as entitled & it does seem to be higher earners who are kicking off.

Surely a hybrid work pattern is the best solution to this. Even someone who has moved further away can stay over 1 night occasionally to enable them to go into the office?

is that before or after your nap?💤

Obviously it is up to the employer. Not one person has disputed that so I don't know why posts insist on keeping trotting it out as if it was news!

If people are getting away with dossing, then their manager needs to deal with them. If someone is doing very little work, surely that is obvious, and would need attention whether the person is in the office or not. Since time immemorial, employees have dossed in full sight while office-based!

I can personally get more done because I have a quiet environment to work in and fewer interruptions. If I don't get everything done during the day that I'd planned, I work on into the evening. I'm most productive later in the day anyway; always have been.

I think it's different strokes for different folks. A couple of my colleagues have decided to work in the office a couple of days a week - one is young, recent new mother, and I think she prefers the company. Two are older single women.

You have been coming across as very anti-wfh, but thank you for maintaining a civil tone and making a reasoned case!

I can understand how, if people have become used to wfh, and in some cases, are now living further away from the office than maybe they did in 2020 - that would always have been a risk too far for me! - and they have a work/life balance built around that, they would feel aggrieved if instructed to return to the office, when they are being perfectly productive at home.

Point out where I said I would take a nap???

What is the point in your snark?

I fully agree.

TBF it's probably higher earning type roles that lend themselves best to wfh? I'd kick off if I was told to return, I will be very honest! I can't see it happening. My employer is considering the estate we have and its future. They will be looking to cut costs.

That minority needs to be managed! I don't have reports as I'm in a specialised role, but if I did I think I would pretty much know if they were taking the piss!

I think a lot of people prefer hybrid. I prefer fully wfh in my role. I don't need to be in an office to carry it out. The only thing I miss is a printer! I did get one early on, bought it myself, but it was going through so many cartridges and work wasn't covering the cost of them, so I stopped using it. We even have to buy our own stationary now!

If I had been in the situation described, in the throes of paying our mortgage and childcare for 3, plus activities, there is no way I could have afforded to stay over for even a night a week.

I think it was foolish to move further away, because it was always a risk, but I can understand too why people did.

I think it's different strokes for different folks.
Yep, fully agree.

If people are getting away with dossing, then their manager needs to deal with them. Well I guess they are... in my friends' cases, by getting them back in the office 🤷‍♀️

You have been coming across as very anti-wfh, but thank you for maintaining a civil tone and making a reasoned case!
Nope, not in the slightest... just anti-moaning and entitlement.
No need to thank me though 🙂

Obviously it is up to the employer. Not one person has disputed that so I don't know why posts insist on keeping trotting it out as if it was news!
Because... isn't this in response to the original OP? I thought she was moaning because employers weren't offering her the fully WFH set-up she desired! ...and therefore had to be reminded that it's upto her employer, not her! Apologies if I've got that wrong (and I could check but can't be bothered to) but I thought that was the whole point of this thread!

I think the OP is long gone!

I'm thanking you for being civil because I am fed up with being met with snarky comments and personal insults re my intelligence, from those who clearly have nothing of value to contribute!

I'm very anti-moaning and entitlement in most instances but in this one, I can understand where they're coming from!

Maybe people are fed up with snarky comments from you.You seem to take personal offence at people daring to question your opinion. I also think you must have a terrible time with comprehension as you have been incredibly “snarky” with people but not receptive to it being returned and dare I say coming across as a bully. No doubt you will reply to this in your usual aggressive manner

I guess my question is who's 'they're' when you say:

I'm very anti-moaning and entitlement in most instances but in this one, I can understand where they're coming from!

Are you referring to the OP? Or other posters? If the OP, I completely disagree with you - she came across as ridiculous in her posts. If you mean other posters who are being forced back to the office... yeh, I have some sympathy and can see it from their POV, although as I said, I can see it from the employers' perspectives too given how many people really do exploit wfh - I have no sympathy with my friends for being sent back to the office, for instance, and do think they deserve it given their boasts to me! I agree it is a shame for someone who is more productive wfh though, and I do think for wellbeing purposes, a hybrid model would be brilliant, even if there are those who take advantage.

Just popping in to appeal for a bit of peace and love. The OP's thread is becoming a bit derailed by a spat here and it's not really fair. Could we draw a line under all this now please and get back to just answering the OP. Thanks!

Well said.

It is a standard email. The same thing is sent to pretty much everyone who registers, uploads a CV and highlights any jobs.
I've had several.

A bit like on marketplace when the standard message "Is this still available?" gets sent!

Can't blame employers for wanting employees back in the office, given the massive amount of skiving when WFH, and consequent drop in productivity. As long as they specify exactly what they're looking for in their description.

As delicious as the rage baiting and people bragging about their out-dated knowledge of Maslow's hierarchy of needs (very googleplex 2010) is, I'll just leave one more reflective question before signing off. Isn't it better when a role isn't fully remote that way we're not up against the entire global talent pool? At least when applying for hybrid roles you know you're only up against other Brits that nap on the job. I never meant to progress past a mid-senior level but as a lot of the departments further down have been outsourced to the Philippines, climbing the ladders has meant I've held onto a job. And i can assure my off-shore colleagues have no issues with showing up to the office - they make us look like slackers to be frank with you. Adapt to survive people - this is life! Don't count on employers bowing to your every whim, they will go elsewhere. I'm not trying to be harsh I just think some of the posts on this thread have been a little unrealistic.

Perfectly and eloquently put