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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel uncomfortable with corrective feedback in a hybrid role?

29 replies

Flowerlotuss · 12/06/2026 17:16

Looking for outside perspective on a workplace situation.
I work in a hybrid role and mostly WFH, with occasional office days. A line manager I don’t report to daily has a very corrective communication style when it comes to small process issues (e.g. WFH/office flexibility, timing, etc.).
Recently I went into the office, then left at lunchtime to continue working from home (all office tasks had been completed). I was told I should have asked in advance rather than informed after, and it was raised quite formally. I’ve had similar experiences before where feedback felt quite strong or disproportionate to the issue.
I don’t have an issue with following expectations, but I do find the tone and escalation quite uncomfortable.
Is this a normal hybrid workplace management style, or am I overreacting to tone?

OP posts:
Flowerlotuss · 12/06/2026 21:08

FlapperFlamingo · 12/06/2026 20:40

I have done what the OP does on occasion. I use my Teams to give my location and state “WFH” or “In office”. Would something like that work for you OP if that’s the manager’s issue.

Well, I’m not sure, I could start trying that. But yeah, I think maybe the issue is there’s no explicit rules or anything in writing.

OP posts:
blueshoes · 12/06/2026 21:10

Can you get both line managers to agree on the rules for hybrid working?

It is not in anyone's interests for the managers or reports to have such a fluid situation and for people to find they have tripped up when actually the rules are not clear and/or not consistently enforced.

Flowerlotuss · 12/06/2026 21:15

5128gap · 12/06/2026 20:35

I think its reasonable for mananagers to know where staff are during their contracted hours. For all sorts of reasons from H&S, to monitoring hours worked to ensuring there is minimal staff presence in the office.
So getting you to say sonething before you leave is entirely reasonable. I think an 'I'm off home now, if that's OK' hits the sweet spot between request and inform.

Yes of course. I agree completely. I think perhaps what I’m getting at is her communication style - it feels like any interaction is an opportunity to assert/reprimand - I’m not her subordinate, we’re colleagues - there’s a difference between saying “hey, just a quick heads up before you continue from home to keep track of office presence” as opposed to “where are you? Blah blah” there’s just no decorum whatsoever. I’m not expecting sugar coating or anything but just as I maintain respectful communication with my colleagues I expect the same from her (and anyone else).

OP posts:
Flowerlotuss · 12/06/2026 21:16

blueshoes · 12/06/2026 21:10

Can you get both line managers to agree on the rules for hybrid working?

It is not in anyone's interests for the managers or reports to have such a fluid situation and for people to find they have tripped up when actually the rules are not clear and/or not consistently enforced.

Yes, I think I might raise this in another team meeting.

OP posts:
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