Being 'forced' back into the office

[PinkPeonies22]

Wondering whether anyone works for companies that after letting them work remotely for several years during the pandemic, have now told them they need to return to the office. How have organisations been policing/enforcing it, and has anyone been made to leave for refusing to go back? If so, how? (eg. was it via disciplinary?), and did you have compelling reasons why you wanted to continue to work remotely? Thanks in advance.

Introversion isn’t a condition that needs managing or making better.

Thank you for saying this. I wish more people would try to understand what "introvert" means. It doesn't need curing. We don't just need to try harder. We don't just need to go out more. We're fine as we are. You never hear anyone telling extroverts they should stay in more do you? Why is it assumed that extrovert is preferable to introvert?

In response to @Whenharrymetsmelly , I'm an introvert, I've been WFH for over 10 years and I'm far from socially incompetent.

I suspect many did but have understandable gotten used to that extra money in their pockets, especially now.

It’s been used as a reason not to give staff a pay increase at my workplace - wfh = no commuting costs, therefore no pay rise. Notwithstanding the fact that we still have to pay expensive heating and electricity while at home.

If you're based from home then you can claim your travel expenses back from the company!

Nobody is entitled to any travel expenses by law. A company may offer travel expenses, and if they do the terms are dictated by them. If you have legitimate expenses and the employer does not pay them, then there are ways of claiming them as tax deductions. But it would be incorrect to state that you are entitled to claim travel expenses from the company unless you know the terms the company offers.

unfortunately employers are waking up to the reduced productivity levels of some employees who are still working from home. They are noticing the isolation that some staff feel and see the loss of cross-fertilisation of ideas, research and good practice. Before the pandemic we were less productive that France and now it’s worse. There are many reasons why employers want us back in the office and unless our employment contracts were changed to give us the choice we can’t do an awful lot to avoid it.

No employers are waking up to the fact that they have expensive office estate they can't shift

That any voice they have in the government ear is linked to numbers in offices

Most rent their premises and now we are 3 plus years in unless they have enduring agreements (unusual) then they would have been able to break their lease or to find smaller offices by now. For those that own their offices (rare) then they can sell them for housing. Those who own and lease the office spaces that have a lot to lose aren't overly influential in terms of most businesses. They might be to the government but they can't dictate what private companies force their employees to do.

Reality is that for most jobs being home full time isn't as beneficial to the business.

@ProudToBeANorthener
unfortunately employers are waking up to the reduced productivity levels of some employees who are still working from home. They are noticing the isolation that some staff feel and see the loss of cross-fertilisation of ideas, research and good practice.

Where is the evidence for this?

I really don't like this baseless belief that working from home = people skiving

or that people feel ''isolated'' if they don't have face to face interaction with colleagues.

Most of us are perfectly able to manage and deliver our work remotely and don't depend on colleagues for socialising.

As for ''cross-fertilisation of ideas'' meetings and discussions continue to happen whether you are in the same room or not.

I think that extra money has now been swallowed by inflation. You'd be much worse off now unless you got a really good pay rise.

The evidence is currently anecdotal but I am sure that, sadly, it will be validated in time. I’m interested that you ignore the productivity point that I’m making and I’m afraid that I’d dispute your use of the word “most.” I think “some” would be more appropriate. Many employees benefit from being directed which is less easy with remote working.

The studies that have been done all show improved productivity with WFH

Google is your friend if you want to see a selection of studies all showing similar things

So ranting on about productivity isn't going to convince people who know otherwise
It's like expecting to be taken seriously if you say the world is flat

I believe the key here is that it's a 'selection' of studies, ie handpicked to suit the narrative. In honesty most things can be proven the by selecting the participants and the way you measure productivity to suit your purpose. Anecdotally and from talking to others across different industries and sectors no one thinks its more productive on a team/company level, its just more suitable for some individuals who enjoy it.

Maybe but that is not the employers fault if i was playing devil's advocate.

No, but they are also saving (shit tons of) money by reducing office space.

We moved to a different city (from London) in 2021 but did not rely on being able to both stay in our London jobs and wfh. My partner negotiated a remote working contract and I resigned from my job and went freelance. My partner now has a local job.

There is no way we would have taken the risk to move hours away from the place of work listed in our contracts and just hope that we weren't asked to start commuting several times a week.