Manager wants me back in office full-time starting January

Dec 221 min read

We've been hybrid (2 days in, 3 home) for two years. Now upper management wants everyone back. My wife manages her own schedule so childcare could work, but like... why? Our team is scattered across 3 states, half the meetings are on Zoom anyway, and my commute is 45 minutes each way.

Do I push back or just accept it? This company's already got a reputation for not being flexible. Wondering if I should start looking or fight this.

9 comments144 views

Comments(9)

DDan M.RegularDec 23

Our team is basically identical setup (3 time zones) and they tried the same thing. We pushed back with actual meeting stats showing most of our collaboration was async anyway. Sometimes management just misses seeing butts in seats.

TThomas H.RegularDec 24

Our company tried the same thing post-COVID and lost like 6 people because they refused. They quietly went back to hybrid after 4 months. Sometimes you gotta let them realize the talent cost.

AAndy S.RegularDec 25

The "why?" is the right question. Before you accept it, ask your manager point-blank what the expectation is and whether they can give you measurable reasons. If it's just "get back to normal," that's not a real answer.

CCarl W.RegularDec 24

January timing is interesting - if you're really not happy about it, that's right when people are looking to move anyway. Not saying jump ship immediately but maybe start exploring what else is out there just to know your options.

SShane K.New DadDec 25

January is a convenient time to push stuff. Honestly I'd ask if they'd consider a 60-day trial to see if productivity actually changes. Worst case you know the deadline, best case you have data to make your case.

TTyler K.RegularDec 25

The question "why?" is actually the right one to ask back to your manager. Make them explain the business case. A lot of times they don't even have one - it's just "that's how we used to do it."

RRuben A.New DadDec 23

The "childcare could work" thing is doing a lot of heavy lifting in your sentence. That doesn't mean it SHOULD be the solution. Your wife managing her own schedule doesn't mean she should suddenly absorb more of it just because you're physically here.

RRyan G.RegularDec 25

Push back hard on this. If the team is scattered and you've been productive hybrid for 2 years, what's the actual business reason? Upper management loves butts in seats but that doesn't mean it makes sense. Document your productivity metrics if you can.

SSean A.RegularDec 25

Fight this hard. Once they get you back in, "productivity metrics" suddenly mean you need to stay. The hybrid arrangement is working - that's literally data they should care about. What's the actual business reason they're giving?