So, my parent company is a worldwide, billion dollar conglomerate.
Since March 2020, they have actually been very good about pivoting when it comes to pandemic safety and work life balance.
But out of nowhere last month, came the edict that all employees across the world must be back in the office at minimum Tues-Thurs. A hybrid model is great in theory, but I am about to lose 30+ hours a week to a useless office presence and an hourlong daily commute. It is completely absurd.
Whats especially frustrating is this isn't applied across the board. My team of 12 is regional and we are spread out across a few states. Locally, it is only myself and one colleague in my department. Two of my team members will never return to the office because their locations closed permanently. Several departments became permanently remote. Quite literally, the only reason for my presence in the office is to have a butt in a seat and to be seen by management.
I could go on and on about how dumb this is, but I digress. I just realized though … they refuse to say RTO is mandatory. Through articles published, and every email sent from on high, they have only said they are “asking” employees to return.
Before you say “Oh, fuck it, just tell them no,” here are past examples of workplace/school unfairness that got me into trouble.
I once had a boss who was worthless. Every team member agreed. We got together, created a plan and when new management asked for departmental round table discussions, we prepared to (kindly) bring these issues to light. I volunteered to speak first. After I said my piece … not a single person backed me up. Even worse, a couple people actually recanted and said they didn't see any of the issues. Needless to say … my relationship with that boss was pretty well fucked. Luckily I found a new job a short time later.
Another…I worked in a call center and found out my department was paid significantly less than another that had considerably smaller workloads. I went on a mission to lobby for a raise for my entire department. Not only was it shot down, but when I left, they issued an edict that they would never hire me again (I was young and working a lot of part time jobs…2008 hit, lost the best gig and was unable to return – this company always needed people because of high turnover.)
It's nothing new. In 5th grade, our teacher said it was time for math. I asked, in earnest “Is it ok if I don't do math today?” He said “Sure, but you'll get an F for the day.” Given that I had 180ish days to make up for one daily F, I thought “Sweet!” and didn't open my math book. Welp, turns out he was lying and I got kicked out of class for being disobedient and causing a class disturbance.
So. When I look at past experience and how things pan out for me when I take a stand…I'm quite reticent to make giant waves and say “Fuck off.” I really like my job, I make great money and love the work I do. I just can't stand the idea of following a new rule that makes no sense, and is unfairly administered.
So … how can I take a quiet stand but keep my job??