Back in December, after we had returned to WFH due to variants, our company sent out a heartfelt letter from HR that our CEO wanted us to work wherever felt right, and that our happiness, well being and security were his biggest priority. It finished with that there'd be advanced notice if they opted to return to a hybrid model.
My boss was once my peer, and we've been transparent about our mental health. Mine is GREATLY improved by WFH as I have a very limited social battery and prefer to spend it outside of work. She's the opposite, and has struggled with endless days at her bedroom desk. She said she suspected this is life now and we may never go back in.
Less than a week later, she started going in twice a week, but said it wasn't mandatory, however it'd be nice to see me. Things escalated pretty quickly though, after the team didn't get “hints” to come in, the big boss sent out an e-mail that we were to come back to the office, with less than a week's notice.
I was very upset and blindsighted. I let my boss know, and the responses I got made me feel gaslit and I was extremely frustrated.
I forwarded her the e-mail from HR indicating we'd get advanced notice, and she let me know that any manager at any time has the ability to determine when and where you'll work, and that it doesn't indicate a drop in culture.
Thus, I e-mailed HR and they told me there was never a set timeline for return to work, because now that the paraphrasing*: pandemic is over*, aka restrictions have lessened, there's less logistics for people to work around so they see now issue in us returning as our managers see fit.
Yesterday we all got the “employee appreciation day e-mail”.
90 minutes later, the full e-mail from HR came out acknowledging that they are going back on their hybrid work promise and it's up to each and every manager to decide who comes in, because, end product and results are the company's main priority.
This is my first corporate job and it's given me SERIOUS consideration as to whether or not this is what I want to do. I don't like the whiplash. I feel like I'm in golden handcuffs, and have been considering what kinds of hustles and ways I want to actually spend my time. What do I really want to do with the rest of my life? It's the first time I've ever realized a company wants control and power over me, and I don't like it.