My boss has been trying to get people to come back into the office lately. Today, while on a work-related call, I had to lock my dogs out of my room because they were chasing each other.
My boss commented that that must be distracting and therefore reduce my productivity. I countered with the fact that my dogs make me happy which increases my productivity. I get more done at home than in the office. He said that he's found that miserable people are more productive which is why people should come into the office.
Just what? How miserable must he be to think this? Does he want everyone else to be just as miserable as him? Honestly, the company is good, and generally, he's a decent boss. But if I hadn't just started here, I'd consider leaving for a different position. I just can't get it out of my head that my boss thinks that I'll be more productive if I'm miserable and that productivity is even worth my mental health.
And you know what the worst part is? He actually believes what he's saying without any ill-intent. From what I can tell, he thinks that this is normal to sacrifice your mental health for a company. It just makes me feel sad for him…..