We're all in a “boiling the frog” situation where company forced RTO (return to office) 1 day a week and now suddenly wants 3 days a week in office. Only a few people spoke up the first time (including me) and top management claims we are a vocal minority and that there are a “significant amount of people who enjoy coming to office”. They didn't show any data to back this up, obviously. I've visited the office on many occasions when coming in was still optional, and they were 99% empty. Last year HR did group meetings with people to collect feedback on WFH and the majority of people said they were very happy with it. Now RTO is forced because “company culture”.
I think most people are just going to silently comply with this and eventually we will be back to 5 days a week. Any ideas what I can do, aside from getting a new job, to fight against this? I'm guessing the real reason why they want to RTO is one of three options, or maybe a combination: (1) cull the herd instead of doing layoffs (2) CEO power-play (3) real estate related reasons since they keep mentioning updating the office buildings. I've complained directly to my manager and he doesn't want to come in either but is just as cowardly as everyone else and won't stand up for himself or any of us.
My job can be done 100% remotely so there is no reason for me to come to office, and I'm a “top performer”, but finding a new remote job would be difficult right now. Should I just suck it up while the economy sucks and go with it? If this is happening because the company intentionally wants people to quit, then it seems like my only option.