I was hired by a large bank to work in a remote role last year. As part of my hiring I was told we would go into the office maybe once in a quarter or less, but that I was hired to work primarily remotely.
During this time, I purchased a home in a rural area about an hour from the office and (in order to reduce my debt level to afford the house) I sold my nice, newer car. I used the funds to purchase a small kei car designed for town driving (30-50 mph local driving for groceries and errands).
Fast forward to a few months ago. Company wide return to office mandate. Since my offer letter and written communications didn't state anything about being remote (that was all done verbally or thru phone calls) I had no way to fight the mandate.
I am now forced to drive on the interstate in a microcar that is not designed for long distance commuting, has no safety features besides seat belts – not even airbags.
I also recently was diagnosed with osteoporosis which means even a small fender bender could be devastating for my health, and a serious wreck would almost certainly kill me.
I sent these concerns to management at the start of the RTO mandate and heard back… Exactly nothing.
In conclusion – my health, safety and well-being – up to and including literally risking my life on the daily, is worth less than having one extra butt in a seat. All for a job that I had done for three years remotely and has no need to be in person.
These companies don't care about you as a human. You're just a number – and if you die you'll be replaced in few days like you never existed.