How to handle work in office vs. work at home requirement when I want to work almost exclusively from home?

[TheEternalPessimist]

Hi everyone,

I really need some help figuring this out. I've been working at my company for 3 years now and because I got hired just 2 months before the pandemic, nearly all of my shifts from early 2020 until now have taken place from home. In the meantime, a lot of things have changed within the company and almost everything I enjoyed and appreciated is now long gone.

There was a mass exodus earlier this year so over 90% of my colleagues have left including nearly all of the previous managers and staff. We also switched offices and moved to an area of the city further away from where I live. I now have a new boss who is actually a freelancer and doesn't even live in the country but just shows up at the office every 2 months or so to have meetings and such. To put it midly, I find him to be quite incompetent especially when it comes to making work schedules. A few months ago, we had a phone conversation where he told me his plan from February onwards (or management's plan, I don't know) is to have employees work half a month at the office and the other half from home. I told him he could count on me...and now I regret saying that.

Basically, while I was willing to accept working half the time at the office, having done it now for a few days, I came to the conclusion that it's just not feasible for me in the long-term. I live about an hour from the office and work 8 hours per day which means I lose 2 hours a day (when I'm working at the office) in public transit on top of being physically at the office 8 hours per day. When I have 8 am shifts at the office, it's even worse because I have to get up at 6 am just to eat and then head there which I'm not used to, especially when that happens sometimes just a few days after working a 4:30 pm-1 am shift. Switching apartments to find something closer to the office is not an option, I live in a suburb, I enjoy my current flat and would struggle badly if I were to try and find something else somewhere closer to the city center due to rent prices but also mass scarcity of apartments which leads to some people literally waiting for years to find something decent. Switching jobs is also not an option for me because there is no other company I can work for doing what I am doing in the city where I live. 

My boss will be in the country in early March for 4-5 days and when he's there we usually work exclusively at the office. I plan to have a talk with him about all of this but I have no idea what to say. Should I get a lawyer maybe? Can they fire me for refusing to work at the office half a month? My plan is to tell him I want to work from home and maybe come to the office for shifts for a maximum of 3-4 days per month.

Sidenote: I'm an immigrant worker and I am only at the company and in the city until I get my permanent residency in mid-2024, after which I plan to move in an other area of the country and either request from my company to work exclusively online (from home) or find another job.   

[Alpacalia]

Working half the time at the office and half the time from home is not a feasible option for you, given the long commute and the impact it's having on your overall well-being.

In your upcoming meeting with your boss, it would be appropriate to clearly state your concerns and to request an alternative arrangement that would work better for you, such as working primarily from home with occasional visits to the office for essential meetings or tasks. You could also ask to have a flexible schedule to accommodate your commute and to better manage the physical and mental demands of working both in-person and from home.

Approach the conversation professionally and to be prepared to explain the reasons for your request and the impact it would have on your work and overall well-being. You could also inquire about company policies regarding remote work arrangements and whether there is any precedent for accommodating similar requests from other employees.

In general, it is not illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for refusing to work at the office, but there are exceptions and nuances depending on the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction. Before your meeting with your boss, you may want to consult with a lawyer to understand your rights and to have a clear understanding of the legal implications of your request.

In any case, it's important to take steps to protect your well-being and to find a work arrangement that works for you. Good luck!

[Wiseman2]

2 hours ago, TheEternalPessimist said:

 My plan is to tell him I want to work from home and maybe come to the office for shifts for a maximum of 3-4 days per month.

Yes see if you can negotiate something along those lines. Have an offer prepared to make it worth their while to allow this. Try to present a win-win situation to them.

As far as hybrid work, it's becoming more common. The employer can set the terms. Do not discuss whatever personal inconvenience such as when you get up for breakfast. Instead try to show them the benefits to them of your working from home.

Edited February 3, 2023 by Wiseman2

[JTSW]

Talk to him and tell him what you told us, that it has become difficult to get the office.

Also tell him that what you do at the office you can do just the same at home, that it wont affect your work in any way.

 

[TheEternalPessimist]

16 minutes ago, Wiseman2 said:

Yes see if you can negotiate something along those lines. Have an offer prepared to make it worth their while to allow this. Try to present a win-win situation to them.

As far as hybrid work, it's becoming more common. The employer can set the terms. Do not discuss whatever personal inconvenience such as when you get up for breakfast. Instead try to show them the benefits to them of your working from home.

There are no benefits to them of me working from home. 

[TheEternalPessimist]

5 minutes ago, JTSW said:

Talk to him and tell him what you told us, that it has become difficult to get the office.

Also tell him that what you do at the office you can do just the same at home, that it wont affect your work in any way.

 

He won't care that it has become difficult to get to the office or that what I can do at the office, I can also do at home, that's the thing. 

[Alpacalia]

If you're already sure he won't care then why bother?

There's a few ways you can approach it:

Make a strong case: Present the benefits of working from home for both you and the company, such as increased productivity, reduced commute time, and cost savings. Provide concrete data and examples to support your case.

Offer a trial period: Suggest a trial period during which you can work from home and demonstrate that you are just as productive and efficient as you are in the office.

Address potential concerns: Anticipate and address any potential concerns or objections that your boss might have, such as difficulties with communication and collaboration, or concerns about accountability and oversight. Offer solutions to mitigate these concerns.

Be flexible: Be open to negotiating and compromising, such as working from home a few days a week or during specific hours.

Build a strong working relationship: Build a positive and supportive relationship with your boss, and demonstrate that you are reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated to your work.

Remember, working from home is a privilege, not a right, and ultimately it is up to your boss to decide whether or not it is possible. Be respectful and professional in your approach, and keep in mind that the decision may depend on the company's policies and procedures, as well as the needs of the business.

[TheEternalPessimist]

Fair enough, I can do that. I didn't write this message necessarily with the hopes that someone would tell me to talk to my boss, I am just assessing my options. 

[Wiseman2]

2 hours ago, TheEternalPessimist said:

  I'm an immigrant worker and I am only at the company and in the city until I get my permanent residency in mid-2024, 

Is your residency contingent on this employment? If you look for other jobs will that affect your immigration status?  Reread your contract. Make sure you aren't jeopardizing things because of an inconvenience. Perhaps talk to an immigration specialist/attorney to review what your best course of action is. 

[TheEternalPessimist]

My residency is contingent on working constantly but it's no longer contingent on this job, no. 

[Alpacalia]

31 minutes ago, TheEternalPessimist said:

Fair enough, I can do that. I didn't write this message necessarily with the hopes that someone would tell me to talk to my boss, I am just assessing my options. 

Oh, sorry. Your initial thread indicated that you planned to let him know that you wanted to work from home and come in for shifts.

Getting another job is an option if your current work arrangement doesn't work for you. Start your own business or work as a freelancer, which gives you greater control over your schedule. Try to negotiate reduced hours, flexible schedules, or telecommuting with your current employer.

A legal or immigration professional can help you understand the requirements and implications of your specific situation based on your residency status.

Good luck with your assessment, and I hope that you find the solution that works best for you.

[TheEternalPessimist]

22 minutes ago, Alpacalia said:

Oh, sorry. Your initial thread indicated that you planned to let him know that you wanted to work from home and come in for shifts.

Getting another job is an option if your current work arrangement doesn't work for you. Start your own business or work as a freelancer, which gives you greater control over your schedule. Try to negotiate reduced hours, flexible schedules, or telecommuting with your current employer.

A legal or immigration professional can help you understand the requirements and implications of your specific situation based on your residency status.

Good luck with your assessment, and I hope that you find the solution that works best for you.

I cannot afford to be a freelancer both financially and because it doesn't match the requirements needed to get permanent residency, it will only hurt me in the long run. 

[Wiseman2]

59 minutes ago, TheEternalPessimist said:

My residency is contingent on working constantly but it's no longer contingent on this job, no. 

You could apply for other jobs if the immigration requirements are simply steady employment. Make sure you have something lined up either way. 

[mark clemson]

One possible solution for you to consider would be to find another job, particularly if "everything you used to like" about working there has changed. Moving to a better job financially that you also enjoy more (if possible) could be a happy outcome of all this.

[TheEternalPessimist]

1 hour ago, Wiseman2 said:

You could apply for other jobs if the immigration requirements are simply steady employment. Make sure you have something lined up either way. 

 

1 minute ago, mark clemson said:

One possible solution for you to consider would be to find another job, particularly if "everything you used to like" about working there has changed. Moving to a better job financially that you also enjoy more (if possible) could be a happy outcome of all this.

You don't understand, I can't find another job just like that, the market is extremely limited for my field and in english.

[mark clemson]

^^ Ok. Others have provided alternate suggestions above. GL!

Edited February 3, 2023 by mark clemson

[Weezy1973]

There’s no harm in asking, but where I live ar least, an hour commute each way is not uncommon. Worst case is you have to just do it until you get your residency status. You will adjust to the new routine. I’d suggest going to bed early and waking up early everyday instead of just the days you need to go into work. 
 

And yes they can fire you for not doing what they’re asking you to do. But they can’t fire you for asking.

Edited February 3, 2023 by Weezy1973

[TheEternalPessimist]

19 minutes ago, Weezy1973 said:

There’s no harm in asking, but where I live ar least, an hour commute each way is not uncommon. Worst case is you have to just do it until you get your residency status. You will adjust to the new routine. I’d suggest going to bed early and waking up early everyday instead of just the days you need to go into work. 
 

And yes they can fire you for not doing what they’re asking you to do. But they can’t fire you for asking.

Heh, as if it's that simple when my schedules change, week in, week out so I end up working pass midnight sometimes. 

[glows]

It sounds stressful and a waste of time. I’m sorry it’s set up this way. He may be receptive to other alternatives but if you don’t ask you don’t know.

[PotatoHead]

Having a commute take time out of your day is normal.  That said, it sucks that you were allowed to get comfortable working from home and now have to endure the commute.  It will take some getting used to but the only alternative is to find another job.  You can certainly mention it to your boss but they have no obligation to allow you to work from home, that is a privilege and a luxury that many people take for granted.

If you can sense my bitterness, it is because I travel over an hour each way to work every single day.  But this is partially my own choice because I feel the job and the salary is worth it.  The commute also wasn't nearly as bad when I started during COVID when nobody was on the roads.  However I have also been able to explain to my bosses that working from home occasionally has the benefit of gaining me back 2+ hours in the day that I could be working, it's better for my mental health and energy to get a break from the commute and therefore allows for better performance to be sustained through the work week.  You could try saying something along those lines.

[TheEternalPessimist]

34 minutes ago, PotatoHead said:

Having a commute take time out of your day is normal.  That said, it sucks that you were allowed to get comfortable working from home and now have to endure the commute.  It will take some getting used to but the only alternative is to find another job.  You can certainly mention it to your boss but they have no obligation to allow you to work from home, that is a privilege and a luxury that many people take for granted.

If you can sense my bitterness, it is because I travel over an hour each way to work every single day.  But this is partially my own choice because I feel the job and the salary is worth it.  The commute also wasn't nearly as bad when I started during COVID when nobody was on the roads.  However I have also been able to explain to my bosses that working from home occasionally has the benefit of gaining me back 2+ hours in the day that I could be working, it's better for my mental health and energy to get a break from the commute and therefore allows for better performance to be sustained through the work week.  You could try saying something along those lines.

So in other words I shouldn't have been allowed to get comfortable working from home?

You have no reason to be bitter towards me, I am not responsible for your situation just like you are not responsible for mine. 

[Weezy1973]

I’d just ask them. Worst thing that happens is they say no, you have to come to the office now. Then you can choose to just deal with it as it’s only temporary, or leave the company and deal with the ramifications of that. Companies change policies all the time, and employees are free to leave if they’re not happy with it.

[PotatoHead]

1 hour ago, TheEternalPessimist said:

So in other words I shouldn't have been allowed to get comfortable working from home?

You have no reason to be bitter towards me, I am not responsible for your situation just like you are not responsible for mine. 

You took a part of my quote out of context.  What sucks is that your employer changed things up and is making you go to work.

Of course I am not bitter towards you, never said that either.  But towards having a long work commute and being in a similar situation.  I gave you plenty of advice on how to try and manage the situation but you seem to have skipped over that and looked for a way to be personally offended instead.  Good luck with things.

[Lotsgoingon]

Let's get clear here: a company can require you to work in a warehouse, in a hayfield, outside in the cold or anywhere it sees fit. You have no right to work at home, none--just as you have to right to work at this company. 

You ask whether you should get a lawyer---that's like asking if I should consult a lawyer when my girl friend complains about me. No lawyer would take your money.

You have to pitch and persuade and make the case for working at home like you want. Stay on that channel: you think you serve the company well to work at home. Ironically you should hang out in the office a bit in order to get the political temperature for asking to not have to go to the office. The atmosphere and feel of things in the office is what determines the approach. Like if you're a superstar and in high demand and they don't want to lose you, that's one thing. If you are an employee who can be easily replaced (most of us can whether we like it or admit it or not), then that's a very different thing.

It's much better to pick up the political context by just hanging out than it is to directly call and ask for this information. 

 

Edited February 4, 2023 by Lotsgoingon

[basil67]

As there are no benefits to your company for you working at home, you can't change jobs or change where you live, you're probably stuck with it.  

Where I live, commuting for an hour is quite normal.  Yes, it's a drag getting up at 5:50am and getting home after dark - I did it for years!  But unless you can afford to live where the work is or have a skillset which is in high demand, it's just part of living and working in a large city.