During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies worldwide announced remote work for their employees to help them stay safe. However, now that things are back to normal, most companies are rolling back the work-from-home policy and asking employees to return to the office for at least three days a week. This move comes as many employees are concerned about a possible recession and want the security of a traditional nine-to-five job.
A few months ago, social media company Meta sent a memo to employees that said it would require all but a few management-approved exceptions to come into the office at least three days a week starting September 5. The company, which was recently rebranded from Facebook VR to Meta, has invested in various technologies, including the digital wallet Novi and the video-calling device Portal. It is working on bringing virtual worlds to life through its headsets and software.
The memo from Meta, which Business Insider saw, clarified that employees not granted a remote work exemption could be subject to disciplinary action. The company will use data from employee ID cards and internal tools that show where employees are located to track compliance. It will only allow them to work remotely when there is a “clear business reason,” such as an on-site event or a mandatory meeting.
While working from home is excellent for productivity and convenience, developing a solid professional network can be challenging when you spend little time face-to-face with other employees. It can also be hard to build trust and loyalty with colleagues you cannot physically interact with, making it more challenging to work together effectively.
Despite this, working from home is still a popular option for many people. It gives them a flexible schedule and allows them to be closer to their family, but it may only be suitable for some. Those who prefer more structure and interaction with colleagues should consider switching jobs or finding an office that fits their needs.
Some people who are used to the freedom of working from home are not happy about these changes, but the fact is that most companies now need to have their employees in the office to be productive and maintain a healthy culture. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy argued that it is “easier to learn, model, practice, and strengthen culture when employees are in the office together.” Unsurprisingly, most large companies now require at least three days of in-office work from their employees.
