I’m a bit upset due to a random policy change. Previously, management was pretty relaxed about working from home and allowed staff to do so as needed. NOW all of a sudden it’s an issue and they want us to be visible in the office, because another manager complained. I spoke to my manager about it because as a mom, I need the flexibility to be able to work from home. After speaking to my manager, it does not sound like they’re willing to accommodate at all.

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but parents aren’t entitled to special treatment in the workplace just because they’re parents. If your company isn’t willing to accommodate wfh and that’s important to you, it may be time to look elsewhere.

I’d be grateful just to have a job…..especially in this market. I also question anyone that can actually get work done with young children in the home

If the management wants to work from home should not be a problem for their employees who to the office everyday.

Time to start looking. There are a good number of companies that are remote-first.

Parents have worked in the office for decades.

I get your frustration, I also understand other comments. As a working mom its hard but as parents we do what we got to do. Now my boys are older so I don't need to worry about babysitter but I do have to leave early sometimes for sports but I'm thankful I have time saved up basically I don't get sick lol I save my time for kids. I love it though! Anyway I hope they atleast give you time to adjust maybe you need to arrange a babysitter. Also I no its hard because some of these employers have high expectations when they took for hires but maybe start looking elsewhere. I wish you luck and hopefully you find balance​​

it time to go then.

Same same
I’m also looking. I’m not yet at a point of giving 0 effs so I’m going in as required. The day I get to that level, I’m just not going to not go in and let them fire me. Ideally I’ll find another job before that lol

OP - do you have to be there all day? I shift my time and work on the train a lot. I get there pretty late and leave in time for daycare pickup. But I do get my hours in either on the commute or after bedtime. Apparently as long as I scan my badge, they don’t care what time I’m in or leave. So I’ve been taking advantage of that. Maybe that can work for you too.

If you are exempt, your manager may allow you to perform some work from home and an occasional school outing as long as you are completing your assignments.

If you are non-exempt, supervision is required so the rules are not so flexible for your supervisor.

In either case, unplanned time off generally requires available time off in accordance with your company policies. What you may really need to know is how much mom time can you take off without being subject to disciplinary action or termination.

Yes, this is happening all over the industry. I suggest you start looking for another job. The expenses of going into the office might warrant lower pay in exchange for the benefits of working from home. Just a thought.

Perhaps you can appeal to your manager about how you are productive working from home. As someone who has family commitments it’s very difficult for me to stay late when working in the office. In order to get all my work done I don’t take breaks as I can’t stay late I’m not sure that is the best thing as breaks can improve employee morale, productivity and prevent burnout. If you have been working from home previously make the case that you were always available when called, your work was always completed on time and you made sure to be in the office when you needed to get things done that required you to be in person. I think organizations should embrace change and offer more hybrid work situations to attract and kept staff. There are high costs to recruiting and training new staff. Honestly if you make a good case to WFH and it’s still a “no” then I would look elsewhere as it says your organization believes you are replaceable. I hope this helps and best of luck.

WFH is far superior to in-office, in terms of productivity.

Even if I napped the entire day and ran errands, I can get more done in 1 hour at home, than in 9 1/2 hours on-site.
In fact, I've found that as a creative...even in a strategic capacity.... My role is that of a second shift employee. So little of my work can even be done, until after all of the busybodies have checked out for the day.

omg - be GRATEFUL you have a job! I would give anything for a job I had to go into the office for!

I guess my question would be, " when is policy of returning to work effective? " Understanding how there will be some adjustment time to set up approciate daycare or nanny services.

Can this start within Jan 2026? Because then you can enroll into healthcare spending account with your 2026 benefit enrollment,, if offered from your company. This is an opportunity to have the allocated money front loaded at the begining of the year and portions deducted from your payslip throughout. And it is a pre-tax deductible.

As there are companies that are requiring employees to return to work,. These countless others that will not. So even in the mist of pressure, There will always be options to flex internally and externally of your company once you understand what they are.

Great Luck

Well, to be honest, companies can change their mind about how people work for them and there's not a lot to do about it, unless you have it in paper that you are a remote worker. Even then there's not a ton you can do if they decide they will no longer have a remote model.

My spouse had moderate dementia, so I work from home 1/2 the time, in person half the time, When I am at work my entire take home salary goes to a caregiver/companion for my spouse. If I were forced to go in full time, it would only be for the immense satisfaction I receive from the work I do, but I would basically make no money at all to keep the rest of our life going, which is on a shoestring at this point. My supervisors and work team have no idea of my spouses condition, and I am considered a high performer at work! Those of you who have not been caregivers yet to children or disabled/elderly family members have no idea of the incredible time management and double tasking skills that get developed out of necessity!

The issue could be not about RTO but because some workers are abusing the privledge. I have worked from home for 17 years and I've seen others think it's so cute to show their babies on camera during calls, or you ask them for input on a meeting and they have walked away from their computer to change a diaper and then announce that fact when they get back and we call them out. It's like the old days where someone would abuse the dress code so they just made it more strict for everyone. I'm tired of rescheduling meetings because someone has to pick up their kids at 3pm when it's supposed to be work time and not their lunch hour. It's not everyone, but a few that ruin it for all. Working at home is NOT a substitute for child care.

Man, the comments on this post got deep and vicious.
The reality of wfh is this; companies who do not have this as some aspect of their business model tend to pull the option when 1 or more people abuse the privilege. It's unfair for those who were utilizing it correctly, staying productive, accomplishing the daily tasks, and actively responding to correspondence.
The part people don't realize is thay covid actually brought forth a cost savings reduction on business and opened the employee pool. With on site jobs you limit the number of people who can apply for your positions and might end up with people less qualified. WFH allows for a more diverse option of candidates. The cost savings comes in as now you are no longer utilizing office space, paying bills, paying off the furnishings, and any other necessities.
You are now looking at software to better accommodate monitoring your employees for their productivity, product licenses,and possibly computer equipment.
Your employees also save money too. No money spent on commute and meals that you do in office.
Currently, I am in a similar situation that wfh was for everyone but bad apples ruined it for my department and we've been stuck in office while everyone else is wfh lol. Sometimes you have to decide what is best for you based off how the company you work for conducts their business.

I feel for you. However, when you began the job was it classed as 'remote working', or was it office-based? Also, is there a possibility you could suggest a nursery-type room in the office for those who have small children? Maybe something to put in the staff suggestions box. Good luck.

I don't have kids at home. With nearly every single job I've had getting any type of work life balance has been like pulling teeth.
Those of you with kids at home need to work the exact same schedules as everyone else. Kids are NO excuse to get gravy hours and every weekend off. I AM TIRED of fighting for the schedule that I have EARNED by putting over 35 years into the workforce at all hours of the day or night, 24/7/365.
The bottom line is this: BEFORE you decide to have kids, think very carefully about how much they cost, what kind of income you will need, and exactly how you and your spouse are going to earn that income. During late Gen X childhood years one parent stayed home, usually the Mom. People didn't divorce each other over stupid crap either. Sometimes the roles were switched and the Dad stayed home, and in a few cases one parent passed on leaving the other to do it all (my Dad raised me because of this).
You want Monday to Friday 8 to 4 with only the overtime that's convenient for you and no on call? EARN IT.

Personally I won't work for people who've not had the honor of having children....it's hard to explain to a self made man with no kids...that you need time off to care for a sick child and besides I was looking for a job when I found this one..my kid as a single mom will ALWAYS trump anything else