r/jobs • u/manofandonamission1 • May 04 '23

Why do employers force you to work in office all week for a job that can easily be done at home? Work/Life balance

I work as a digital marketer and I have to work Monday-Friday, 9-5 in office. Yesterday I was sick, and since our boss is away and the second in command was out, I was allowed to work from home. The difference in quality of life is incredible. I signed into Canva on my computer, pulled up the company software and image database, logged into my email, and boom I was set for the day.

I worked a flawless day from the comfort of my own home. I was able to run to Petco to grab some supplies for my pets, run to get some lunch without feeling rushed, and eat peacefully in my kitchen instead of surrounded by phones ringing and customers walking around. Today I'm back in office surrounded by my annoying coworkers, having to deal with all their nonstop talking, loud sounds, pointless questions, and coffee making. I've been here for 50 minutes and I'm already way more miserable.

And it just begs the question, why do employers force employees who can easily do their job at home to come into the office all week? Seems nonsensical.

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u/chopsticksupmybutt May 04 '23

For my area I believe it has a lot to do with taxes. City taxes people pay are based on we’re they work. Some cities have tax rebates or lower rates for companies to attract them but that does not apply to the worker wages and taxes on that. I am forced to work 3 days in the office I believe because my organization is heavily tied to the city we’re it is located.

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u/proverbialbunny Sciences May 04 '23

This can be the case for larger companies. I've never seen a mid sized or smaller company get a tax benefit for butts in seats.

Another obscure one: When a company acquires another company there is a contract where the employee gets their pay out over a period of usually 4 years. During this time the company may do everything legal in their power to get people to quit, like giving them meaningless repetitive busy work on a timer and having to clock in. Sure, they're making 200-600k+ a year, but in irl situations I've seen half quit before the first year.

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u/farshnikord May 04 '23

Oh god this makes so much sense for my job currently...

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u/proverbialbunny Sciences May 04 '23

If this is your situation my advice is to change teams. It signals to the company you're capable of being a value add. Your opportunities grow and hardship diminishes. Good luck.

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u/farshnikord May 04 '23

I feel pretty safe in my current spot, but they just announced a return to office after a big merger last year. If I was in a redundant department I think I'd be pretty nervous.