Post pandemic, when remote work has become the norm for many industries, one IT professional is pushing back against his employer's strict in-office requirement, even during severe weather conditions.
Earlier this week, a Reddit user shared their frustration about being forced to work from the office despite a significant snowstorm. "My job recently told me that even during the snowstorm we got earlier this week, I am not allowed to work from home at all. Even though I work in IT and do everything remotely, they want me in the office," the post began.
Highlighting the irony of the situation, the worker detailed how their role involves tasks that can be performed entirely online, raising questions about the necessity of physical presence in the office under dangerous travel conditions.
In response to the inflexible policy, the employee decided to take a firm stand by removing work-related communication apps from their phone. "So I deleted Teams and my email off my phone. I am no longer available after hours," they wrote.
The situation came to a head when the worker’s boss attempted to reach them for an urgent matter after hours but was unsuccessful. "He asked why today and I explained to him what was told. I am not allowed to work from home," the Redditor recounted.
A screenshot of the employee's Reddit post has now gone viral on X with over 10 million views.
One user agreed with the Redditor: “Good point. Have you noticed how they grimace when you ask to work from home, but when they need you on a support rota, you're suddenly able to do the most important work from anywhere?”
A second wrote: “Even if you were allowed to work from home, your boss shouldn't expect you to be available outside of working hours (unless your role involves saving lives). Both should be the norm. And I'm an employer.”
“Don't attend calls from work irrespective of what stage of career you are in. Boundaries are important,” commented a third.
“Exactly. No ‘have your cake and eat it too’. If no work from home then my personal phone is off limits,” wrote a fourth.
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