Remote Work and Individual Contributors
For the next few weeks, I have some posts that are going to get real in regards to remote work. Coming from a classroom environment where I was told when and where to eat lunch for a decade, I have some strong opinions about autonomy and flexibility in a workplace.
I’ll start with this: in-person office work is better for bosses. Executive nostalgia is real, according to this Forbes article.
Senior leadership makes more money and can afford things like childcare, lunches out, and nicer cars for a more agreeable commute. This all makes office work an attractive option for them.
Their offices are more private and comfortable as well. As someone who worked in a cubicle under fluorescent lights in an uncomfortable chair with phones ringing in the background, I longed for a room with a door where I could work in peace.
Individual contributors need a lot of time to keep their heads down and get work done, whereas bosses have more meetings and interaction as part of their responsibilities. One example: It was a hassle to lug my equipment around the office for a quiet space to record audio; something bosses don’t need to worry about because they have their own office.
Overall, it makes sense that leaders want to retain the status quo of in-office working because they have perks that improve their quality of life. If they care about the well-being and happiness of employees, however, remote work options are the way to go.
