One woman said she was taking a “significant” pay cut after being asked to return to the office. That’s because there are significant costs associated with her having to leave home to perform her job.
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Ashley (@ashmoney92) has been a remote worker for years. But her company recently mandated that employees no longer work from home. She highlights how much money she’s losing as a result in a viral TikTok that has garnered more than 498,000 views on the platform.
However, her comments caused a rift on TikTok. While some sympathized with Ashley’s plight, others said she shouldn’t complain because she had actually been enjoying “saving money” all along.
$13,000 in the hole
“My pay has been cut by $13,000,” Ashley said at the beginning of the video. She continues to speak directly into the camera lens. “I heard that, $13,000. Why? My company has been fully remote for many years, so we have a mandatory four-day return-to-office policy.”
Ashley questioned the company’s decision to require employees to return to the office. She seems to have indicated that her remote position with the company has been going well for years without any major issues. “It’s been years now, but some of my colleagues haven’t been in the office for 10 years. I haven’t worked more than three days in the office since 2018.”
The TikToker went on to detail the total expenses he would incur as a result of having to work in an office again. Since she is a mother, she has to pay for longer child care hours. “We’ve done the math. That means we’ll be spending over $13,000 just for extended day care, puppy care, and gas.”
lowered the salary level
Ashley points out that even though her job has transitioned to a clerical role, she has not been offered any additional compensation as a result.
The TikToker also dismissed the idea that remote workers are upset about having to come into the office due to laziness. For her and many others, she says, it’s because they end up saving a huge amount of money.
“So when you hear about these return-to-office mandates and wonder why people are so angry, it’s not because we’re lazy. It’s because we refuse to go to office. It’s not because they’re working hard, it’s because in many cases, as in my case, their pay is significantly reduced,” she said.
Working from home discussion
Remote working is a hotly debated topic among employers and employees. Many people criticize this practice, citing studies and studies that support their mistrust. some Data shows that people working from home are ‘increasingly less productive’ than my colleagues in the office.
moreover, UK International Business Times For many remote employees, the line between “being on the job” is blurred, he says. The outlet wrote that 32% of telecommuting employees it secretly questioned brought their laptops with them on vacation. Even though they didn’t take any vacations, they went on trips without management’s knowledge. Additionally, people who work outside the home also admitted to taking naps when they should be working.
On the other hand, many people extol the benefits of working from home in certain industries. First, it can be financially advantageous for companies to operate remotely. WordPress, the widely used content management system, says it is “thriving” with a 100% remote workforce. harvard business review.
business dot com It also shows the many overhead costs that are reduced by remote workers. No more expensive monthly rental leases. You can significantly reduce on-site insurance, utility costs, furniture and equipment costs, and more. These same economic benefits are available to employees as well.
of Pen from the same website where remote workers themselves are saving $2,000 to $7,000 Annual “transportation and work-related expenses”. Additionally, these same employees can formally claim tax relief because their residence also serves as their office.
@ashmoney92 I have more complaints #rto #wfh #return to office #work remotely #Corporate life #Layoff #Remote work #Momutoku #workingmom #Mama Soft Iktoku ♬ Original song – Ashley
Many people were not on her side
Many commenters thought Ashley’s remote working privileges should be seen as a bonus rather than the norm. This is like the commenter who said he was lucky to have $13,000 in his pocket for years. “That’s right. 13,000 in savings in 10 years,” they wrote.
But Ashley said the country’s inflation problems negate that point. “Inflation might not have been as big as the raise I received, but that’s not reality.”
Some people argued that going to the office is what adults should do. “It’s not a pay cut. It’s called becoming an adult,” they said.
Others, however, echoed the argument that remote workers are not reaching their maximum productivity. “Most companies pursuing ‘return to the office’ have realized that people aren’t actually working while at home,” they write.
One TikToker didn’t think Ashley could be efficient at work while taking care of her kids and dog. “How can I work effectively for someone while also caring for children and puppies?” they wondered.
Some warn that layoffs are looming.
But some thought Ashley’s company was preparing for layoffs. They speculated that removing remote work options would result in a voluntary exodus of employees. “This is a soft layoff,” they argued. “They want to cut people.” [without] Responsible for unemployment and/or turnover. ”
Another echoed this sentiment, writing: “They’re just trying not to lay off staff, they’re going to make them quit.”
At least one TikToker tolerated the added cost of having to leave the house to go to work. “Plus lunch, new clothes, makeup, lack of sleep, stress of traffic, and time to yourself!” they said.
The Daily Dot reached out to Ashley for more information via a comment on TikTok.
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