Why Your Boss Doesn't Want You Working from Home Any Longer

You might have gotten used to working from home during the pandemic, but don't expect your boss to jump on board with the idea for much longer.

That's right; when it comes to working from home, your boss is not here for it. Let's break down why they might be resistant to the whole #wfh thing and how you can still make working from home work.

Productivity Concerns

Most bosses' primary concern with you working from home is that your productivity will diminish. Therefore your role will not be as valuable to the company's bottom line.

This concern is understandable; after all, many distractions at home can keep you away from your work. If someone isn't keeping an eye on you, how do they know you are putting in a full day of work?

The solution: Make sure to often communicate with your boss and provide updates on your work. You can also set up daily check-ins or video calls so your boss can monitor your progress. You can use time-tracking software to add an extra layer of transparency.

She's Got Control Issues

Control is an essential part of any organization.

Depending on where you work, you may have noticed many strict rules in place for employees in the workplace.

They tell you where to sit, what you can wear, how many breaks you get, what time you can have those breaks, and when you have to arrive and end your work day. When people start working remotely without any of these rules, it gives them more control over their situation – something bosses don't necessarily want.

If no one is watching them work, who knows if they are really getting anything done?

The more control a boss has over their employees, the easier it is for them to manage workflow and ensure that everybody is meeting expectations. Unfortunately, this means that bosses will often resist any attempts by their employees to break free of their control. After all, if you are working from home, your boss can't easily keep tabs on what you are doing throughout the day or ensure that you meet deadlines and follow the company's policies.

The solution: Offer to be as transparent with your work progress and activity as possible. Keep them in the loop about any tasks you are working on, whether through regular emails or a project-management system like Trello. Additionally, offer to meet with them weekly so they can track your performance. This way, they will know that you are still putting in the effort and completing your tasks.

Communication Concerns

Another issue employers worry about regarding remote work is communication between coworkers and staff members.

Without people being together in the same office space, conversations can become messy or completely lost in translation due to technical failures or slow responses to different time zones. This leads to misunderstandings or projects taking longer than they should have because everyone cannot communicate effectively as a team. These concerns are valid since employee communication plays a significant role in a cohesive business environment.

The solution: Utilize the right technology to help bridge the communication gap. Whether it's Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or some other platform, set up a system that everyone is comfortable with and use as often as necessary to stay in touch. Additionally, have regular meetings where everyone can discuss project progress and any potential issues they face. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and help prevent any miscommunication from happening.

Corporate Culture

Finally, many bosses don't want their employees to work from home because they view it as antithetical to their corporate culture.

These companies have built up their unique identity over time. They want to maintain that delicate balance between employee morale and business goals. Working from home could disrupt this balance by making employees feel disconnected from each other or isolated in their own individual bubbles, which could significantly harm team morale over time.

The solution: Develop a virtual corporate culture that makes everyone feel like they are part of the same team. Use video calls, online chat rooms, and other platforms to keep everyone connected. Additionally, ensure that employees working from home are invited to all meetings or activities, so they don't feel left out or isolated from their coworkers.

The final word

Working from home has its perks—it's definitely more comfortable than sitting at an uncomfortable desk chair all day—but unfortunately, it doesn't always fit everyone's idea of a successful business model.

Employers have legitimate concerns about remote work, and unless those concerns are addressed satisfactorily, then #wfh won't be happening any time soon – no matter how much we'd like it to. Luckily there are ways for employers and employees alike to ensure everyone involved is happy with the arrangement so that remote work can become part of the normal everyday lives of workers everywhere.

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