Chapter 1: The Cubicle Experience

In my current workspace, I find myself in a rather charming corner of the office. While our area has the capacity for ten people, only three of us are present. My organization is gearing up for growth and, naturally, our eventual return to the office environment.

They’ve labeled our setup as hybrid, which is a step, but it feels more like "two days at home, three in the office." For those of us, myself included, who have successfully managed our responsibilities from well-equipped home offices, this mandatory return to the cubicle setup feels far from ideal, regardless of the enthusiastic messages from senior management. They seem to have overlooked the inherent challenges of working in a cubicle.

Recently, I came across an article by a woman who initially had reservations about remote work prior to the pandemic. She managed a team and her perspective was quite clear:

"I have to admit, before the pandemic I was a hardened cynic about teleworking. I assumed, like many managers, that the best way to manage people was to have them right where I could see them."

Rose's Perspective on Remote Work

Thanks for your insights, Rose, but it appears you’re discussing "workers" as a separate entity rather than including yourself in that group. In her revealing article, Rose extols the benefits of remote work, but it feels detached. I'm glad she's recognized the positives, yet her language comes across as somewhat divisive.

Thanks for sharing why "workers" are hesitant to return to the office, Rose. But what about you? Are you also enjoying the advantages you describe for the rest of us?

It’s peculiar how management seems oblivious to the discomfort of cubicles. Or perhaps, if they once experienced it, it was so long ago that they’ve forgotten how disruptive and dehumanizing it can be. Sure, in the past, employees required computers, reliable internet, and the occasional meeting space. However, no one ever enjoyed being herded like cattle into vast expanses of cubicles.

Rose and the leadership at my company appear to misunderstand what they’re asking of us: to abandon our personal lives to be visible in a cubicle while they monitor our productivity.

In my latest conversation with a recruiter, I expressed, "This position was advertised as 'fully remote,' so if the VP is now indicating they want me in the office a few days a week just to ensure I'm present and working, I'm not interested." The recruiter reassured me it was merely a misunderstanding.

Currently, there’s no ambiguity from my employer: "We're hybrid, for now."

Acknowledging Employee Preferences

Shall we agree on a few points regarding this new phase of our work relationship? There’s no valid reason for me to conduct my Zoom meetings from your cubicle. While I appreciate the endless snacks and energy drinks, I'd much prefer to be cuddling my dog between emails. I’d rather spend a few hours outdoors in the morning. Honestly, I never want to sit in a cubicle again.

This return to the office isn’t living up to expectations. Many employers aren’t being forthcoming about the reasons, timeline, or the real motivations behind their push for us to return to their glass structures.

We recognize our lives improve with flexible work hours. We understand that commuting, even for just 20 minutes each way, consumes over an hour of our day. We truly know that cubicle environments drain our spirit. You’ve heard of the concept, "A Soul Killing Job," right? Please don’t summon us back into your stables just to appease your need for oversight.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve successfully fulfilled our roles, and what we've discovered is that working from home is a right, not a privilege. That’s the message we’re trying to convey to the managers eager to reinstate us to the fluorescent-lit confines of the office, where windows rarely open. Many of us, myself included, are seeking opportunities with companies that are more transparent regarding their policies and the reasons for requiring office attendance.

It’s perfectly acceptable to say, "Sure, I can come in next week for that all-hands meeting."

Yet, it’s the Roses of the world who remain out of touch with our reality. Even the executives are caught in this return-to-office dilemma. I suspect they’re not particularly thrilled about being under scrutiny in their glass cubicles either. However, their motivations may differ.

A New Perspective on Remote Work

The first video titled "It's Not Your Schedule, It's Their Schedule" discusses the dynamics of workplace flexibility and how leaders can better understand employee needs.

A Shift in Workplace Culture

The second video, "I Committed 100 REAL CRIMES in Minecraft," humorously touches on the challenges of remote engagement and the importance of adapting to new work environments.