Ending Work from Home Shows Weakness

Managers calling for the end of WFH are weak.

They are weak in communication skills and they are weak in training skills. These two skills are incredibly important for strong leaders and managers. Being weak in these skills is a red flag for what comes ahead.

This isn’t just a red flag for your ability to work from home (WFH), it is a red flag that the company’s leadership might not be that great.

There are plenty of reasons for why businesses want to end WFH, and they probably all play some small part. One that I think plays a bigger percentage is that working together in the same room overcomes the desire to work on and improve communication skills. By avoiding this, they also avoid training on this.

Being in the same room lessens people’s communication shortfalls. Instead of working to improve these shortfalls, which have recently and abruptly come to light, returning back to the office will help to cover them back up.

Problem solved!

But, instead of problem solved, it is more like red flag highlighted, with a spotlight and a huge, blinking, neon arrow.

The good news is by recognizing these red flags, you can start to do something about it.

Chances are you are not going to be able to change management. Only they can change themselves, they need to want to change and then put forth the effort to make the change. That isn’t something anyone else can do for them.

But, there are a couple of things you can do, learning from their shortfalls.

First, you can ask more questions. You know that your business’ ‘leaders’ are not great communicators or teachers, so ask more questions. Not the annoying, whining type of questions, but questions that help the person explain and resolve any confusion that you or your co-workers might have. This is a great option if you like working where you are currently, but have recently realized that management could use some support.

Second, you can affect your own team or department, and start small. Get more organized, be better prepared, and help where needed. Fill in the gaps for these ‘leaders’ and make it easier on your team. For example, if you are stuck working in the office, help your team get their work done quicker and more efficiently so that they can go home and be with their families. Prevent people from staying late or taking work home. Do the best you can to help people minimize their time in the office.

Third, you can always leave. There are better leaders out there. If your current company’s ‘leaders’ aren’t communicating well or helping to train and teach their team members, go somewhere they are. Learn from this experience and be prepared with questions for the next opportunity’s interview.

If your company’s so-called leaders don’t see how work from home is a viable option, are requiring employees to get back to the old way of doing things, or are saying things like: working from home does not have a sustainable future, see this as a red flag. Use this red flag to start making your own changes now.

The first thing that will begin to happen is you will regain control of your life and future, and at the very least, you will stop giving away this control. Following that, you will begin to adjust to other people’s shortcomings so that they do not begin to affect you.

Over time with these adjustments, your career will be more fulfilling and enjoyable. You will be able to surround yourself with stronger leaders and managers. Ultimately, you, yourself will become a leader folks can’t help but follow.