PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN CALLS FOR WORKERS TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE
President Joe Biden is calling for more federal employees to return to the office, saying “significant progress” fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has made it safer to do so.
“It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again. People working from home can feel safe to begin to return to the office. We’re doing that here in the federal government. The vast majority of federal workers will once again work in person,” Biden said.
This is the wrong time for Biden to push going to work downtown of all places. At this point, it’s questionable if Biden is aware of how Gas prices have skyrocketed over four dollars per gallon nationwide. We’ve seen the fastest price increase since Hurricane Katrina, and we’re supposed to happily dance over returning to work. Maybe for some, but most are not too happy.
Additionally, after you factor in the cost of gas, commuting time, and everyday wear and tear on cars, the average worker is spending quite a bit of money on their commute. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that mask acene is a thing, and work can be done from home effectively. When it all boils down to choosing between the perks of getting paid from the comfort of your own home and spending a ton of time fighting traffic, it’s easy to see why so many pushed back of the idea of going back to work in the office.
Many took to social media to express their concerns with Biden’s statement. A social media user said, “Not only is Biden pushing for an end to remote work, he’s advocating for people to return to work downtown 😳. I don’t wish a downtown commute on my worst enemy.”
The fact that Biden is pushing for an end to remote work… why ?
— Mary ✨ (@Girasol_Mary) March 6, 2022
Fuck Joe Biden for trying to get rid of remote work. Corporate actually likes people working home for once.
Fuck this motherfucker omg
— 🏳️🌈RJ loves Timothee Chalamet and Dan Toomey (@comradecurls) March 6, 2022
While some companies may be returning to the office, companies like Twitter are leaving returning to work up to their employees.
“Business travel is back effective immediately, and all global Twitter offices will open starting on March 15. Decisions about where you work, whether you feel safe traveling for business and what events you attend, should be yours,” Twitter’s new CEO says.
Here’s the announcement to the company about our approach and commitment to truly flexible work. pic.twitter.com/XPl86HuQqG
— Parag Agrawal (@paraga) March 3, 2022
On the other hand, companies like Apple are taking up Hybrid working, which means some days will be spent in the office, while others will be spent at a place of choice. Employees must work in person on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, which doesn’t leave for much flexibility. Essentially, workers will be able to work remotely for up to four weeks out of the year.
“In many locations, officials have started lifting pandemic restrictions in accordance with the guidance of public health experts. And based on the latest data, we are optimistic that this progress will continue into the spring,” Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote.