Can refusing to return to workspace damage your career?

Your company is once again allowing people to return to work. The problem? You aren’t ready. The question? Is your career going to suffer?

Greg Hayes, CEO and co-founder of Branch, an office-furniture start-up in New York, says it will be interesting to see if an employee’s decision to work from home or in the office impacts his or her career in the future. “Ultimately, the office is a company’s center of gravity and it’s not hard to imagine that those who aren’t seen to be physically present could miss out on the types of opportunities that lead to bonuses, raises and promotions,” Hayes says. “‘Out of sight, out of mind’ could be especially impactful in 2021.”

While some employers already operate with both in-house and remote workers, not everyone sees the practicality of that decision. “You mean to tell me you’re having a Teams meeting with someone and they’re sitting there in the office wearing a mask? I mean, that’s just foolish,” says Clyde Jackson, an account manager at a financial firm in Atlanta. “And how does that look to outside clients? ‘Hey, we’re safe here at work. Don’t mind the mask.’ People look like fools doing that. If my career suffers because I stay home to work, because I don’t believe in behavior that goes against all forms of common sense, I’ll take that chance. This isn’t voodoo. Don’t make a mockery of COVID-19. This is real life.”

Danielle Capilla, vice president of employee benefits at Alera Group, says employees may need to be proactive if they want to keep their career on track. “If you refuse the direct order of your workplace, it is safe to assume your career will suffer. If you enter into an interactive dialogue with your employer about when and how to return to work safely, and you determine it is safer to work from home, then I’m hopeful that employees will not be penalized,” she says.

Many employers are actively seeking ways to foster productive, collaborative remote or hybrid work environments so their employees’ careers don’t have to suffer. “It’s important for employees and employers to have open conversations about the reasoning behind or need for in-office work. These transparent conversations can pave the way for problem-solving,” says Liz Cannata, senior manager of HR Operations for CareerBuilder. “If your employer is asking you to return to work before you’re ready, there are a growing number of remote work opportunities and still plenty of ways to further your career. Keep in mind that if you do choose to leave a job for a role in a new industry that you can do remotely, build your resume and job search around your transferrable skills. For example, restaurant and hospitality employees can bring important customer service skills to jobs in call centers or remote customer support.”