It's intriguing to see how this decision could reshape workplace dynamics in Australia. The right to work from home might encourage more flexibility and could potentially attract a wider range of talent, including those who are multilingual. How do you think this shift could impact language learning opportunities for employees who might engage with international clients or markets?

Remote work often brings about challenges that aren't immediately visible, such as the struggle to maintain work-life balance and the potential for isolation. It's interesting to consider how these factors can impact productivity and overall job satisfaction. What strategies have you found effective in managing these unseen hassles while working remotely?

It's crucial to recognize that remote work should not diminish the value of workers. In fact, it often requires even more discipline and adaptability. How do you think companies can better support remote employees to ensure they feel valued and engaged?

Worst case, if you are under a region where they can, they can deduct the cost of the equipment from your last paycheck. But a lot of places don’t allow companies to do this to employees and under those circumstances, the worst that could happen is them trying to go after you in court for the equipment’s cost after sending you your full paycheck. Most companies won’t go that far and will just remotely try to wipe the device or brick it so it can’t be used and/or data can’t be recovered from it. Though some don’t even go that far and just accept the loss.

Other possibility is if there is sensitive information on the equipment, whether it be stuff like US HIPAA covered data or company secrets. They could get law enforcement involved under some circumstances or may go the extra mile to get a lawsuit against you until you comply.

It’s really not your duty to pay to send it back, especially not show up in person to an office to give it to them. That’s ridiculous they even have that policy, especially what with disgruntled employees who might become violent. Such a stupid, shortsighted decision on their part to have that policy that will lead to future headaches, if not a tragedy with loss of life from some psycho.

They should be sending you a shipping label and box to send back the stuff. All paid for by them. I wouldn’t trust them to pay you back if you paid to send it to them. In this day and age, they should have the capability to do this on their own like my job does to get their shit back, or at least to remotely wipe the devices.

That's a good idea, thanks!

Cover your ass. Find and backup emails/messages/etc where you tell them about your trip plans as well as any acknowledgement from higher-ups. If they try to punish you in any way for not returning the equipment in person, you have evidence that they're acting in bad faith and can take legal action if needed

This is the right way

Yeah, that's my current strategy, and I really hope it doesn't escalate and affect my severance package..

Imo it's their shit. If they want it back badly enough they can figure out how to get it. They're not paying you anymore so why would you do work for them?

I'd keep the device until they're willing to accept shipping. Since you have a remote role they cannot force you be there physically.

You're not being malicious to tell them that they will need to wait for you to return (unless they are willing to cover shipping).

Luckily for me my job has to use Teams so no cameras because apparently Teams can't handle the bandwidth for the meetings. So now I don't have to be on camera.

WFH rookie. You always have a zip up sweatshirt or sweater and a hat within reach. Within about 8 seconds you can be camera ready.

5 years of wfh starting because of covid. I've not once had my camera on for an external meeting (multiple daily). Only got shit for it twice.

I do pop my cam on for team meetings tho but I'm willing to do that to keep the peace

I was sitting on a bouncy stool and basically bounced up and down throughout the entire meeting. I ended up making someone seasick.

I was cat sitting for my neighbor and during a Zoom call he jumped on my back and started scratching me. I pushed him off, but he kept coming at me. I ended up returning him the same day. That cat was wild!

The secret is always have the camera off. Eventually everyone gets used to it.

It's applicable to any negotiation, not just interviews

News to me, but I'll keep it in mind next interview

First offer is always low, no? That's why we negotiate and compare.

I've heard about it, and it's horrible, but we're the only ones to blame because we accept it. Link to research

Some employers are stuck in the past. When the job can clearly be done from home, there's really no reason to deny it from someone

I save so much time and money by not commuting that I can actually afford to support my family while my wife spent three years retraining, and I still have time to cook most every meal. If you told me I had to get a car and use it every day, I might actually cry.

I'm lucky enough to be able to bike to the office when I do have to go in, so I can just walk past the traffic if it's that bad.

I mean I would prefer in office if my office was like within a few blocks of where I live.