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My employer has mandated 4 days return to office after accommodating all office staff to work from home for the last 5 years during the pandemic and afterwards. Are employees legally required to comply with the mandate even after working from home for 5 years? If employees do not comply, what will happen?
Hello,
After 5 years, it may be that WFH is a substantial element of your working conditions that your employer can only change with your consent. We would have to ensure that we have all the facts but if WFH is a substantial element of your working conditions and your employer decides to change it to 4 days in office, then you could be entitled to a severance package if you refuse the change. The first question you must ask yourself is are you ready to leave your job with a severance package rather than return to the office 4 days a week. If you are, then before you refuse to return to the office, you should speak with one of the lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure that you have a strong legal claim to your severance.
Regards,
Lluc Cerda
Lawyer
After 5 years, it may be that WFH is a substantial element of your working conditions that your employer can only change with your consent. We would have to ensure that we have all the facts but if WFH is a substantial element of your working conditions and your employer decides to change it to 4 days in office, then you could be entitled to a severance package if you refuse the change. The first question you must ask yourself is are you ready to leave your job with a severance package rather than return to the office 4 days a week. If you are, then before you refuse to return to the office, you should speak with one of the lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure that you have a strong legal claim to your severance.
Regards,
Lluc Cerda
Lawyer