Now that the pandemic is supposedly behind us, many companies are pushing hard for a full return to the office. For Hybrid Boomers, this shift has created unnecessary stress, especially when flexibility has already proven effective.
Recently, I read an article describing a law firm in the United Kingdom offering employees continued work-from-home flexibility. At first glance, the policy seemed progressive. Lawyers could work remotely two or three days a week, or even full time. However, there was a catch: choosing that flexibility came with a 20% pay cut.
The firm justified the reduction by claiming employees would save money by avoiding their commute.
At face value, that logic sounds reasonable. Gas prices in the United States hover between $5 and $7 per gallon, depending on location. For those commuting 30 miles or more each day, the savings can add up. In my case, my commute is only seven miles round trip, so fuel savings are minimal.
But commuting costs are only part of the picture.
The Hidden Costs of Working From Home
When you work from home, expenses don’t disappear, they shift. Utilities increase. Internet access becomes essential. Office supplies, printers, ink, and even ergonomic furniture often come out of your own pocket.
Some U.S. states, including California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts, require employers to reimburse certain business-related expenses. However, those mandates vary widely. In states like Tennessee, where I live, there is no such requirement. As a result, any savings from commuting are often offset by the cost of running a home office.
Why Pay Cuts Add Stress, Not Relief
As a Hybrid Boomer, I believe flexibility should reduce stress, not create it. Going into the office occasionally, or even two to three days a week does not justify a pay cut. Especially when companies themselves are saving money on office space, utilities, supplies, and everyday operational costs.
Seasoned professionals understand this balance. We’ve learned that productivity is not measured by proximity to a desk, and stress relief does not come from rigid policies. It comes from trust, clarity, and respect for the value people bring, wherever they work.
Hybrid work, when done right, isn’t a perk. It’s a smarter, calmer way forward.
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