Apple now requires three days a week in the office, sparking a widespread debate about workplace norms.
The episode opens with a promotional segment for Playbook 2022, a virtual event featuring speakers like Seth Godin and Allison Felix. Host Chris Ronzio then introduces the main topic: companies forcing employees back to the office, citing Apple's three-day-a-week policy. He connects this to a broader discussion about cultural norms in businesses, such as dress codes, response times, and work hours. Ronzio explains that many companies do not spell out these norms, leading to misalignment when employees discover them later. He uses the example of a remote worker suddenly told to come into the office, causing backlash. The host notes that current headlines about remote work arise because companies are establishing these norms for the first time, resulting in employee shuffling. He advises business owners to be specific, explicit, and over-communicate all expectations. Ronzio shares a personal anecdote about interviewing someone with travel fears, where a holiday party became a deal-breaker, illustrating the importance of stated norms. He emphasizes that hiring should involve truthful upfront communication, similar to dating without lies. The episode argues that companies rolling out policies know some employees will disagree, and it's up to those employees to decide whether to stay. Ronzio uses a metaphor of a gymnastics business pivoting to luxury car storage due to COVID-19, showing how businesses evolve and employees must adapt. He concludes that businesses are always changing, and employees must continuously evaluate if their company fits their preferences, especially regarding remote work policies.
