Dear Urban Diplomat: I’m tired of every suburbanite in my office “working from home” when it snows. How do I complain without being a jerk?
Dear Urban Diplomat, I live and work downtown. Many of my co-workers commute from Mississauga and Hamilton. Every time the forecast calls for the tiniest bit of snow, half of them announce they’re going to work from home. It’s annoying that they get a mini-holiday every time there’s a dusting. Is there a way to make things fair without seeming like a jerk?
—Justice Is Snow-blind, Queen West
Living and working where you do, you don’t have to experience the soul-blackening grind of a lengthy commute. I have, and I consider the option to telecommute practically a fundamental human right. I suggest you enjoy your own blessedly short walk or streetcar ride and not sweat something that is, frankly, not your concern. Use the opportunity to get work done in a quiet office and prove your diligence to the higher-ups. That said, working from home should mean working. If your co-workers’ output indicates they’re binge-watching Judge Judy, you have every right to alert your boss. But make sure it’s warranted. The only thing worse than a layabout is a narc.
Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com
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