RTO FAQ

Return to Office (RTO) Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation
Q:  What should I do if I don’t have reliable transportation to work?
A:  We understand reliable transportation can sometimes be a challenge. Here are a few options to consider:
• Carpooling: See if there are any colleagues, family, or friends who live nearby and are willing to carpool.
• Rideshare services or MTS: Consider using the MTS or ride shares as a backup option.
• Discuss with your leadership, who may be able to provide additional support or an accommodation.

Role Expectation
Q:  I have a verbal agreement with my manager to work remotely AND/OR I was hired as a remote employee, but now I am being asked to return to the office 2x week as part of the RTO policy.  What should I do?
A:  We understand that this situation can be concerning. Here are a few steps to consider:
• Express your concerns with your manager if returning to the office poses challenges for you such as childcare responsibilities, health concerns, transportation etc. Be honest about how returning to the office may impact you.
• Be open to finding solutions that work for both you and your leader.

Relocation
Q:  What approval is required if I want to relocate?
A:  If you are considering relocating for personal reasons, you should have an initial discussion with your leader. If this is approved from a business standpoint, then the People Team will review the request.

Medical
Q:  What do I do if I have a medical concern that keeps me from returning to the office?
A:  Please inform your manager and the People Team if you have a medical concern keeping you from returning to the office. Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation to support your request for an accommodation. The People Team can assist with this.

Data/Strategy
Q:  Has the Company researched studies on return to office and how this can reduce employee satisfaction, productivity, and profitability?
A:  We have conducted research on various aspects of RTO, including large and small organizations. We recognize employee satisfaction is a critical factor in the success of our organization. Our approach to RTO is guided by a commitment to balancing the needs of our employees with the operational requirements of the business. Many organizations (big and small) are returning 3-5 days a week. The intent of our approach for 2x week is to maintain flexibility while creating more in-person connectedness and collaboration.
Q:  What is the percentage of employees remote versus hybrid/RTO? Why are the employees near a hub required to return to the office?
A: Approximately 40% of our employee base reside within 30 miles of a hub and 60% of our employees are outside a reasonable distance to an office (+30 miles).  Per the March All Hands discussion, we are focusing our recruiting efforts and assigning most open positions close to an office to grow our hub presence.  This will enhance our ability to get employees together, increase our cross functional collaborations, and continue to build a more connected Company culture.
Q:  My role requires head down time and focus.  I will now spend my time commuting that will take several hours a week.  How is RTO improving productivity?
A:  We understand that commuting can significantly impact your time and energy, especially for roles that require intense focus and concentration. Work with your leader as we want to ensure flexibility to accommodate your need for heads down time and focus. You can also discuss adjusting your commuting times to minimize time spent on the road while still benefiting from being in the office with other employees.
Q: What if I am the only person on my team near a hub, and the rest of my team is remote, or near a different hub? Do I still need to return to the office?
A: While your immediate team might not be present, being physically present can facilitate spontaneous interactions and drive connectedness cross-functionally. Work with your leadership on which days work best for your schedule and commute time.

Department Needs
Q:  My team/department work various hours of the day and evenings due to client needs. Commuting to the office will pose support challenges to our customers. How can we navigate this?
A:  We are committed to maintaining flexibility in our work arrangements to ensure we can continue to support our customers effectively. We can work together with leadership on how to accomplish this.
Ohio Office: Due to the upcoming end of lease and valuable feedback we received regarding the Ohio Office, no one will be required to go into this office at this time as part of RTO. The office will remain open and leaders may require teams to come to the office for meetings, etc. More information will be shared as we re-evaluate our lease terms and timeline.