A Closer Look … @ Mandatory RTO Stipends!

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Let’s take a closer look … @ Mandatory RTO Stipends!

with Anthony Newcombe

DATE: APRIL 2, 2026

Published with permission from WritePlus+*

*Content edits below may differ slightly from original version appearing on WritePlus.biz

This month’s subject: CEOs insisting on employee RTO (“Return to Office”) should be required to provide stipends for: meals, dry-cleaning (pjs: out, work clothes: in) gas, mileage, and automobile wear & tear

BACKGROUND

So, you run a company and are jumping on the RTO bandwagon for “better efficiency and productivity within the workplace.” A.K.A. you want to place maximum control of your staff and keep tabs on how they do their work each day. AND, lest we forget, you DO need to fill the commercial office space you pay for each and every month!

How would I KNOW this? Because, I am, likewise, a CEO.  The only difference is that I was a little ahead of the WFH (Work from Home) / COVID-19 curve and have been doing so since 2008.  Therefore, I understand how working from home can be either beneficial or detrimental – depending on those involved.

SOME CONTEXT FOR OUR READERS

Like many of us, I have some close associates, family members, and friends who are now subjected to the “minimum requirements for office appearances.”  Some are required to appear, for example, 8-10 times per calendar month.  Others commute north of 30 miles each way – oftentimes in some of the worst gridlock in the country.  Still others must travel via public transportation – also under some less than desirable conditions.

PERSPECTIVE

I’ve listened to the storytelling, and I’m amazed by the outright rejection of requests for reimbursement for all of this “added baggage to their already stress-filled workdays. I do my best to make suggestions on how I might deal with this dilemma.  Often, I find there is (rightfully so) a hesitancy to bring this subject matter to their supervisors.  “We don’t them to lay us off,” is the most common explanation thereof.

WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH MEETING EMPLOYEES HALFWAY?

I don’t understand how it could be so out of line to raise this topic to a boss.  In fact, if you noticed, it’s not simply one or even two concerns.  It’s more like 4-5.  And in a world which requires balance and multi-tasking, it’s hard to believe that this has become an “underground discussion” rather than out in the open.  This breeds clear and obvious contempt from each side; as well as a murky path to answers concerning productivity/ efficiency.

Well, what do YOU think?  Are we out of our collective minds, or should this be on the docket for discussion and implementation?

Happy spring and stay outta trouble (especially for the RTOrs!)

-A.N.

Disclaimer: All entries are the opinion(s) of the author.  We take no responsibility for any actions that result in an employee’s discipline or termination because of reading and/ or sharing the above with their respective bosses/ supervisors.

PROFILE

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author & narrator, and full-stack web developer. He can be reached for appearances via our CONTACT PAGE.

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