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Raise your hand if you love sitting in traffic to get to and from work. Yeah, me neither. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of a WFH job and they have no choice but to grin and bear it. The amount of time you spend commuting largely depends on how far away from work you live. And of course, how you travel.
When one employee’s company sent him to set up a new office in another state three hours away, he assumed they’d provide him temporary accommodation near to work. But no. The poor guy was told to drive from home there and back. Every single day. Eventually, all those hours in traffic paid off. The guy cooked up a delicious act of malicious compliance that saw him winning much more than just his time back.
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Imagine doing a 3-hour roadtrip to another state every day, just to get to the office
Man in a suit sitting in car looking stressed during commute with only 30 minutes of work left after break and no overtime.
Text post from user connor215 with 5.7k points mentioning US federal law on travel time and corporate HR involvement.
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Can your company force you to relocate, even temporarily?
Whether or not your boss can suddenly ask you to up and move depends largely on what your contract states. If it has a mobility clause in it, then chances are you don’t have much of a choice.
According to specialist moving company Adleo Relocation, this is a legal term added to employment contracts and allows employers to move their staff’s work location. “If a contract includes one, the employee must legally accept the move,” notes their site.
Adleo warns that a stipulation in an employee’s contract regarding potential future relocation is key. “If the contract doesn’t include a mobility clause, they have no obligation to move.” They warn that bosses need to be reasonable. You can’t expect an employee to uproot their life and relocate 100 miles away, with 24 hours’ notice.
There could be a number of reasons an employee might refuse to move, and Adleo says it’s important for management to hear them out. This might help to find a solution that works for both parties.
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Some of the most common refusals for work relocations include an increase in commuting times and costs, the possibility of moving to another home, the possibility of having to consider buying a new house, the potential effects on family dynamics and other relationships and the effects a move might have on the employee’s lifestyle.
If an employee flat out refuses to relocate, Adleo warns that management may have to consider redundancies. But their decisions for refusing need to be reasonable, note the relocation experts. “Firstly, see if you can offer suitable alternative employment within the company. These roles should be considered fairly and offered against their previous role and experience,” suggests the site.
If an employee’s refusal to move is unreasonable, Adleo says they could lose redundancy pay and other benefits. “However, it’s vital to provide their right to a trial period for alternative placements,” reads the site. “Remember, redundancy is a dismissal, so make sure you follow the correct legal procedure or an employee could raise a claim of unfair treatment to tribunal courts.”
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Adleo adds that when an employee agrees to move to a new office, there needs to be a formal record of all contract terms. Both current and new. Some points to consider are whether the move is temporary or permanent, whether employee rights still apply after the move, whether they’ll receive moving entitlements or benefits, and if their job role and duties remain the same or will change.
“Supporting your staff’s wellbeing is one of your fundamental duties as an employer,” notes Adleo. “So, make sure they fully understand any employment changes and legal rights after the move.”
“I like Dave”: People praised the way the employee went about his business
Comment discussing work habits and friendship dynamics after commute and break affecting man’s work time efficiency.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a story where a man is left with only 30 minutes of work after commute and break.
Comment about a man’s commute and work time, mentioning staying in a hotel to avoid extra travel hours.
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Screenshot of online comment discussing work and overtime, highlighting limited work time after commute and break.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment describing a long highway commute with stoplights and intersections in small towns.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment with 27 points posted 6 years ago discussing work and overtime.
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Man sitting at office desk looking at watch, showing limited work time after commute and break without overtime.
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Comment about Fort Wayne commute and long drive to Chicago, discussing work time after commute and avoiding overtime.
Comment forum post with user LuxSolisPax asking if someone still hates Dave, emphasizing limited work time after commute and break if avoiding overtime.
Comment discussing the impact of long commutes and overtime on work-life balance in a corporate setting.
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Comment text on Reddit about coworker justice, referencing work and management issues but not overtime or commute.
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Screenshot of a forum comment discussing an HR-backed meeting likely staged to avoid overtime work.
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Man sitting at desk with computer showing limited work time after commute and break without overtime.
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Man sitting at desk with computer, checking watch, illustrating limited work time after commute and breaks without overtime.
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Man sitting at desk, looking at watch, highlighting limited work time after commute and breaks without overtime.
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Comment text about an employee avoiding overtime and being left with only 30 minutes of work after commute and break.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man left with only 30 minutes of work after commute and break if avoiding overtime.
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Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.
I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.
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As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, my favorite part of the job involves browsing the web for the cutest cat pics, the funniest memes and eye-catching illustrations to brighten up your day!
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