GM steps back on new return-to-office policy after backlash from salaried workers - Detroit Free Press

On Tuesday, CEO Mary Barra sent out a note to the salaried workforce offering an apology of sorts for the timing of putting out a new policy late in the day Friday saying that employees would have to return to working in the office three days a week.

In Tuesday's note sent to employees, which was obtained by the Free Press, Barra wrote: "We want to take the opportunity to address some of the questions, concerns, and misconceptions that we've heard.

Some GM employees told the Free Press the news blindsided them.

For the past 24 months, many salaried employees either worked totally remote during the COVID-19 pandemic or worked a hybrid-type model called Work Appropriately, which was introduced after the pandemic subsided.

It allowed flexibility between working at the office and working remotely, letting employees and their manager decide where they could best do their specific jobs.

In Tuesday's note to the white-collar workforce, Barra wrote: "Our plan was always, and still is, to collaboratively design the solution that best balances the needs of the enterprise with the needs of each of you.

GM acknowledged on Monday that some employees had concerns about the mandated three-day return-to-office plan, though some of the feedback from employees indicated there are those who are eager to return to in-person collaboration, GM's Raynal said.

"We understand our employees have concerns, and are committed to maintaining flexibility to ensure they can attend to personal commitments," Raynal said Monday.

Last week, GM laid out its logic for the move in a note Barra sent to the white-collar workforce and which the Free Press obtained.

In her note to employees on Friday, Barra wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has improved dramatically allowing for a safe return to the office and GM's push to transform the company requires more in-person collaboration.

"What about that awesome software person who lives in Bismarck, North Dakota?" said Jeff Massimilla, GM's executive director of connected customer and mobility solutions, in a 2021 interview with the Free Press.

Returning salaried workers to the office will create equity across GM's workforce, said Marick Masters, a business professor at Wayne State University.

They characterize a return to office as "putting COVID behind us," said Eric Welter, UAW Local 598 shop chairman at GM's Flint Assembly plant where GM makes its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups.

"This move represents a lot more office workers patronizing our shops and restaurants to help us get closer to pre-pandemic activity," said John Roach, director of media relations for the city of Detroit and Mayor Mike Duggan's office

Main Street might care, but Wall Street isn't much interested where GM's workforce does its job, "unless it results in mass exodus, especially among the most senior executives," said David Whiston, auto analyst at Morningstar