Summary

In this episode of Corporate Baggage, hosts Catie Campbell and Whitney Siders delve into the complexities surrounding the return to office policies that many companies are enforcing post-pandemic. They discuss the ethical implications of these policies, the promises made to employees, and the unintended consequences that arise from leadership decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of trust, employee engagement, and the need for companies to consider the perspectives of their workforce when making decisions that affect their work environment. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize that the return to office debate is not just about physical location but also about the ethical considerations behind corporate policies.

Takeaways

• The return to office debate continues to evolve post-pandemic.
• Employees are feeling betrayed by changes in work policies.
• Ethics in workplace decisions are crucial for employee trust.
• Companies are facing challenges in monitoring remote work productivity.
• Unintended consequences arise from poorly thought-out policies.
• Data showing employee satisfaction is often ignored by leadership.
• Trust is essential for maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• Employees are increasingly choosing companies that align with their values.
• Asking questions can help clarify leadership decisions.
• The influence of employees and consumers is growing in corporate decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Corporate Baggage

00:54 The Return to Office Debate

03:15 Ethics of Workplace Policies

08:12 Unintended Consequences of Return Policies

12:56 Data vs. Decisions in Leadership

20:16 Trust and Employee Engagement

24:27 Repacking the Conversation

Keywords

return to office, workplace ethics, employee engagement, corporate policies, remote work, leadership decisions, workplace culture, talent acquisition, employee trust, organizational behavior

Welcome to the very first episode of Corporate Baggage!

In this quick intro, your hosts, Whitney Siders and Catie Campbell, share the inspiration behind the podcast. Hear how their experiences as executive coaches and consultants in corporate America, coupled with a TikTok channel that gained traction, led them to create this show.

Discover what you can expect each week as they unpack workplace issues from all perspectives—leaders, employees, and even customers. Whether it’s layoffs, return-to-office policies, or executive decisions, Whitney and Catie are here to bring you behind-the-scenes insights, real talk, and practical tools to lighten your corporate load.

Join us on this journey to unpack, repack, and navigate the challenges of Corporate America.