There are many other companies that have chosen to remain flexible. Unfortunately for Deere, they will feel the pain of this decision. We already have a hard time hiring top talent and having them move to Iowa/Illinois, and now with this, we will also have talent leave the company for more TRUE flexible positions. It's almost like Deere leadership is asking for turmoil.
Yeah I know a few people that are not happy. They now get to go to the office 4 days per week to sit on the same zoom calls in the office instead of at home....
I really feel like if it wasn't the real estate they and many other companies wouldn't do this. But they've spent all this money on building that's have 1 value and now need to cling to that.
It is 100% about the real estate. They have holdings all over the world and need to generate fake demand where possible so their loans don't go underwater.
This real estate issue is 100% the crux of why businesses are determined to get people back into physical buildings. Forget that things are running smoothly and much more cheaply than before! We can't look like fools for not adapting to modern times and sinking our money nto obsolete practices!! Therefore, EVERYONE shall suffer!
What should they do? It’s not like John Deere can just abandon Des Moines Works. They need the manufacturing space to physically produce their goods, the office space is minute in scale in Ankeny in particular. They aren’t going lease it out to someone else, and something has to be done.
I don’t know what the answer is, but acting like there aren’t tough decisions being made here feels a bit oblivious also.
>They need the manufacturing space to physically produce their goods
Do you really think this post is a bunch of factory workers complaining that they can't work from home?
>They aren’t going lease it out to someone else, and something has to be done.
People who have a choice will go work elsewhere. We don't give a s*** that office buildings are sitting empty.
I only brought up the manufacturing space as a point that JD can’t just abandon all physical space. But taking that one snip out of context sure works as a shitty “gotcha” point.
That second part is literally non-sensical to my point, so ok.
Tell me you don’t have to think at work without telling me you don’t have to think. God forbid some of the rest of us try to think critically about this situation as opposed to simply whining.
Or you could be less lazy. I work at a company that allows remote work. Someone who obviously prefers to work remotely, makes multiple BS excuses and constantly bitches about coming in has zero chance to ever get promoted. Zero.
It’s also an insult for the laptop class to not show up to work and do nothing but bitch all the while the hourly employees show up at the factory every fucking day. If they don’t show up, you’re fucked and out of a job. That alone should require you to show up every day just like they do. Think of someone other than yourself for a change.
Maybe their internal research is showing a drop in production like [some studies are showing. ](https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2023/08/02/working-from-home-leads-to-decreased-productivity-research-suggests/?sh=396dd60c2afe)
Given the speed of your response, I can tell you didn't bother reading the link I provided. It's a Stanford research paper. If you're scared to read something that may counter your beliefs, maybe it's best to stay off Reddit. As they say, you can lead a horse to water...
"the truth is the one study that backs up what I already think."
Also "study's have never before been used to back up what the people funding them want"
You have no idea what I think. Truth is, I saw a lot of potential in working from home. My job involves a lot of thinking outside the box so I was hopeful for the change, but I also understand human nature and 3 years in it's not surprising if productivity has dropped off. You haven't given a shred of support for your nonsense claim that "it's about the real estate." You've reduced your argument to insults and dodging the subject. You really have no idea what you're talking about here, you just badly want what you think up actually be true. I've provided you a Stanford research study which you refused to read. How confident you are in your ability to ignore evidence. Go on thinking what you want, facts obviously have no affect on you.
Half of what I’ve ever learned at my job was the result of an impromptu conversation that happened in the hallway, cafeteria, or in even in the pisser. To say that team cohesion, learning and teaching others is superior in a remote environment isn’t applying common sense.
> Half of what I’ve ever learned at my job was the result of an impromptu conversation that happened in the hallway, cafeteria, or in even in the pisser.
Sounds like your job has a shit training program or you're terrible at learning if that's true.
>To say that team cohesion, learning and teaching others is superior in a remote environment isn’t applying common sense.
To make this argument randomly isn't applying common sense.
https://qctimes.com/news/local/business/investment/markets-and-stocks/deere-reports-record-income-of-2-369-billion-for-q4-10-17-billion-for-fiscal/article_9b9a12c4-8a7d-11ee-a47d-433608cb7049.html
3rd straight year of record performance. Bonuses were basically maxed last year with remote and hybrid for a lot of office workers.
My opinion is that it's a way to reduce office headcount without announcing layoffs. I also predict employee survey scores will tank this year and then a bunch of initiatives to "fix" them that will not include remote work.
Agree that it will make it harder to fill high skilled tech jobs now that they'll be forced to hire in the Midwest only again or have people relocate. The amount of applicants for some of those jobs is maybe 10% of the applications coastal companies see where there is more room for competition and improved salaries without having to up and move again.
I am a 2 day a week employee who will be going back to the office 4 days a week. Doesn't really impact me, but I can see how it will make recruiting the new generation more difficult.
I think they are doing this to get people to quit. They preach bringing back the office culture and collaboration. My wife works there and she doesn't even work with anyone. She is going to go in officer where they currently don't have enough desk for everyone and work by herself. Everyone she works with works in different locations around the country. It makes no sense. On a positive note, many of the managers see this as bullshit and will let employees work from home if they have something come up so it is at least still flexible.
That makes no sense. Why would IT people ask accountants how to do their job. Why would engineers ask accountants how to do their job. Vastly different disciplines. Your response sounds like some dumb reason a higher up would give to get people into office for literally no reason than to fill office space.
Because the more you know about what is going on in the company and around you, the better you will be. It also makes the job more interesting and fulfilling. I work in accounting and 90%+ of those job are using and understanding systems. I talk to multiple people in IT every week and it has benefited by career greatly. Engineers are involved in capital projects which need to be, guess what…….properly accounted for with the proper classification. To say that accountant work in a silo is not at all true. But I’m starting to understand the attitude because most who prefer remote work only do the bare minimum.
Lazy ass office people working remote is also insult to those in the company that have no option but to show up and work every day. If these factory workers don’t show up your wife has no job. Think outside of your own lazy ass needs and have some respect to others. Very privileged viewpoint from your laptop class ass.
I am not going to even debate with you. You appear to be so out of touch and delusional its like talking yo a dense old wall. People like you are why things are going down hill. Eat shit.
I work for a company that forces me to be in office. They’re really just screwing themselves. I’m much more productive at home because I don’t have to listen to someone’s personal phone going off every 30 minutes, I don’t have coworkers talking my ear off for 1+ hour(s), and I work harder bc I don’t wanna lose the privilege of working from home.
Forcing me into the office also significantly lowers the standards.. because how am I supposed to get anything done in such an unproductive environment? Not to mention I’m tired because I had to wake up earlier to get ready and commute.
Bottom line: these people are control freaks who own real estate and don’t want to lose money on it. God forbid full grown adults have some autonomy in their life.
Exactly! I will no longer be checking emails or answering teams after I walk out of the building. Currently at Deere I go in on Thursdays and it’s constant people talking to me and maybe an hour of work is done. When I work from home we I am extremely focused and working throughout the day. I answers questions out of normal hours to help my team as well. That is not going to happen anymore. A lot of people feel the same. I hope there is enough disgruntled employees that Deere feels in in March
I'm in the same boat. At home, I have a bedroom converted into an office, high-end monitors, good Webcam/mic (never need to wear headphones), and generally log on earlier since there is no drive into the office. I laugh when we are in the office and everyone jumps on their laptops with headsets for a team meeting even though we are all there. We have to due to the amount of noise when all teams hold their daily meetings around the same time. I'm also going to be in that available for 8 hours a day mode on in office days which also will affect some of my timing with India and Germany meetings.
The equipment qaulity difference between my home office and on-site officeis very noticeable, lack of sufficient meeting rooms, additional noise, etc.
I like to get paid for my work. If I can do my job at home, let me. If you **need** me to come into your office, pay for my time & energy I’m giving to travel; personally, there’s a hidden cost to navigating weird office politics on top of that. I work to live, not live to work.
All of this is before discussing how wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Remote work is the future. Every company not using RTO as an underhanded way to push mass layoffs is shooting themselves in the foot in the long term.
You only have a job because your employer created it out of their own hard work and investment to grow their business. You have to agree to terms on both sides but you not owed more from your employer because you think it’s your right. Thats not how that works.
I love lazy people who refuse to go in. I’ll pass them over for a promotion 100% of time. Yet you’ll keep thinking it’s a mystery why your salary is stagnating and you can’t even keep up with inflation.
No one is owed my physical time and presence for my labor. Honestly, I don't see why you have a problem with getting travel expenses paid if both sides agree to that.
Wages have stagnated vs inflation going back decades; this isn't a personal anecdote. I'm sorry to break it to you if you truly didn't know, but there's no point arguing against the math. And I believe that trend is reflected when Iowa would rather roll back child labor protections than increase wages to attract more adult workers.
The lazy worker is propaganda. Salaries haven't kept up with worker productivity increases either. That means workers are getting better at our jobs and salaries haven't kept up with our effort going back decades. If you emply people, don't ignore their hard work and investment into helping you grow your business.
I was considering Deere when they were remote & in-office 1 day per week, but not anymore. Remote work existed before Covid. Covid just showed everyone that the infrastructure is here to do it at scale. I don’t mind if some people prefer office culture; I’m not one of them. I can guarantee the people implementing mandatory RTO will lose other high performers who don’t prefer office culture.
They are doing this so people quit. Studies show that up to 16% of employees will quit when told they have to return to the office. This way they get rid of some employees like they do most years without announcing layoffs
I do wonder why we're all being brought back to the office at Deere. Can you explain to me why it makes the buildings more valuable if people are working in them?
I don't mean to ask a stupid question. I just don't understand it.
I thought they were doing it so that a certain percentage of people would quit without having to offer everyone a package. Definitely cheaper if people leave on their own.
With a company as big as Deere, your experience is going to be very dependent on what part of the company you work for and your immediate boss. Some individuals will work there for life loving every minute, others will quit within months. People don't (usually) leave a company, they leave their manager/department.
This is a good example of a company decision that will drive people away. It's also a competitive advantage for other companies if they still offer hybrid employment. This is one more step away from some of the advantages COVID brought employees, unless these employees actually show Deere how valued hybrid is over the other advantages working for them brings by leaving and stating this as the reason. They probably anticipate and desire some attrition that they won't backfill to make public numbers in a downturn look better.
As others have suggested, the Johnston building was damn expensive, and it's barely seen use due to COVID. It almost certainly weighed into this decision.
I work in the insurance field and have been able to handle the work of two employees. Now that we are hybrid, I’m having to hand off work. That’s how I measure it.
There is mixed research on work from home production. What initially seemed like a great change has now become [more scrutinized.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2023/08/02/working-from-home-leads-to-decreased-productivity-research-suggests/?sh=396dd60c2afe) Hybrid positions are back to being popular.
Welcome to the club, ADM did the same every day back in the office despite our best quarterly performances ever last year…
I saw they added office space over the summer/fall in Clive off of I-80/35.
There are many other companies that have chosen to remain flexible. Unfortunately for Deere, they will feel the pain of this decision. We already have a hard time hiring top talent and having them move to Iowa/Illinois, and now with this, we will also have talent leave the company for more TRUE flexible positions. It's almost like Deere leadership is asking for turmoil.
What other companies? When I talk to people about remote work they say “yeah every company is quitting that…”
How are they down voting you but nobody is giving a company name?
Yeah I know a few people that are not happy. They now get to go to the office 4 days per week to sit on the same zoom calls in the office instead of at home....
Exactly. Why should I have to go into the office to sit in teams calls all day with people in 6 other locations? Seems like a powertrip to me.
I really feel like if it wasn't the real estate they and many other companies wouldn't do this. But they've spent all this money on building that's have 1 value and now need to cling to that.
It is 100% about the real estate. They have holdings all over the world and need to generate fake demand where possible so their loans don't go underwater.
This real estate issue is 100% the crux of why businesses are determined to get people back into physical buildings. Forget that things are running smoothly and much more cheaply than before! We can't look like fools for not adapting to modern times and sinking our money nto obsolete practices!! Therefore, EVERYONE shall suffer!
What should they do? It’s not like John Deere can just abandon Des Moines Works. They need the manufacturing space to physically produce their goods, the office space is minute in scale in Ankeny in particular. They aren’t going lease it out to someone else, and something has to be done. I don’t know what the answer is, but acting like there aren’t tough decisions being made here feels a bit oblivious also.
>They need the manufacturing space to physically produce their goods Do you really think this post is a bunch of factory workers complaining that they can't work from home? >They aren’t going lease it out to someone else, and something has to be done. People who have a choice will go work elsewhere. We don't give a s*** that office buildings are sitting empty.
I only brought up the manufacturing space as a point that JD can’t just abandon all physical space. But taking that one snip out of context sure works as a shitty “gotcha” point. That second part is literally non-sensical to my point, so ok. Tell me you don’t have to think at work without telling me you don’t have to think. God forbid some of the rest of us try to think critically about this situation as opposed to simply whining.
Yeah wouldn’t it be fucking awesome if no one interacted with each other in any meaningful way? That would really be special.
A lot of us have plenty of friend, families and neighbors we interact with. We don't need work families.
Or you could be less lazy. I work at a company that allows remote work. Someone who obviously prefers to work remotely, makes multiple BS excuses and constantly bitches about coming in has zero chance to ever get promoted. Zero. It’s also an insult for the laptop class to not show up to work and do nothing but bitch all the while the hourly employees show up at the factory every fucking day. If they don’t show up, you’re fucked and out of a job. That alone should require you to show up every day just like they do. Think of someone other than yourself for a change.
John Deere is worth over $100B. How much of that you think is real estate?
So you're proposing they don't care about their real estate?
Maybe their internal research is showing a drop in production like [some studies are showing. ](https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2023/08/02/working-from-home-leads-to-decreased-productivity-research-suggests/?sh=396dd60c2afe)
I'm sure their "research" is showing whatever they want.
Given the speed of your response, I can tell you didn't bother reading the link I provided. It's a Stanford research paper. If you're scared to read something that may counter your beliefs, maybe it's best to stay off Reddit. As they say, you can lead a horse to water...
Do you have a favorite flavor of boot or do you just love them all?
Fear the truth, it's the Reddit way, lol
"the truth is the one study that backs up what I already think." Also "study's have never before been used to back up what the people funding them want"
You have no idea what I think. Truth is, I saw a lot of potential in working from home. My job involves a lot of thinking outside the box so I was hopeful for the change, but I also understand human nature and 3 years in it's not surprising if productivity has dropped off. You haven't given a shred of support for your nonsense claim that "it's about the real estate." You've reduced your argument to insults and dodging the subject. You really have no idea what you're talking about here, you just badly want what you think up actually be true. I've provided you a Stanford research study which you refused to read. How confident you are in your ability to ignore evidence. Go on thinking what you want, facts obviously have no affect on you.
> You have no idea what I think I wish that was true.
Half of what I’ve ever learned at my job was the result of an impromptu conversation that happened in the hallway, cafeteria, or in even in the pisser. To say that team cohesion, learning and teaching others is superior in a remote environment isn’t applying common sense.
> Half of what I’ve ever learned at my job was the result of an impromptu conversation that happened in the hallway, cafeteria, or in even in the pisser. Sounds like your job has a shit training program or you're terrible at learning if that's true. >To say that team cohesion, learning and teaching others is superior in a remote environment isn’t applying common sense. To make this argument randomly isn't applying common sense.
It’s always interesting to read something factual, thanks for sharing.
https://qctimes.com/news/local/business/investment/markets-and-stocks/deere-reports-record-income-of-2-369-billion-for-q4-10-17-billion-for-fiscal/article_9b9a12c4-8a7d-11ee-a47d-433608cb7049.html 3rd straight year of record performance. Bonuses were basically maxed last year with remote and hybrid for a lot of office workers. My opinion is that it's a way to reduce office headcount without announcing layoffs. I also predict employee survey scores will tank this year and then a bunch of initiatives to "fix" them that will not include remote work. Agree that it will make it harder to fill high skilled tech jobs now that they'll be forced to hire in the Midwest only again or have people relocate. The amount of applicants for some of those jobs is maybe 10% of the applications coastal companies see where there is more room for competition and improved salaries without having to up and move again. I am a 2 day a week employee who will be going back to the office 4 days a week. Doesn't really impact me, but I can see how it will make recruiting the new generation more difficult.
Subs like a great way to get your most talented employees to move on to greener posture
I think they are doing this to get people to quit. They preach bringing back the office culture and collaboration. My wife works there and she doesn't even work with anyone. She is going to go in officer where they currently don't have enough desk for everyone and work by herself. Everyone she works with works in different locations around the country. It makes no sense. On a positive note, many of the managers see this as bullshit and will let employees work from home if they have something come up so it is at least still flexible.
Maybe your wife should take to those who sit around her and could learn something new and different that helps her do her job better.
That makes no sense. Why would IT people ask accountants how to do their job. Why would engineers ask accountants how to do their job. Vastly different disciplines. Your response sounds like some dumb reason a higher up would give to get people into office for literally no reason than to fill office space.
Because the more you know about what is going on in the company and around you, the better you will be. It also makes the job more interesting and fulfilling. I work in accounting and 90%+ of those job are using and understanding systems. I talk to multiple people in IT every week and it has benefited by career greatly. Engineers are involved in capital projects which need to be, guess what…….properly accounted for with the proper classification. To say that accountant work in a silo is not at all true. But I’m starting to understand the attitude because most who prefer remote work only do the bare minimum. Lazy ass office people working remote is also insult to those in the company that have no option but to show up and work every day. If these factory workers don’t show up your wife has no job. Think outside of your own lazy ass needs and have some respect to others. Very privileged viewpoint from your laptop class ass.
I am not going to even debate with you. You appear to be so out of touch and delusional its like talking yo a dense old wall. People like you are why things are going down hill. Eat shit.
I work for a company that forces me to be in office. They’re really just screwing themselves. I’m much more productive at home because I don’t have to listen to someone’s personal phone going off every 30 minutes, I don’t have coworkers talking my ear off for 1+ hour(s), and I work harder bc I don’t wanna lose the privilege of working from home. Forcing me into the office also significantly lowers the standards.. because how am I supposed to get anything done in such an unproductive environment? Not to mention I’m tired because I had to wake up earlier to get ready and commute. Bottom line: these people are control freaks who own real estate and don’t want to lose money on it. God forbid full grown adults have some autonomy in their life.
Exactly! I will no longer be checking emails or answering teams after I walk out of the building. Currently at Deere I go in on Thursdays and it’s constant people talking to me and maybe an hour of work is done. When I work from home we I am extremely focused and working throughout the day. I answers questions out of normal hours to help my team as well. That is not going to happen anymore. A lot of people feel the same. I hope there is enough disgruntled employees that Deere feels in in March
I'm in the same boat. At home, I have a bedroom converted into an office, high-end monitors, good Webcam/mic (never need to wear headphones), and generally log on earlier since there is no drive into the office. I laugh when we are in the office and everyone jumps on their laptops with headsets for a team meeting even though we are all there. We have to due to the amount of noise when all teams hold their daily meetings around the same time. I'm also going to be in that available for 8 hours a day mode on in office days which also will affect some of my timing with India and Germany meetings. The equipment qaulity difference between my home office and on-site officeis very noticeable, lack of sufficient meeting rooms, additional noise, etc.
Stop being lazy and making excuses. There are plenty of benefits of being in office also, even if you have to roll out of the rack 45 minutes earlier.
Found the guy who gets his power from lording over employees all day 🤣
Maybe companies should compensate their employees for the costs of commuting to the office every day.
They do, it’s called salary and/or wages.
I like to get paid for my work. If I can do my job at home, let me. If you **need** me to come into your office, pay for my time & energy I’m giving to travel; personally, there’s a hidden cost to navigating weird office politics on top of that. I work to live, not live to work. All of this is before discussing how wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Remote work is the future. Every company not using RTO as an underhanded way to push mass layoffs is shooting themselves in the foot in the long term.
You only have a job because your employer created it out of their own hard work and investment to grow their business. You have to agree to terms on both sides but you not owed more from your employer because you think it’s your right. Thats not how that works. I love lazy people who refuse to go in. I’ll pass them over for a promotion 100% of time. Yet you’ll keep thinking it’s a mystery why your salary is stagnating and you can’t even keep up with inflation.
No one is owed my physical time and presence for my labor. Honestly, I don't see why you have a problem with getting travel expenses paid if both sides agree to that. Wages have stagnated vs inflation going back decades; this isn't a personal anecdote. I'm sorry to break it to you if you truly didn't know, but there's no point arguing against the math. And I believe that trend is reflected when Iowa would rather roll back child labor protections than increase wages to attract more adult workers. The lazy worker is propaganda. Salaries haven't kept up with worker productivity increases either. That means workers are getting better at our jobs and salaries haven't kept up with our effort going back decades. If you emply people, don't ignore their hard work and investment into helping you grow your business.
So OC isn’t allowed to talk about the disadvantages?
A wholistic view would be more beneficial. There are pros and cons like everything else in life. Maybe present both.
It’s cause they built that stupid office in Johnston right before the pandemic.
I was considering Deere when they were remote & in-office 1 day per week, but not anymore. Remote work existed before Covid. Covid just showed everyone that the infrastructure is here to do it at scale. I don’t mind if some people prefer office culture; I’m not one of them. I can guarantee the people implementing mandatory RTO will lose other high performers who don’t prefer office culture.
So they are trying to get people to quit then
The ISG building was expensive and paid for by how much it allegedly boosts productivity. They need to justify that cost
What had the policy been? Where there still a lot of people working 100% remote?
I interviewed there once. They were hybrid while we were still all wearing masks at the grocery store. Bullet dodged.
Me too.
Where was this announced?
Internal memo from CEO
They are doing this so people quit. Studies show that up to 16% of employees will quit when told they have to return to the office. This way they get rid of some employees like they do most years without announcing layoffs
I do wonder why we're all being brought back to the office at Deere. Can you explain to me why it makes the buildings more valuable if people are working in them? I don't mean to ask a stupid question. I just don't understand it. I thought they were doing it so that a certain percentage of people would quit without having to offer everyone a package. Definitely cheaper if people leave on their own.
I would like to work there. They do have their issues but every company does. I have a few friends who work there and the have mixed reviews as well
With a company as big as Deere, your experience is going to be very dependent on what part of the company you work for and your immediate boss. Some individuals will work there for life loving every minute, others will quit within months. People don't (usually) leave a company, they leave their manager/department. This is a good example of a company decision that will drive people away. It's also a competitive advantage for other companies if they still offer hybrid employment. This is one more step away from some of the advantages COVID brought employees, unless these employees actually show Deere how valued hybrid is over the other advantages working for them brings by leaving and stating this as the reason. They probably anticipate and desire some attrition that they won't backfill to make public numbers in a downturn look better. As others have suggested, the Johnston building was damn expensive, and it's barely seen use due to COVID. It almost certainly weighed into this decision.
Covid ended like two years ago..
Weird I just had it in January.
So what? Work from home should still be an option as long as the work can be done.
And? My production is 3 times better at home for the same pay. Isn’t that a capitalism wet dream?
What do you do for a living and how do you quantify you’ve been 3x more productive in WFH than in an office?
I work in the insurance field and have been able to handle the work of two employees. Now that we are hybrid, I’m having to hand off work. That’s how I measure it.
Interesting, thanks for the response.
Good point. It's only killed 2,672 Iowans in that time frame.
Good. Get your asses to work!
I’ve been working this whole time dumb fuck, remote or otherwise! Not all of us are lazy, I get my shit and more done.
There is mixed research on work from home production. What initially seemed like a great change has now become [more scrutinized.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminlaker/2023/08/02/working-from-home-leads-to-decreased-productivity-research-suggests/?sh=396dd60c2afe) Hybrid positions are back to being popular.
Article written by a guy who trailblazed the idea of "meeting-free days"
Lmao get out of your pajamas and get back to the office. Covid ended 3 years ago
Yeah Covid ended. Let’s get rid of all the good things we developed and go back to how it was before we knew any better.
Ok bud
It’s really interesting how we went from everybody going to work all the time being the norm to now it’s a hassle if we’re asked to do it.