A Closer Look … @ Mandatory RTO Stipends!

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

with Anthony Newcombe

DATE: APRIL 1st, 2026

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, you need to justify all of that commercial real estate space you’re paying for each and every month!

How would I KNOW this? Because, like you, 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 often 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 and efficiency.” Just know one thing: your employees DO TALK. They just aren’t talking TO YOU. That is the real problem you may think to address. Anyhow, that’s my two cents!

Well, what do YOU think? 

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

At any rate, 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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How about an AI CEO?

Let’s take a closer look … for an A.I. CEO!!

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

This month: Here’s an idea: let’s build an A.I. replacement for CEOs!!

You’ve heard it, I’ve heard, we’ve all heard it recently.  “Artificial intelligence is going to replace me, and no one is going to be able to do anything about it!” Whether it’s Hollywood writers & actors, as well as other creators of duplicative content or services, it seems everyone is at risk of being replaced (substituted?) by AI.

WHY THIS MAKES SENSE

Call it alarmist, paranoid, or anything else you wish. The fact is that it’s coming – and FAST!  I recall when I was very young going to the movies and seeing Westworld with Richard Benjamin and a very intimidating Yul Brenner.  I might be too proud to say I was shaking in my boots, but let’s just settle on the fact that I NEVER forgot that movie. If only I’d  known that it was simply a precursor …

Fast forward to today.  It seems the only working people who are the most frightened by this concept are those whose decisions are being made on their behalf. Combine that with a general lack of trust for those in charge and BOOM – we are left with the anger, disbelief, and anxiety that is here.

CONTENT CREATOR P.O.V. VS. CEO P.O.V.

I think about things like this all the time.  As a content creator, I understand fully the importance of “having a say over my creation(s).”  Conversely, as a CEO, I understand the need to stay ahead of the business/technology curve and to keep costs in check, etc. However, in this situation, I’m going to side with the creators. I’m going to do this for the purposes of this blog entry simply BECAUSE-I-CAN!

THE WRAP UP

Finally, I’m going to propose that we embark on inventing a brand-new CEO in A.I.  It won’t be overpaid, it won’t chastise and intimidate its workforce, and it won’t force others to (Return to Office or “RTO”) drive to the office every day should they prefer to work from home (WFH).

Pretty cool, huh?  You’re welcome.

What do YOU think?

Hope your very hot summer is not so horrible. 

Stay hydrated.

-A.N.

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.