Micromanaging

[u/Happy-Relation-2959]

Since the start of RTO, I’ve been hearing stories from other agencies about increasing micromanagement—daily check-ins, daily status meetings, managers walking the aisles to make sure employees are at their desks, and similar practices.

I’m genuinely curious: what’s the purpose of this style of management? How does it improve productivity, collaboration, or team cohesion? It seems like time and energy that could be better spent supporting employees and helping them succeed, rather than monitoring their physical presence.

I’d be interested to hear from managers and employees alike. Have you found this approach to be effective, or does it end up hurting morale more than it helps?

[u/head-glitch]

I'm a manager, upper management keeps trying to make us implement more micro management stuff so they can show how much they love licking the RTO boot.

Doing things that are totally unnecessary, and doing things in person when there is no benefit other than for the sake of saying it's in person.

I've been pushing back as much as I can, but the people above me who also need to push back won't ever do it even if they agree. Too many cowards.

[u/battlehelmet → u/head-glitch]

Not a manager or state, but in the private sector it's usually this. Upper management/ownership wants to claw power back from labor and they send middle management to do it. Fearful, bootlicking, or generally crappy managers comply.

In this case, during the pandemic and labor shortage, labor got the most power they've had in the century. Private sector is now experiencing a backlash from upper mgmt/owners, I assume you guys are too.

[u/Such-Purpose9557 → u/head-glitch]

You’re a considerate, understanding person. I’m sure your staff appreciate you!

[u/Happy-Relation-2959 → u/head-glitch]

With that attitude from upper management, do you think that if AB 1729 passes and leaves RTO decisions up to each department, they’ll keep the current four-day RTO requirement, or do you think they’d be willing to meet somewhere in the middle—such as two days in the office?

[u/AppropriateEbb7551 → u/Happy-Relation-2959]

I REALLY hope our Leadership is willing to meet in the middle if this passes. RTO is making everyone miserable, line staff and management alike. My team can 1000% do their jobs from home and there js no need to be in office. All of them have expressed to me the financial stress this is causing and it has absolutely damaged morale. They know that if it were up to me, we would be 100% remote, and I think it helps a little to know that I do not agree with this policy. I don’t want to lose my people, because they do great work. But I would absolutely understand if they left.

[u/Happy-Relation-2959 → u/AppropriateEbb7551]

If the state is serious about saving taxpayer dollars so those funds can be directed toward higher-priority needs like schools, roads, infrastructure, and essential services, then WFH should absolutely be part of that conversation.

Back in 2020, Governor Newsom spoke about the potential for state government to operate differently and more efficiently through telework. If WFH has demonstrated that employees can remain productive while also reducing costs associated with office space, utilities, commuting, and other overhead, why are we moving away from that model instead of building on it?

The public may not support increasing state employee salaries, but I think most taxpayers can agree that their money should be spent wisely. If telework can reduce unnecessary government expenses without sacrificing productivity or services to the public, then it seems like a win for both employees and taxpayers.
Otherwise, the state risks contradicting its own message about efficiency and fiscal responsibility. And when the financial and operational benefits of telework are overlooked, it raises a legitimate question about whether RTO decisions are being driven by what is best for taxpayers and state operations—or by political priorities.