Google's “return or resign” policy feels like punishment for surviving

I thought making it through the last round of layoffs at Google meant something. Turns out, it just bought me more corporate BS.

Now leadership is saying we have to be in-office at least 3 days a week or else. And by “or else,” they mean we’re out. Fired. “Voluntary resignation” if you don’t comply. No joke.

This, after thousands of people were let go supposedly to reduce costs. After all the extra work those of us who stayed picked up. After working late nights, weekends, and trying to stay positive when everything around us was falling apart.

And now? Get your butt back to the office, or you’re next.

They’re dressing it up as “rebuilding culture” and “driving innovation,” but it feels more like they’re just reasserting control. Like they’re testing who’s desperate enough to stay. Who’s scared enough to comply.

I know folks at Amazon and Dell going through the same crap. RTO as a weapon. Morale’s in the toilet and nobody trusts leadership anymore.

If you ask me, this isn’t about culture... it’s about compliance. And it’s exhausting.

Anyone else think these RTO policies are just layoffs in disguise?