---
title: "Diary of a Modern Manager: Hybrid Work Policy Enforcement"
description: How should managers handle hybrid work requirements and caregiving needs? Explore a scenario on practical adjustments, team fairness, and clear expectations.
---
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# Diary of a Modern Manager: Hybrid Work Policy Enforcement
[Miriam Rubin November 6, 2026](https://listentoyourmothers.com/blog/author/miriam-rubin)
- [Diary of a Modern Manager](https://listentoyourmothers.com/blog/tag/diary-of-a-modern-manager)
- 3 mins
The real scenarios managers face with working mothers.
Each week, we’ll feature real scenarios managers face with working mothers on their team and how to navigate towards a solution.
## Scenario Two: Hybrid Work Policy Enforcement
Six months into a new hybrid work policy requiring two days in the office each week, Alex, a historically reliable Senior Data Analyst, is rarely meeting the requirement. Alex tells her manager, Marie, that frequent illnesses and appointments for her children make it difficult to come in. Because her children are too young to stay home alone, and her partner’s teaching job requires in-person attendance, Alex often needs to be home to provide care. She can still complete her work remotely. Marie understands Alex’s circumstances but has limited control over the organization-wide policy. Meanwhile, team members have begun questioning Alex’s ability to “pull her weight” and raising concerns about fairness. What should Marie’s next steps be as Alex’s manager?
## Our Response Summary
Marie should seek to understand the team’s concerns and Alex’s experience with the new policy before drawing conclusions, clarifying what “not pulling their weight” means and whether others are facing similar challenges. She should work with Alex to develop a practical plan that balances individual needs with team expectations, while considering whether adjustments are equitable or whether aspects of the policy warrant broader reconsideration. Marie should also ensure in-office time is purposeful and establish a plan to check in on progress.
### Gather more information
Marie should ask more questions to understand what the team means by Alex “not pulling her weight.” She should clarify whether this perception is related to the policy, or whether it is pointing to a different problem to be addressed. She should also explore how others are experiencing the new policy, and determine the best channels to share relevant themes and feedback with senior leadership. Finally, she should work with her own manager to understand where she has flexibility to adjust the policy versus where she needs to hold the line.
### Meet with Alex
Marie should meet with Alex and have an open conversation to understand Alex’s perspective, identify her specific challenges, and explore what the barriers are with her abiding by the new policy. She should approach the conversation with curiosity and avoid assumptions.
### Develop a practical plan
Marie should review the policy with Alex to clarify expectations. Together, they should identify realistic adjustments and next steps that address Alex’s needs while maintaining team responsibilities. Marie should also establish a timeline to check back in with Alex, assess whether the plan is working, and make further adjustments as needed.
### Maintain equity across the team
Marie should consider how any adjustments for Alex affect the broader team. Are there other employees who would benefit from similar flexibility? Which aspects of the policy warrant reconsideration for everyone, and where does an individual adjustment make sense? She should ensure decisions are fair, consistent, and sustainable.
### Make in-office time valuable
Be intentional about how in-office time is used. Prioritize activities that benefit from in-person collaboration, connection, and problem-solving so that time in the office feels purposeful and productive. This will go a long way not just for Alex, but for everyone coming into the office.
### Miriam Rubin
Miriam is a mother of two and the Co - Founder, Strategy & Business Development of Listen to Your Mothers. Her expertise is in planning & implementation, budgeting, and change management.
[](https://listentoyourmothers.com/)
Because what's good for moms is good for business.
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