I joined Outbrain with high hopes, but recent changes have left me feeling utterly disappointed and undervalued as an employee. The company's decision to enforce a three-day return to the office policy is a huge setback. Not only is this a step back in terms of work flexibility, but it comes without any accompanying salary increase to justify the inconvenience. What's more, the new requirement to take the tube three times a week adds an unnecessary layer of stress and expense to our daily routines. Public transportation during peak hours is no walk in the park, and it's disappointing that Outbrain isn't taking this into consideration. While the company touted three additional days off as a "benefit," it's essentially a cosmetic change. These days off aren't aligned with personal preferences and can't replace the lost flexibility that remote work provided. The removal of the gym benefit further compounds the sense that Outbrain is devaluing its employees' well-being. To make matters worse, the recent move to a smaller office space is a blow to morale. The rotating schedule and constant adaptation to new setups each week are not only disruptive but also make it challenging to settle into a productive routine. The lack of empathy in communication about these changes, particularly from the Chief People Officer using a cold and detached CHAT GPT email, is a stark reminder that the company's leadership may be out of touch with the actual employee experience. One of the most disheartening aspects of this whole situation is the attempt to dress up these changes as a positive move. Going back to a smaller office without adequate provisions for meals is hardly an upgrade, and it's disappointing to see the company downplay the negative impact these changes have on our day-to-day lives. In conclusion, the recent series of changes at Outbrain has left me feeling undervalued, stressed, and disillusioned. The lack of consideration for employees' well-being and the cold, unsympathetic communication surrounding these changes have eroded the trust and enthusiasm I once had for this company. I hope that Outbrain reevaluates these decisions and truly listens to its employees' concerns before more talent is lost due to these detrimental changes.