Return to Office (Again), Quiet Cracking, and Why Capitalism Is Tired

We’re back from summer break—and unfortunately, so are return-to-office mandates.

In this episode, we talk about Ontario’s decision to drag public servants back to the office five days a week, the real reasons behind it (spoiler: it’s not productivity), and the ripple effects for equity, burnout, and retention.

We unpack why “quiet cracking” is just burnout in a rebrand, how performative presenteeism is still alive and well, and why so many corporate decisions feel anti-worker by design.

Also: why companies think hardship = productivity, what commutes really cost people, and a mini tea rant (literally).

Timestamps

0.00 - 4.58: Post Summer Catch Up

4:58 - 19.41: Return-to-Work Mandates

19.41 - End: Quiet Cracking