As the year 2022 comes to an end, I have a wish for 2023 - a full return to the office. I know this sounds controversial and even many will say I am old and outdated. Let me explain where my views come from.
In 1996, I was lucky to join a web1 company called DoubleClick, with strong leaders and a big vision, just entering its hyper growth phase. There was no work from home (WFH). We went in 5 days a week (even though our Blackberries kept us connected 24/7), and as a team of 30 expanded to 50, then 75, then more, offices popped up around the globe. We had sales conferences domestically and internationally as the number of offices, employees and clients continued to grow. I was in my early 30s, meeting other young professionals from all walks of life and learning from them and with them. We would commiserate on the challenges over lunch, with drinks after work, or on business trips. Over the next 5 years (yes, people stayed at jobs that long), we developed and cemented friendships and relationships of mutual respect. The strong culture that was born remains to this day.
Fast forward to 2022 - WFH is all the rage. I hear words such as: I am more productive, I can be more efficient, and the lack of commuting saves me so much time. While the flexibility offers certain benefits, I cannot overstate the importance of collaboration, mentorship, professional relationships and mental health.
First and foremost, it is my belief and experience that going back to the office will improve collaboration and communication. Working from home might work for deep focused work, but it makes it difficult to have impromptu meetings or brainstorming sessions. In an office setting, it's much easier to have face-to-face conversations and collaborate on projects. This can lead to better teamwork and, ultimately, more successful outcomes.
Another benefit of going back to the office is the opportunity for professional development. Mentorship and support require focused, dedicated efforts regardless of whether teams are remote, hybrid, or in-person, and simply returning to the office is not a panacea. But shadowing opportunities, impromptu debriefs outside conference rooms, and “learning through osmosis” are logistically more accessible in-person than remotely. These moments are especially important for those who are early in their careers and looking to advance.
Beyond advancement opportunities, the importance of developing professional relationships cannot be stressed enough. Despite the feelings of proximity, deep connection can’t be fostered via Zoom, conference calls, or Twitter. Think about your high school, college, or graduate school times. How many new and meaningful relationships did you develop when school moved to the world of Zoom? Like you, your co-workers will move to other jobs, maybe in other cities. The professional connections that you create early in your career will open countless doors over the course of your lifetime.
Finally, returning to the office can have a positive impact on mental health. Working from home can be isolating, and many people have reported feeling burnt out and disconnected from their colleagues. Going back to the office can provide a sense of community and connection, which can be beneficial for mental health and overall well-being.
Of course, there are also valid reasons for continuing to work from home, and there is no singular solution that will work for everyone. But regardless of the setup you choose for yourself, the benefits that an office setting provides should not be forgotten. Collaboration, mentorship, professional relationships and mental health are all important factors to consider as we move towards a post-pandemic world.