7 Good Reasons Return to the Office
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The transition back to the office has begun, just as we were getting used to working from home. Some companies in Malaysia are starting to utilise the hybrid working arrangement, which is a fair compromise for most workers.
As return-to-office replaces work-from-home, these are a few reasons why you should return to the office, at least a few days per month.
1. Better work relationships
When you're in the office full time, it is easier to have a small chat with your favourite colleagues while working to relieve stress.
When you're working remotely, it does not have the same feeling. Some might feel like they're annoying their colleagues.
2. A chance for improved mentoring
Many managers believe that mentoring their team members is much more effective face-to-face. For them, it is easier to listen to their calls and coach them in person.
If you are looking for career growth, you will find it easier to establish a relationship with a mentor that's not on your team when you are in the office.
3. It can potentially improve your mental health.
Numerous articles, like this one, quote research studies indicating that many WFH people experience loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress, and depression. Even introverts are sociable creatures.
4. Defined work boundaries
The work boundaries have been blurred for some time, especially with easy access to email via smartphones. However, with home workplace setups, you feel like you are expected to be ready for work 24/7.
You get on a call at 7:00 a.m. to accommodate a client or customer in New Zealand, and the next thing you know, it's 6:00 p.m. and you're still in your pyjamas.
5. Easier to concentrate
Many people, especially those with children and pets, would find it nice to have a meeting where there aren't interruptions, such as kids running around and pets making noises.
People also aren't turning off their video or multitasking, so you won't have to repeat queries or information because they aren't fully focused in the meeting.
6. Increased visibility
Whether you like it or not, many managers still spend their days picturing how you're at home with your kids or binge-watching the latest Netflix series, regardless of how accessible you are online.
They are only reassured that you are a real person doing real work when they see you at your desk.
7. Your coworkers can't ghost you anymore
It has become far too easy for your coworkers to disappear online. You don't have many options if someone doesn't react to your emails or chat messages other than to keep messaging them.
But when you're at the office, you have the choice of casually going past their desk and saying, "Oh hi, looks like you ARE in the office. Let's talk about the emails I sent you earlier..."
Allow yourself time to adjust to the new norm if your company executives have taken the business choice to request staff to return to the office, even part-time. You might enjoy it.