Navigating the Return to the Office: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: The Anticipation of Returning
The notion of returning to the office has been buzzing lately. A few weeks back, I recounted the directive from upper management urging us to come back. The focus was on collaboration, mentorship, and all those positive aspects that come with face-to-face interaction. However, the reality has not been as promising as I envisioned.
Let’s Get Together
For several weeks, a small group of us has been gathering at our favorite local eatery, where the owners kindly provide us with a secluded table. These lunch meet-ups allow us to connect, engage in meaningful discussions, and align our efforts across different teams. During our recent lunch, we reached a consensus: meeting in person at least once a week is a fantastic idea.
Anticipation Builds
On the night before my first day back at the office, I meticulously selected my outfit as if it were the first day of school. My previous work attire—casual shorts and flip-flops—wouldn’t suffice. I found it amusing to reflect on the absurdity of the situation. Despite my expectations of how the day would unfold, the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues was palpable. I fell asleep envisioning a steaming cup of Dunkin’ coffee waiting for me in the morning.
Chapter 2: The Reality of the First Day
Wednesday arrived—the day of reckoning. I got ready, opting for long pants, shoes, and a collared shirt. My partner noticed my transformation and wished me a great day. Indeed, it felt like the first day of school all over again.
As I parked, I was taken aback by the emptiness of the lot. Although it was still early, the lack of cars was striking compared to the bustling scene from before. Gathering my belongings, I made my way into the building, only to be hit by a wave of mixed odors reminiscent of a neglected funeral home: stale air, dust, mildew, burnt coffee, and an undefined microwaved smell.
To my surprise, I discovered my workspace had been relocated, and it took time to locate my new cube by scanning nameplates. It had been far too long since my last visit. Although my desk attachment was moved, my chair and other equipment were not. No big deal—I often use my laptop, which connects wirelessly.
Once settled, I began checking emails and preparing for a tech review scheduled for 10 AM.
Why Are You Sitting in Your Cube?
As I lingered outside the conference room, I noticed the time was nearing 9:55. I tend to arrive early for meetings, but this felt a little too close for comfort. Searching for my colleagues, I found them in their cubes, already dialed into the meeting.
“Are you coming to the meeting?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m on the line now, waiting for it to start,” came the reply.
“Why are you sitting in your cube? The conference room is open!” I responded, bewildered.
The blank expressions and growing tension were disheartening. It felt like we had morphed into mere office rats.
Leadership Void
We are experiencing a glaring lack of leadership—a gap no one seems eager to address. This issue extends beyond my organization and echoes throughout various levels of society. It’s a collective problem, one that requires proactive engagement and direction.
It’s fundamental: a lesson learned in youth sports, music, and Management 101—lead from the front, guide your team toward a common goal.
Back in the office, the tech review meeting proceeded seamlessly, as they have for the past couple of years, with many participants still dialing in from their desks. However, the intention behind this in-office return—to foster collaboration and mentorship—was not fulfilled.
If project managers and team leads are not physically present, why would anyone else feel compelled to come in? It feels like a waste of time and resources.
Call to Action for Leaders
If you hold a leadership position, it’s time to step up. Do you have a vision for the future of work? If not, start by scheduling in-person meetings and make it clear that attendance is expected. Avoid providing remote access options; instead, choose venues where joining virtually is not feasible—like a park, a restaurant, or a retreat in the mountains.
What about remote employees? Consider flying them in for these gatherings. This isn’t just a weekly or monthly check-in; aim for quarterly or annual meetings.
The bottom line is clear: if you wish to cultivate connection, then bring people together. If not, perhaps it’s best to step back, engage in your distractions, and let those who seek collaboration do so without interruption.
I’ll be in my home office if you need me.
The first video captures the essence of returning to work, showcasing a day in the life of someone transitioning back to the office environment.
The second video delves into the ongoing debate about whether employees should return to the office, raising important questions about workplace dynamics.