Is the rise of remote work leading to the downfall of traditional workplaces?
You may be questioning whether or not to get rid of your office. The COVID-19 pandemic normalized remote work. It proved to workers that they could be successful working from home and reap many benefits, such as less commute stress, better work-life balance, and increased productivity and job satisfaction. As it comes time to return to the office, many workers may be wondering if it is really necessary to return. Offices may now seem redundant. But here’s why you shouldn’t get rid of your office.
Connection vs. Connectivity
We all crave human connection. It is an important part of feeling fulfilled, not only in our personal lives but also in our work. While working remotely, you might begin to realize that staying connected with your coworkers is a lot more work than if you were just working together in the office.
Working remotely is like having a long-distance relationship. Co-workers can stay in touch with one another through messages, phone calls, and video conferencing, but they never truly get to see each other. While video conferencing can sometimes be a suitable substitute for meeting in person, it does not foster the same sense of connection. Instead of making eye contact, people blankly stare at their screens. And after emails are answered or the video conferences end, there is usually little time or reason for co-workers to interact. Remote communication can be very stiff and unnatural. So, it is important to have a physical space where co-workers can freely connect, create, and problem solve together.
Shared Symbol
Workers often feel a greater sense of autonomy when working from home. But as workers gain this independence and flexibility, they may feel distant from their co-workers, leaders, and the overall mission and vision of the company.
Think of the difference between watching a sporting event on television by yourself compared to sitting in the stadium among passionate fans rooting for the same team. A physical, brick and mortar office is a worker’s stadium. While workers may sometimes prefer working from home, every so often they may want to work in the buzzing atmosphere of an office. This change of pace can motivate workers to meet deadlines, be creative, and collaborate with coworkers. But with this, it is also important to remember the pitfalls of open office plans. There needs to be a balance between community and privacy.
A physical office building doesn’t just impact the people who work there. It also influences the surrounding community. People are more likely to trust in something that they can see and that is familiar to them. People can gain a sense of familiarity with a company by simply driving past it and recognizing it as an integral part in their community’s landscape. Because, for just as much as a stadium exists for the players to play, it is also a place for the fans to admire and show their support.
