Going back to the office: dream or nightmare?

While certain businesses are announcing new work-from-home strategies in order to keep this process going until at least december 2020, others are opting for a gradual return to the office. You might be thinking “finally!”.

But is it really the blessing everyone seemed to pray for in the past few weeks? Here are a few things about it that make us think going back to the office might be a curse in disguise… 

New balance

Yes, it was off-putting to work from home in the beginning. We missed our colleagues, our office. Even traffic, kind of. Staying home made us a little crazy, and the line between personal and professional life got a little too blurry.

However, in the past few weeks, we’ve developed a routine. New became normal. We got used to this new workspace, to our new habits. Maybe being home wasn’t so bad after all. We’re more productive, more focused, and the pressure is somewhat lighter. 

Going back to the office forces us to find a new balance again, and to start over. Creating a new routine in these uncertain times might seem impossible. We were just starting to get used to it, and now it seems our efforts were in vain. For many, this can be quite daunting. 

New sanitary measures

Going back to the office sounds like a great idea until you take a few seconds to think about the difficulties that come with such a step. Yes, it can seem alluring at first, but sanitary measures are still very much there, which means your “office” probably won’t look like what you’re thinking. 

Every day, you’ll have to clean your work area regularly to avoid spreading germs. Your workspace will have to remain blank, naked. You’ll have to wear a mask. Access to shared space and eating areas will be different, and you’ll essentially have to re-learn how to live in your own office.

It’s quite possible you’ll start wondering if you weren’t better off at home after all...

What about the dog?

Listen, I know this doesn’t sound as serious as the other points I made, but still… what will happen to your pets? Your cat or your dog or your parrot who got used to your company every day?

Think of them! (And your kids too, while you’re at it…) Your daily presence at home has affected many, not just you, and going back to the office will certainly have consequences for them, too (I swear I’m not trying to guilt-trip you…).

Maybe consider a more progressive return to the office, and explore the different options available to you. Half days could certainly help you make this transition easier for everybody, whether it’s for you or Coco the parrot...