The Benefits of Working from Work

?By David J. Johnson with CorporateQueue

I'm about to voice something that might seem unpopular or even controversial: there are tangible benefits to working in a physical office space. I'm not disregarding the freedom of remote work, nor am I entirely in favor of mandates that force a complete return to the office. However, I do understand the reasons behind bringing employees back to the workplace, even if it's on a hybrid basis.

While the next wave of innovation will predominantly unfold in the software and AI realms, until we upload our consciousness to the cloud, there will still be a demand for tangible products. During the pandemic, amid the surge in remote work preferences, I reminded my team, "You can't build a factory from your house," a sentiment that remains relevant for the future. In domains where physical products are manufactured, human labor proves to be the most adaptable, and visual management stands out as the most effective method for ensuring efficiency. I've participated in numerous meetings where teams attempted to solve problems solely by analyzing statements of work and scrutinizing numerical data from their desks. These tactics were ineffective.? During my tenure at a major automotive player, we embraced the concept of "Gemba," meaning "go and see." In many lean cultures, physically witnessing where the actual work is carried out forms the cornerstone for assessing performance, enhancing processes, and addressing challenges.

Onsite work offers unparalleled communication advantages. Few would argue against the effectiveness of face-to-face communication. It enables us to pick up on nonverbal cues, interpret body language, gather nuanced personal and social insights, and minimize the risk of miscommunication. While Zoom/Teams calls and emails have become commonplace, they have diminished our ability to foster trust through interpersonal interactions. In video conferences, individuals often disable their cameras and multitask, hindering the ability to gauge reactions and diverting attention from crucial discussions. In-office interactions promote more considerate communication; when face-to-face, we tend to choose our words more thoughtfully, reducing email warfare and background distractions. Additionally, osmotic communication (information flowing into the background hearing of team members) thrives in office environments, keeping individuals tangentially engaged and informed without the need for formal meetings. Being physically present in the office offers an immersion in the business that is challenging to replicate remotely.

Office hours also foster effective team building. Building relationships is inherently easier face-to-face. Virtual meetings and email exchanges often reduce individuals to mere transactions, whereas in-person interactions humanize us. Returning to the office fosters a sense of fairness. While many leaders (and those keen on enhancing their LinkedIn profiles) could feasibly work remotely, strategic initiatives often rely on on-site implementation by individual contributors who lack the luxury of remote work. Being present at the Gemba demonstrates solidarity; engaged leaders witness long-term success as their involvement in day-to-day operations facilitates a deeper understanding of how to support employees, cultivates empathetic connections between management and staff, and encourages collaboration and transparent communication. The shift to remote work has also transformed the dynamics of introversion and extroversion in society, producing consequences to the team building process. Extroverts may feel more isolated, while some introverts have retreated further into their individual spaces.

In many cases, face-to-face interactions and office presence enhance upward mobility. While skills and achievements should ideally dictate promotions, the reality of career progress often involves factors like visibility and rapport. Relationships and sponsorship play pivotal roles in advancing from individual contributor to vice president. Your personality significantly influences your journey to senior leadership roles, and this is challenging to cultivate remotely. Moreover, we've witnessed a wave of layoffs; leaders are more likely to consider the impact of layoffs on individuals with whom they have a personal connection. As one leader remarked, "If a role can be performed entirely remotely, why not automate it or outsource it to cheaper options abroad?" While in-person work doesn't guarantee success, it can provide a competitive edge compared to peers.

In conclusion, while I appreciate remote work for its flexibility and other merits, I see compelling reasons to embrace office attendance in some capacity. Being in the office allows people to compartmentalize their day, creating a clear separation between work and home. Human interaction contributes to mental and physical well-being, facilitating socialization, physical activity, sun exposure, and time away from the confines of home. So on your commute to work, however often you go in, don't dread getting in there. Think of the relationships and problems to solve and give the office a chance!

David J. Johnson is a professionally licensed engineer and certified project management professional specializing in delivering large complex projects.? For further discussion on all things project management, please reach out to David at [email protected]