The times are changing

The year 2020 brought an unprecedented time in the lives of almost every human being in the world. Not only was the way we interacted with one another turned upside down forever, but also many habits we had and felt were natural were put to a standstill. Covid-19 had an impact not just on a personal level but also in the way businesses and organizations worked.

Over two years later, now that many things have started to finally feel and operate as they did during pre-Covid times, one pivotal thing is still facing the burnt of the virus: the work from office culture. During Covid, as it was a challenge to come to office, work from home became a staple throughout a huge number of companies around the globe. Now that things have finally opened up, and the work from home culture is just an option rather than a necessity, it still seems that many people have forgotten the understated yet undeniable importance of having a culture where people come and collaborate together in the office.

The transition from human interaction to trying to replicate the office environment from the comforts of one's home has ironically created a new plethora of issues that many people are turning an ignorant eye towards. "Digital Presenteeism", or the pressure of feeling the need to be available 24/7 when doing WFH has caused many people to actually stay more glued to their computers even after office hours are over. Researchers have found that the need to reply to emails immediately, attend more meetings online than necessary and fill shared documents with comments is a psychological result of workers feeling that WFH is a privilege. This causes many to ironically spend a whole 67 minutes extra everyday, adding a total 5.5 extra working hours per week.

WFH undeniably has given many the flexibility to work according to their convenience, but as it is often recommended from times of old: balance is the most powerful force. Where WFH provides flexibility, it also takes away from worker's by making many feel a constant pressure to prove themselves from the confines of their computers. All the digital cluttering sometimes leads to decreased productivity while still acting as a cause of exhaustion and burnout.

On the other hand, now that the world has pretty much opened again, a hybrid model seems like the route to go. People need to realize that the social connections built through coming to the office and interacting directly with peers is something that technology can try but never replicate. The sense of social identity that comes with working in a collaborative set up helps one enhance their skills and knowledge in a fashion that remote work alone can never accomplish. Also one thing that people forget is that the organization they work for has an identity of its own.

Just like human relationships are built on trust and investing time and energy with one another, companies require the same effort. The identity that an organization builds is through the efforts and interaction of the individuals present in it. Similar to how you can not know a significant other or family member without spending time with them, you can never truly understand the rich culture and what your organization stands for until you do not spend time with the people it is made up of.

It is time that we realize how rich and important having a routine where a group of people with whom we can learn, work, interact and grow together is for both our mental and physical wellbeing. It is also important to have a sense of autonomy and flexibility as individuals. That is why I feel that the hybrid model is the best of both worlds to start with, but sprinkling it with a conscious effort to become more involved with your organization and culture will help do wonders to your career.?