The case for ditching Work from Home (WFH) and going back to the office

I work in the office during my work week, with relatively low flexibility for the option to work from home. Exceptions are illness or the recurring transport strikes that plague London, making it seemingly impossible to commute. As a young professional, my experience with working in the office will be different than others, and that's okay - this piece is just a collation of ideas and perspectives arguing that WFH should not be the primary form of work.

In recent years, working from home has become an increasingly popular option for many people, with technology and the internet making it easier than ever to connect and collaborate remotely. However, despite the many benefits of working from home, there is evidence to suggest that working in the office may be better for some people in certain circumstances.

One reason why working in the office may be better than working from home is that it allows for better collaboration and communication. Studies have shown that people who work in the same physical location are more likely to collaborate and communicate effectively and that face-to-face interactions are often more productive and efficient than virtual ones. This is especially true in industries where teamwork and collaboration are important, such as in creative fields or in businesses that rely on complex projects.

Another reason why working in the office may be better than working from home is that it can help to improve focus and productivity. While working from home can be convenient and flexible, it can also be tempting to get distracted by household chores or other distractions. In contrast, working in an office environment can help to eliminate some of these distractions and create a more focused and productive work environment.

According to a survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review, workers who spent at least three days a week in the office were found to be significantly more satisfied with their jobs than those who worked from home full-time. Similarly, a study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business found that employees who worked from home were 13% more productive than those who worked in the office, but only when they worked from home for less than half the time. When working from home full-time, productivity decreased by an average of 4.4%.

A third reason why working in the office may be better than working from home is because it can provide a sense of community and social connection. Working from home can be isolating, and it can be difficult to build relationships and connections with colleagues. In contrast, working in the office allows for more opportunities to socialize and build relationships with coworkers, which can be beneficial for both mental health and professional development.

A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that employees who worked from home full-time were more likely to feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, and were less likely to feel engaged and motivated. In contrast, workers who spent at least some time in the office reported higher levels of engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction.

Finally, working in the office may be better than working from home because it allows for more structured and predictable schedules. While working from home can be flexible and convenient, it can also be difficult to maintain a consistent routine and to balance work and personal responsibilities. Working in the office allows for more structured and predictable schedules, which can be helpful for people who thrive on structure and routine. There are also studies that show structured schedules can make workers happier on the whole!

For some people, working in the office may be the better option, particularly if they need to collaborate and communicate with coworkers, if they require a more structured and predictable schedule, or if they value the sense of community and connection that an office environment can provide.

Overall, while working from home has its benefits, there is evidence to suggest that working in the office may be better in some circumstances. Whether it's for the sake of collaboration and communication, improved focus and productivity, a sense of community and connection, or more structured and predictable schedules, there are a number of reasons why working in the office may be the better option for some people.