In recent months, many employers have been pushing to bring employees back into the office after COVID-19 made work from home the preferred work model. It seems that companies are moving towards a hybrid work model that is driven by a desire to foster collaboration, maintain company culture, and improve productivity. However, the transition from remote to hybrid work can be challenging for employees who have adapted to the flexibility and convenience of working from home and it seems like mostly everyone does not want to go back to the office.

In-Person Work

I have had my experiences with this first hand. During my internship in college at a financial planning place, I worked in the office every day, and the experience was quite different from what I had expected. The daily 45-minute drive each way with traffic was tiring and ate into my personal time. By the time I arrived at the office, I often felt drained, which affected my focus and productivity throughout the day.

Once at the office, I found it difficult to stay concentrated on my tasks. The constant background noise and interruptions from coworkers made it challenging to maintain a steady workflow. While I appreciated the opportunity to engage with colleagues and build professional relationships, the frequent distractions often led to decreased efficiency and extended work hours to meet deadlines.

Remote Work

In my position here, I have had the advantage and opportunity of working remotely. The quiet and controlled environment of my home office allowed me to focus better on my tasks, leading to higher productivity. There are no office distractions, so I complete my work more efficiently, often finishing tasks ahead of schedule.

Remote work also provided greater flexibility in managing my schedule. Without the lengthy commute, I have had more time to prepare for my workday and engage in personal activities that helped me start and end the day with a clear mind. And the best part, I am already home when I finish at 5:00. Not to mention I moved states, which could not have been done if I had to go in to the office.

The Hybrid Model

While my personal experience leans towards the benefits of remote work, I understand the rationale behind the hybrid model in modern times. Bringing employees back to the office can enhance team collaboration, enhance creativity through interactions, and strengthen company culture. 

However, it is crucial for employers to recognize that each employee’s preferences are unique, so I would be in favor of giving employees the option to choose. There are some people that need the in-person work model! I am just not one of them. Some companies are not giving their employees the option and making everything come back in-person, when that’s just not as realistic as it once was.

To make the hybrid model work effectively, companies should consider the following:

• Allow employees to choose the days they work from the office and from home, based on their tasks and personal preferences.

• Provide resources and support to help employees manage their time and maintain productivity, whether they are working remotely or in the office.

• Create open communication channels to ensure remote employees remain connected and engaged with the team.

• Create a conducive work environment in the office that minimizes distractions and promotes focus.

As employers navigate the transition from remote to hybrid to in-person work, it is important to consider the diverse experiences and needs of their employees. My internship experience taught me the value of flexibility and the importance of finding a work setup that supports productivity and well-being. By adopting a thoughtful and inclusive approach to hybrid work, companies can create a balanced and effective work environment that benefits both employees and the organization.