OK, my title may be a bit incendiary… But I’ve about had it with the recent constant parade of articles calling for “return to the office” as a cure for everything. It’s almost like the Murdoch press has a vested interest? Anyway, we’re in a cost of living crisis and we’re calling to lump everyone with higher travel, and food costs all over again. So much for work life balance. If everyone does return to their offices will the press start running fluff articles about all the suburban cafes and restaurants that are suffering now that their local post-pandemic foot traffic is stuck back in the city?
Many people at my workplace are saying similar, “it’s not that bad, what’s the fuss” etc. The point is you can just as easily ask employers “what’s the fuss?” when they whinge and moan about their empty offices. I’m yet to see a real argument beyond “we believe face-to-face time increases collaboration and innovation” as though that means anything.
On the other hand, 3 years WFH and we continued to post record profits year after year, just like before the pandemic, just like we undoubtedly will after… it makes no difference… just let people work from wherever they want. I do agree with your sentiment about having agreed home and office days (hybrid working is not flexible).