Finding Balance: WFH or RTO - The choice and challenge of post-pandemic workstyles

Life is full of ups and downs, big and small changes. Whether it's going back to the office or sticking with remote work, these transitions can bring a mix of emotions, from excitement to challenges. The suddenness of it all can be pretty unsettling. After a few months in the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself adjusting to a Work From Home (WFH) routine. It brought about various benefits such as saving money, finding a work-life balance, and skipping the daily commute. I wondered how I had come this far. It wasn't just me; workers worldwide were also gravitating towards new modes of work. However, now that things are getting back to normal and the idea of returning to the office is gaining traction, it made me look back and reflect on how much my old routine has changed.

I still remember the nervousness we all felt when we had to switch to remote work. WFH was a whole new concept for most of us. Sure, the office had its advantages. Chatting with colleagues, having those casual conversations, or grabbing a coffee together created a supportive atmosphere. But what I miss the most is how efficiently we could get things done when we were physically present. No connection issues or never-ending phone calls. What used to take five minutes to sort out can now drag on for an hour.

Then, the pandemic hit, throwing the market into complete chaos. Currently, people and companies are facing the challenge of finding the best solutions that require the least effort from both sides, allowing everyone to adapt peacefully. Efficiency and harmony have become more important than ever.

Of course, working remotely has its advantages. The flexibility to create your own schedule is definitely a plus. However, it's important to establish a regular work routine to maintain discipline. It's amazing how even at the age of 29, I ventured into new things like working out and attending Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, proving that there are endless possibilities. As time went on, I started noticing the negative impact of constantly eating, watching movies, and working from my desk. The lack of variety in environments made me feel stuck in a monotonous cycle. To combat this, I incorporated regular breaks into my routine to stay productive and prevent burnout. Taking 5-10 minute breaks every hour allowed me to stretch, stay hydrated, and step away from my screen. Gradually, I shifted from being someone who was used to working in an office to embracing the comfort of working from home.

Still, this ever-changing workplace is reshaping businesses that cater to office workers. It's important to consider how it will evolve to give employees more choices. As the pandemic days become a thing of the past, there's a growing urgency to return to the office (RTO). But is it really necessary?

Quoting the Reuters article “For employers, the model they choose would determine their attractiveness to workers, especially the younger generations who demand more flexibility and better work-life balance”. And it's the truth. While many of us were office-people we managed to adapt during the pandemic, transitioning to remote-side. And that's fine. And it works. Saving money and time and having more work options it’s nice (at least for the engineers) . Still the urge to return to the office is here and affects many types of people. For example, people who manage to move out of the city will have 2 options: Leave their homes or their jobs.

So the question remains. Is WFH a valid solution? How long can we keep working remotely, when it’s in human nature to interact with one another?

The ongoing debate about the viability of working from home (WFH) continues to persist. While remote work offers undeniable benefits and flexibility, there's a natural yearning for personal interaction and connection. Day by day and month by month, we start to feel the absence of one-on-one interactions and the fading familiarity with our colleagues' faces. The value of meaningful conversations takes a backseat to the absence of casual small talk. From a vibrant network of 30 individuals, only the faces of two or three remain deeply etched in our memories.

As we reflect on these dynamics, it becomes clear that striking a balance between remote work and in-person interaction is crucial. While some people adapt more easily to different work environments, many of us struggle to navigate through change. It's natural to feel apprehensive, but finding ways to manage and adapt to new circumstances is vital. Regardless of whether we're working from home(WFH) or returning to the office (RTO), prioritizing our mental health and well-being is essential in order to succeed.

Adapting to different work environments and finding what suits you best is key to taking care of your health. In many cases, going hybrid is also an option and might be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it's important to prioritize your mental and personal well-being when deciding which workstyle works best for you.

Above all, remember that you are not just a worker but also a friend, sibling, parent, partner, and more. When you need support, don't hesitate to reach out and maintain open communication with your network. Personally, I've found solace in taking long walks with my friends as a stress-free technique. It's a wonderful way to relax, clear my mind, and gain clarity.

Prioritize your well-being and take care of yourself. Stay healthy, and see you around!