7 Reasons People Should Want to Go Into the Office (At Least Some of the Time)

Just when we got comfortable working from home, the shift back to the office has begun. In a recent (virtual) company meeting, my coworkers gave multiple reasons why they wanted to continue working from home full time — everything from gas prices, to being an introvert, to owning needy dogs that would miss them if they had to go back into the office.

The company I work for, like many, is taking a hybrid approach. I think that is a fair compromise. As RTO (return to office) replaces WFH, here are some reasons why you should want to go back — at least a few days a month.

1. Better work relationships.

Even when we were in the office full time, I had coworkers in other countries. When I traveled and met them face-to-face, our relationship changed for the better. Every. Single. Time.

2. Opportunity for better mentoring.

I went into the office last week and had a (gasp) elevator conversation with a sales manager. He said mentoring his team members is 100% more effective in person. It’s easier to listen to their calls and coach them face-to-face. If you’re looking for career growth, it’s easier to find and establish a relationship with a mentor not on your team while you are in the office.

3. Improved mental health.

There are countless articles, including this one, which cite research studies that show many WFH people suffer from loneliness and isolation, anxiety, stress and depression. We are social beings — even us introverts.

4. Clearer work boundaries.

These lines have been blurred for a while with easy access to email on smartphones, but with workspace setups at home, the expectation for essentially 24/7 access has grown. Jump on a 6:00 a.m. call to accommodate a team or customer in Europe and next thing you know, it’s 6:00 p.m. and you are still in your pajamas.

5. Focus.

I’ve had the opportunity lately to have actual, in-office meetings and I have to say it’s nice to have a meeting where there aren’t kids running around, dogs barking, birds singing, doorbells ringing, leaf blowers blowing and the other myriad of distractions. People are also not turning off their video and multi-tasking, so you don’t have to repeat questions and information because people are not fully engaged in the meeting.

6. More visibility.

Like it or not, there are still many, many managers out there who spend their days imagining how you’re at home playing with your kids or binge-watching the latest Netflix series no matter how available you are online. Seeing you at your desk reassures them that you are a real person doing real work.

7. Ghosts reappear.

It has been way too easy for people to disappear online. If someone doesn’t respond to your emails or chat messages, you really don’t have many options beyond continuing to message them. In the office, you have the option of casually walking by someone’s desk and saying, “Oh hey! You ARE in the office. About those five emails I’ve sent you…”

For me it’s like working out. I dread it, but I know it’s good for me. When I do it, I feel much better afterward and wonder why I don’t do it more often.

If your company leaders have made the business decision to request people to RTO, even part-time, give yourself a chance to get used to the new, new norm. You might find you like it.

This article first appeared on Fairygodboss, the largest career community for women dedicated to helping them achieve their career goals.