3 Reasons to Stop Remote Work FROM THE OFFICE

Companies are becoming increasingly insistent on employees returning to the office. To me, a three-to-four-day office schedule with one to two days of remote work is the ideal ratio. However, I've noticed that even when I'm physically present in the office, I'm still working remotely.

How is that possible?

This occurs because I find myself on Teams or Zoom calls all day with colleagues who are just across the parking deck, down the hallway, or even right next to me! Before the pandemic, these meetings would have taken place in person. Post-pandemic, they continue to be virtual, despite the possibility of meeting face-to-face.

“For every meeting that can be conducted in person, meet in person!”

Personally, I'm making a concerted effort to leave my chair and hit the stairs, ditch the screen and make the scene, and shut the laptop to make distraction stop.

What are the benefits?

• More Focus: It's hard(er) to multitask or check your email when you're sitting in front of someone. This creates something known as "undivided attention".

• More Conversation: The end of a virtual meeting marks the end of the discussion. Conversely, the end of an in-person meeting is often the beginning of a conversation.

• More Steps: Yes, every step counts, even those taken to a nearby office. For extra credit, bypass the elevator and take the stairs to your floor.

Is this approach feasible for every meeting? No. There are times when the team is hybrid or located in different places. However, for every meeting that can be conducted in person, meet in person. You'll appreciate the focused conversations as well as the lower blood pressure from all those extra steps!