There's been a long-standing debate about whether it's better to work from home or in the office, and the pandemic finally allowed people to compare both experiences fully. As someone who started their first (real) full-time job during the pandemic, I've only ever known working from home, but it's been much better than expected.
Many of my colleagues can't wait to go back into the office; they miss the free coffee, catching up with people in the kitchen and the after-work drinks, and whilst I agree that there is no comparison between socialising virtually and in person, I actually love working from home, and here's why:
Firstly, it means that I can live in my parent's house, and thus save up the majority of my salary. Whilst living with your parents in your early twenties isn't ideal, during a pandemic it's great. Other than the typical benefits, such as not having to pay for rent or food and having home-cooked meals every day, there are also major benefits such as having more space than if I were renting in London, and having a garden. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love living with friends, and cannot wait to move out once we can live life somewhat normally, but given that we can't go on nights out and keep going into lockdown, I'm loving the benefits of living with my family and saving up, so that hopefully when we can travel more and go out as normal (which naturally means spending less time with your family), I will have made the most of it.
Secondly, and most importantly to me, is that I work SO much better from home. I've been into the office three times so far and I have consistently been less productive than when I work from home. For context, I have never been able to revise in libraries or study with friends as I would constantly get distracted and want to socialise. Instead, I have always revised in silence in my room as that is the only way I can focus. Obviously working is different from revising, but because I'm so used to working in silence now, when I hear people talking to each other or on the phone in the office it immediately draws my attention away from my work. Similarly, if other colleagues aren't busy and are chatting in the kitchen, I naturally want to join in, whereas when working from home, I'm oblivious to it so I simply get my coffee and then continue with my work. Also, because I'm at home I can wear comfier clothes and everything I need is readily accessible so I feel very comfortable and can concentrate solely on the job at hand. Every time I've gone into the office, I've ended up stressed trying to find an outfit I like and getting ready in time, and almost missed my train. Working from home also means that lunch is much more enjoyable (and cheaper)! and means that I can eat regular small meals, instead of a few big meals, which works much better for me. I also find it easier to switch off at the end of the day, rather than waiting around on the off chance that there's more work for me to do.
Lastly is the most obvious one: the commute. From home, it takes me just under an hour to get into the office (a 20 minute train ride and a 35 minute walk), meaning that to get in for 9 I usually have to wake up at 7:00 (assuming I've already got my bag packed). When working from home, I can wake up at 7:30 to go on a 5km run, then wash my hair and read for 30 minutes before getting ready for 9:00am. Not only do I feel so much more productive and get more done in my mornings, but I also get to wake up later on top of that! It also saves me from paying the absurdity that is TFL's rates and means that there's more time in the evenings to see mates or do other hobbies. The day's feel longer, whilst I feel more productive and energised - what's not to love?
The answer is the social aspect. For me, an important part of work is the culture and most importantly the people. In order for me to enjoy my job, I need to get along with my colleagues and feel comfortable around them, and whilst my team has gone above and beyond with virtual socials (and despite my efforts), there is no substitute for in-person socialising. Granted, I feel like it has actually been easier to get to know some people on the team through reaching out for 'virtual coffees', but in a group setting I think that after-work drinks and catching up during the work day with colleagues are very much in-person events.
I've only been into the office three times, but every time I found that whilst I greatly enjoyed the work drinks, I work so much better from home and am more comfortable, whilst also having more time for the things I enjoy outside of work. I'm excited to see what the new normal will be like in the future, as I think that certain aspects of work (such as meetings and networking) are more effective in the office, but many people are better suited to working from home.
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