The short answer is no, according to Michael Mazius, PhD, renowned psychologist and director of North Shore Center in Wisconsin. While organizations have done a tremendous job to replicate the office environment through a virtual setting, there is no denying that it isn’t the same. Mazius is a strong proponent of in-office work as he believes social interactions play a tremendously positive role in our happiness. While remote and hybrid work models absolutely have their advantages and are likely to become permanent fixtures of how we work, it’s important to realize the implications WFH can have on our mental health as we make decisions on whether or not to return. Joe Flanagan, senior employment advisor at VelvetJobs, a career matchmaker that connects one million new curated jobs for jobseekers globally, has interacted with several candidates who are very eager to go back to offices, as well as others who are confused. “Certainly we’re in a situation where we all still need to be flexible and allow ourselves time to adjust,” he says. “But until we’re able to replace the depth and impact of in-person conversations, the spontaneity of water cooler talk, and the energy of working in close proximity, engagement will suffer.” Mazius finds, however, that many people he speaks to aren’t necessarily eager to ditch the sweats for the office grind. Why? “Human beings are organisms known for habituating,” as he puts it. “When we habituate, we grow used to novel changes. I am now seeing what looks like habituation in the form of wanting not only to work from home, but also stay at home.” So, why do we need to get back to work, and how do we get ourselves to just do it? First, Mazius urges you to ask the question, am I really better off working from home? “Maybe, without even realizing it, we’re focusing more on what we don’t necessarily like about the office and failing to see the good,” he says. “Our brain is a quirky organ system notorious for convincing us that what we want is in our best interest. Without the big picture in mind, we’re likely to make bad decisions.” Here, experts note key reasons—and mental health benefits—to look forward to going back to the office, whenever that happens for you. In his book, Consolations, poet and philosopher David Whyte writes about the importance of leaving your house and entering the world. Flanagan, too, says, “Many people have been frustrated with the increased responsibility and friction in their homes. For way too long, people have used work as an unhealthy distraction from their lives outside of their job, and maybe now we’re more aware of how to balance the two.” Employers too, hopefully, are more aware of how important the balance between work and personal life is—and how critical employee mental health is. Now, when this awareness and compassion is so fresh, it actually feels like a good time to dip your toes into the office routine. RELATED: How to Balance Working From Home and the Kids’ Remote Learning (Without Losing It) When you’re working from home, the lines between work and non-work can blend together, leading to burnout, lethargy, and even more severe symptoms of depression. Being forced to get up, get dressed, make a plan for the day, interact with others, experience some stimulation variety, and physically separate office life from home life can be very helpful in staying mentally balanced and boosting mood. RELATED: Why Impostor Syndrome Gets Worse While Working Remotely He adds that due to spending so much time together, and sharing work goals and projects, your managers, team members, and other coworkers “play a big role in reaffirming our sense of value, appreciating our work, and supporting us to grow professionally.”
