Tips for navigating your return to the office

Working remotely has become a privilege for many employees, offering flexibility and the ability to balance work and personal life. Jason LaCroix, a senior systems engineer, experienced this firsthand when his son suffered a brain injury and he needed to work from home to manage his son’s care. However, after being laid off from his remote job, LaCroix now faces the challenge of commuting to the office for long hours, impacting his ability to be present for his family.

As we approach 2025, thousands of workers are being called back to the office full-time, marking a significant shift from the remote work arrangements that became the norm during the pandemic. Companies like Amazon and AT&T are requiring employees to return to the office five days a week, while the federal government under President-elect Donald Trump is enforcing in-person work mandates for federal workers.

Research has shown that forcing employees to return to the office can lead to high turnover rates, especially among women with childcare responsibilities and senior-level executives. Many workers have grown accustomed to the flexibility of remote work and are reluctant to give up the freedom it provides.

In navigating the transition back to the office, employees are advised to seek flexibility from their employers. Mark Ma, a business administration professor, suggests an “employee-choice” approach where teams can decide how many days they work in the office as a group. Employees can also request adjustments to their hours to accommodate personal needs, such as caring for children or elderly parents.

It’s essential to have open and honest conversations with managers about individual needs and challenges. Some employees have resorted to creative solutions, such as “coffee badging” or unofficial hybrid arrangements, to balance work and personal responsibilities. Companies may also offer employee assistance programs to support workers in managing their personal and professional lives.

For individuals with medical conditions or unique circumstances, finding a fully remote job may be challenging but not impossible. It’s important to be transparent about personal needs and preferences when exploring job opportunities. Making the decision that aligns with family priorities and personal well-being is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

While returning to the office may present challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and connection. Building relationships with colleagues, engaging in in-person conversations, and participating in team-building activities can foster camaraderie and collaboration. Face-to-face interactions can lead to new ideas and insights that may not arise in a remote work setting.

Ultimately, finding a balance between work requirements and personal needs is key in navigating the transition back to the office. By seeking flexibility, communicating openly with employers, and embracing the positive aspects of in-person work, employees can successfully adapt to a new work environment while prioritizing their well-being and family life.