The return-to-office debate | The Social 

I agree with Melissa 100%. Some jobs can be performed entirely at home and successfully. A lot of people can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that many people work in jobs where they do not collaborate with teams, but work independently and spend 100% of their work day staring at a computer screen. In that case, what is the benefit of commuting to a building to sit in a chair and stare at a screen and do your job versus staying at home, staring at a screen and doing your job? When you’re in the office the employer doesn’t want you socializing with your coworkers. Another thing some people don’t seem to understand is that when you are working from home, you are still WORKING and your employer is monitoring your work the same way they monitor it when you’re in the office. And there is no difference about what is expected based on someone’s seniority, everyone, whether they have been there 5 years or 15, has the same job and workload. And hybrid doesn’t make sense for all industries. Again, if a worker is performing the same tasks at the office as at home, why is it necessary to force them to come in a couple of days a week when they’re working alone? I think that forcing certain people to return to the office when it isn’t necessary is just about the employer exercising control over those workers. And I think that many people who don’t have the option to work from home because of the nature of their job, are jealous of those who can work from home and over glamorize it or diminish it.

You lost me at "being in your pyjamas". It's a stereotype of work from home culture. People in the office are definitely not carrying the load. Its an outdated way of thinking. We not to move into the future as a society and stop holding onto old ways of doing things as better.

here's another thought. I think it comes down to real-estate and taxes. Companies buy huge buildings and are able to use that as write offs on their taxes. If you take that away- a lot of companies will be missing out on that and may not be as profitable. I had no idea about this until my sister and brother in law explained why having an office is such a huge deal. My brother in law owns his own company.

Return to office should be an option and not a mandate (for jobs that can be done remotely). I know many jobs that are being offloaded to India/Asia from US, with teams sitting in US and India. If the jobs can be done from 2 different continents, then why can nat be done by workers from anywhere

Short answer they paid for commercial space

I was just hired for my dream job in Minnesota. I live in the Bay Area. In biotech, works out for us both. They get a California employee and I get to work at a great company. I don't have to commute, or spend any money to go to work.

It is going to cause a lot of stress on mothers who have the added burden now of finding part time day homes for their children or have a lot more of people stressed and having their work productivity suffer due to worrying about their kids safety going home alone. Most people kept or took these positions because it allowed them to work effectively and efficiently knowing their kids were safe inside their home while they continued their work day. It also allowed them to work the overtime to get their work done when needed and now with the decision to mandate back to the office most moms won't be able to do that. Productivity will suffer I feel!

All excellent points!

Society is too obsessed with the optics of work as opposed to the productivity aspect. This idea that people slack off at home but not in the office is ridiculous because just as many people fake it while they're in the office. Moreover, your coworker/boss can ping you on Teams in a nanosecond to collaborate, etc. And what is it with this idea that "toughing it out" or "paying your dues" because of the long commute, or dreary office environment, should be worn as some kind of badge of honor? It's such an archaic mindset.

Andrea is 100% right

The woman wearing pink is wrong. In a technology driven job, it's much easier to get work done at home. I can keep the temperature exactly how I like it. I can keep the lighting exactly how I like it. I don't have the stupid office gossip to deal with in the office. It's very easy for management to monitor who is working and who isn't. If a remote worker isn't working, then either fire them or make them come to the office. Remote workers save themselves a lot of time, and a lot of gas.

All of the ladies had valid points.... however I must say the lady in red...made some very valid points...also Mel... yes to Cynthia as well, middle lady/Blondie, great point as well...

Your employer expects you to be WORKING from home not looking after your kids. The structure,mental health aspect definitely has merit.

This topic is so stupid, people can work from home efficiently. I hate working in the office, I work with a lot of creepy guys who stare at me all day long, and people who make a total mess of the bathroom. I am looking for a remote job right now.

I really wish this stupid topic would go away. If people can work anywhere and create the same output then let them. But at the same time there should be discussions between leadership and workforce about it.

Just want to add that as much as I love Jess and her sense of humor I enjoy the show more when she is not there. She is too loud and dominates the conversation way too much with her long analogies on topics and does not allow the other ladies fair time to speak! I love the show and I want to hear opinions from everyone. Mel I have heard you speak about people offer their opinions on your choice of clothing. I love it! You are beautiful and very intelligent! Maybe the insecurities of these people are blinding them to your right to dress and live how you want!! Love all of you! Jess be yourself and maybe I am wrong but I feel your are spending too much time trying to imitate Mel. Be you always! That's what makes you unique!

wah wah wah first world problems