intelligent

I ’ m also a believer in mentorship , having been mentored myself . It helps us make connections and gives us the opportunity to have deeper conversations about what we ’ d like to do .

And as much as we don ’ t like to admit , when you ’ re present in the office , you ’ re likely to have more face time with leaders and thus , greater influence . Being on-site helps develop leaders at every level .

We all need to be in the office part-time – especially those just starting careers

I remember my first job and the excitement of being a part of the real world . Working in an office and making friends . But for many , COVID disrupted this rite of passage . Interns and new hires out of university are showing up to mostly empty offices where even their bosses are no-shows .

Those early in their careers will learn faster and develop stronger connections if they ’ re a part of a vibrant , in-person workplace . A place where they can build networks , develop their skills and progress professionally . Being in the office is also the best way to discover what you like or dislike about your job or what you might want to do in the future .

Our past experiences in the office have made us into the professionals we are today . And those of us already established in our careers may take those formative years for granted .

That ’ s why we should commit to returning to the office at least part-time – if not for ourselves – than for our team . Younger workers need advocates and mentors , and they need to see others in the workplace , working . They deserve better than sitting on video calls and sending IMs and emails all day .

We need to get back into the habit of working from the office . We ’ re out of practice , and like anything new , the transition is initially difficult .

But I ’ ve rediscovered the many upsides of being present in the workplace . And I know younger co-workers , if given the chance , will discover them too . �

COLLABORATING , SHARING AND PROBLEM SOLVING IN- PERSON AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS OF WORKING FROM HOME HAS BEEN A RELIEF . AND IT ’ S NOT JUST ME .