I appreciate the comparison made here to business attire and the author’s point that we’ve moved beyond debating the merits or faults of various work arrangements.
Over time, I hope more options emerge, allowing leaders and contributors to find the business environment that suits them best. If you like wearing suits, there are still employers who require it. Personally, I don’t thrive in that setting, but I’m glad to have options.
I prefer remote, hybrid, or flexible working arrangements and am willing to make some pay and career sacrifices for the quality of life they provide. For my own sanity, I can’t return to an open office five days a week. I need a quiet personal office/space to do my best focus work. Some folks love the open office experience, commute, and in-person collaboration. They’re free to seek those opportunities too. All employers needn’t be the same.
From my limited experience, core issue is that some people (a majority in some orgs) require other people to be around them to be productive/happy/whatever. And a lot of people don't have the freedom to choose where they work as options might be highly limited. So managers tend to sacrifice QoL of some workers to improve the performance of others. Sadly, it's usually those "others" that are the loudest and most dramatic, and least willing to compromise.
I appreciate the comparison made here to business attire and the author’s point that we’ve moved beyond debating the merits or faults of various work arrangements.
Over time, I hope more options emerge, allowing leaders and contributors to find the business environment that suits them best. If you like wearing suits, there are still employers who require it. Personally, I don’t thrive in that setting, but I’m glad to have options.
I prefer remote, hybrid, or flexible working arrangements and am willing to make some pay and career sacrifices for the quality of life they provide. For my own sanity, I can’t return to an open office five days a week. I need a quiet personal office/space to do my best focus work. Some folks love the open office experience, commute, and in-person collaboration. They’re free to seek those opportunities too. All employers needn’t be the same.
From my limited experience, core issue is that some people (a majority in some orgs) require other people to be around them to be productive/happy/whatever. And a lot of people don't have the freedom to choose where they work as options might be highly limited. So managers tend to sacrifice QoL of some workers to improve the performance of others. Sadly, it's usually those "others" that are the loudest and most dramatic, and least willing to compromise.