My first professional office had a door, two desks, a computer at each desk, and atop each desk sat two monitors. There was a large window out of which I could watch the squirrels play. They were merry, and so was I.
Even though I was a junior intern, there was a sense of permanence about the place. It made me feel proud of myself, my work, and my company. It was both a place of solitary focus and also one that facilitated collaboration.
Many people now facing RTO policies are not returning to offices like this.
They are:
RTC – return to a cube
RTD – return to a desk (cube sans dividers)
RTH – return to hoteling
RT3x3 – return to a 3’ by 3’ windowless phone room to have private conversations
RTO policies shine a spotlight on the social and collaboration benefits of physical offices, but I fear that creating spaces that enable individuals to focus and belong remains in the shadows. Change is an opportunity to apply our learning and do better. As we navigate the ever-changing world of work, we will be well served to consider the holistic impact of our decisions.