When the pandemic hit us badly, it became necessary to modify the mode of daily life activities, including work. It is easy to assume that the remote work method or hybrid method adopted during the quarantine or lockdown periods are a long-term panacea for businesses. Of course, it does have its advantages in flexibility for employees, but it removes some of the key business drivers that can only be leveraged when people are in the same physical location.

Streamlining to the hospitality industry, it is safe to say that it is nearly impossible for ALL hospitality workers to work from home. This is because of the social nature of the industry. If your position required you to work from home since the onset of the pandemic, you might be either adapted to such working style or tired of it.

So the big question is whether or not you should work in person or continue remotely?

Benefits of Working In-Person

• Health and wellbeing: It is not a secret that your health and wellbeing will directly affect your productivity and standard of work. According to Verywellmind, a lack of structure can exacerbate feelings of distress, so going into the office on a regular basis will offer a sense of routine and improve wellbeing. Not everyone has a dedicated working space at home either which means many people are forced to work in the same room that they sleep in, which can have a negative impact on mental health. Having regular time in the office would improve this. Seeing colleagues and sharing stories and jokes will also boost people’s moods.

• Colleague relationships: Working face to face with peers gives colleagues the chance to build a rapport with each other and get to know each other better, which in turn will improve team relationships and the ability to work together effectively. Knowing each other in person and being aware of each other’s working styles and personalities will also help to make online communication smoother and being with colleagues, rather than behind a computer screen, offers more of a chance to ask questions, share opinions and brainstorm fresh ideas – a positive for everyone!

• Professional Relationships: The relationships we form in the office are not always personal. Many people also use the office as a way to build their professional network and learn from their colleagues. Conducting business face-to-face and over video calls is very different. Having the chance to meet colleagues in person can help you to learn new skills and widen your professional circle. When you’re working remotely, you only tend to rub shoulders with the people you directly work with. However, when you’re working alongside people from different departments, then you start to form a different sort of professional network.

• Productivity & Coordination: Office-based work helps teams stay functional, and aligned with the work of others. Also, you will be able to avoid the many potential distractions at home, focus on your work and get more done in your day. Working in-person also gives your manager a chance to see first-hand your work ethic and hard work, getting you one step closer to a promotion.