Back to the office: yes or no? How to bring a home office vibe to your workplace
Not long ago, remote work seemed like the new normal — a glimpse into the future of the professional world. It promised freedom, flexibility, and a gentle push away from traditional office spaces. But that future came and went faster than expected. More and more companies — including tech giants like Meta, Google, Zoom, and Amazon — are calling employees back to the office. Is the era of cozy, pajama-clad workdays coming to an end?
Why are employers so eager to bring people back?
Maintaining an office isn’t cheap. Rent, electricity, cleaning services, furniture, equipment, and even the bare minimum for the office kitchen all come at a cost. Remote work offers a way to cut these expenses — and that’s just one of its many advantages. Studies conducted over the past few years show that employees working remotely tend to be more productive and make fewer mistakes.
Companies that offer flexibility — even in the form of hybrid work — also tend to report higher profits than those sticking to rigid in-office-only models. For employees, remote and hybrid work usually translates into more control over their time. They can schedule demanding tasks for their peak performance hours and eliminate stressful commutes, improving not only productivity but also overall job satisfaction, work-life balance, and mental health.
So, why the rush to return? According to many employers, it’s about boosting engagement, productivity, team cohesion, and that elusive “company culture” — a phrase that’s become the punchline of countless memes. But let’s be honest: the real reasons are often less inspiring. A desire for control, a lack of trust, or simply not knowing how to manage remote teams effectively are frequently behind these return-to-office pushes. And so, something that could benefit both sides gets undermined by resistance to change — or a shortage of courage (or goodwill) to make it happen.
Remote, on-site, or hybrid — what do employees really want?
Numerous surveys have already been conducted about employees’ preferred work models, and the results are clear: hybrid work is the favorite. Only a little over a quarter of respondents prefer working exclusively from the office. The rest lean toward either remote or hybrid setups.
We asked our LinkedIn community the same question. Here’s what they had to say:
From my perspective, the advantages of working in an office include easier contact with colleagues, better communication during meetings, and more organic relationships — unlike those ‘virtual coffee breaks,’ which can feel a bit forced. This is especially true in technical environments where people tend to be introverted. You also get quicker feedback loops and can see how others prefer to work — solo or in teams. Since I often act as a bridge between leadership and engineering teams, it really helps to understand everyone’s work style to match them with tasks and projects they enjoy.
works in IT, on-siteI work hybrid: 60% in-office, 40% at home. We schedule our in-office days so that the whole team is there at the same time. When I need deep focus, I head to a meeting room to avoid open space distractions. If it gets too loud and I’m stuck at my desk, I put on headphones and drown it all out with music 🙂.
administrative specialist, hybrid modelI’m one of those who was told to return to the office. I went in once or twice, since that was the policy. Overall, it was a nice experience — it’s fun to see people, chat beyond just work, and grab a coffee together. I think 1–2 office days per week is the sweet spot.
But… the office at my former company was tiny. People were sitting in the kitchen just to have a place to work. There was one bathroom for 20 people 🤡. If you're asking people to come in, the space needs to be ready — there shouldn’t be a scramble for desks, monitors, cables, or chairs.
Also, whenever I was in the office, I couldn’t get much actual work done. Those days were for workshops, meetings, brainstorms. Deep work? That happened at home, in peace and quiet.
project manager, works remotelyI spent a long time thinking about returning from remote work to working on-site – I believe both forms have their advantages and disadvantages. Remote work certainly allows for better time management, work comfort, and incredible flexibility, but over time, it can lead to a sense of isolation.
On the other hand, on-site work, although it involves daily commuting and less flexibility, supports direct contact with the team. That argument was the deciding factor for me.
business development manager, works on-siteHow to bring a home office vibe to the workplace
Whether you're returning to the office by choice or not-so-much, it’s worth investing in an ergonomic, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing workspace — wherever that may be. Creating even a small home office feel within a soulless open space can boost your mood, creativity, and overall productivity.
The key? Personalization. Bring in accessories that helped you stay organized and comfortable while working from home. A wooden laptop stand or a compact desk shelf can elevate your screen to the perfect height. (Pro tip: suggest to your employer that these kinds of ergonomic upgrades are worth investing in. They’re not only great for employee satisfaction, but also for health and long-term efficiency.)
For those who feel best in the company of remarkable design, a slim wireless charger or MagSafe iPhone Stand would be a great addition. And if you juggle multiple devices — say, a work and personal phone — a docking station can keep everything charged and within reach. Even better if it’s crafted from solid wood: it adds a warm, homey touch to the corporate environment. The same goes for elegant wooden trays — ideal for organizing pens, notes, external drives, and other essentials. A desk mat made of natural wool felt will also come in handy to enhance the cozy effect.
Two quick wins to lift the atmosphere? Plants and photos. A small succulent on your desk (our Cubic and Geometric pots double nicely as mini planters!) adds life and color without much upkeep. And right next to it? A framed photo of loved ones or a landscape that calms your mind. Even a postcard-sized print of a painting or illustration that inspires you can do the trick.
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For some, the return to the office may feel like a major step backward — especially when hybrid options aren’t on the table. But even in less-than-ideal circumstances, there are ways to make your workday smoother, more enjoyable, and more productive. And if not even the most personalized, cozy, and ergonomic office setup can make you feel comfortable? That might just be the sign you’ve outgrown your current job.
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