Back and forth:
Readers share their pros and cons of returning to the workplace
Although some companies have put their return-to-theoffice plans on hold, others are moving ahead on bringing their employees back under one roof. We wanted to know what you thought about returning to the workplace — the good and the bad. Here’s what you had to say:
Pro: “Better Wi-Fi, people to talk to and just the feeling of being part of a team again.”
Con: “No dog. I’m going to miss my little beagle so much.”
– Jane Hinshaw, Chicago, Illinois
Pro: “Seeing my friends and hanging out before and after work. I really miss that.”
Con: Not being able to drink a beer with lunch.”
– Robert B., Dayton, Ohio
Pro: “None.”
Con: Getting sick. Having to deal with a crappy commuter. Wondering what I’m going to do for dinner every night when I get home.”
-Michelle Green, Lincolnshire, Illinois
Pro: “A better chair. My chair at home blows. My chair at the office is a Rolls Royce. And we couldn’t take them home during the pandemic. I can’t wait.”
Con: “If I’m being honest, it will be seeing people I really don’t’ like. And then having to fake being nice to them.”
– M.P., Park Ridge, Illinois
Pro: “Just a change to the day-to-day monotony of my current life. It will be nice to go out and do something different.”
Con: “When the change goes back to being just as boring as working from home every day.”
– Patricia B., Hanover Park, Illinois
Pro: “Getting to wear some cute clothes again. Getting to see my girls at work.”
Con: “The fear of getting sick.”
– C.T., Chicago, Illinois
Pro: “I won’t have to work in the basement. And I won’t have to listen to my wife talk to her sister all day on the
phone. And I won’t have to get upset when my 23-year-old son sleeps in until noon.”
Con: “Can’t think of any.”
– Pat D., Oak Lawn, Illinois
Pro: “Getting away from my house. I love my house, but I feel like a prisoner there sometimes. And free coffee.”
Con: Commuting two hours — an hour there and an hour back. And that’s on a good day.”
– Travis E., Sarasota, Florida
Pro: “I can’t think of many. There are some sushi places that I miss for lunch.”
Con: “Not working in my underwear.”
– Ian Gould, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pro: “Getting some fresh air and exercise each day, walking back and forth to the train. I kind of miss my commute. Plus, I miss my friends at the office.”
Con: “Packing a lunch, mapping out a wardrobe for the week.”
– R.D., Chicago, Illinois
Pro: “None.”
Con: “Missing my dog.”
– Samantha G., Niles, Illinois
Pro: “Collaborating with my team in person. Video meetings leave a lot to be desired. I feel like we’re missing out on some great ideas because some people never got comfortable with talking to a face on a screen. I think getting back together in person is going to give everyone a creative kick in the pants.”
Con: “Flexibility during the day. Taking a nap when I’m feeling run down. No make-up. No cat or dog on my feet when I’m sitting at my desk.”
– Tina Montrose, Bloomingdale, Illinois
Pro: “I’m more productive at work so I’m looking forward to getting more done.”
Con: “Not knowing who is vaccinated and who isn’t. I feel like it should be mandatory to get the shot. I don’t want to work next to someone or see them in the elevator if they’re not vaccinated.”
– Sarah B., Skokie, Illinois
Pro: “Not many, to be honest. Maybe getting more done at work?”
Con: “The commute. If I can’t work from home at least three days a week, I’ll be looking for a new job sooner than later.”
– H.J., Frankfort, Illinois