The Value of the Office, from a Wellness Perspective

The math, the logic, and the gut check all say the same thing: it’s good to be back! By “back”, we mean back in the office with our colleagues and cohorts on a regular basis. We’re not mandating everyone to be in the office all the time; that’s so 2019. However, we’ve seen the statistics and have experienced firsthand the rewards that come with our team connecting in person regularly.

Humanity was designed to be social. It’s part of our DNA to come together to learn, to grow, to support and be connected to other people. The first bump, the random smile in passing, the catching of someone feeling down — it’s all part of how we experience the richness of life when we’re connected together in person. Inversely, we’ve seen that without meaningful connection, we are at greater risk of depression, loneliness, burnout, and apathy. Being separated from people who care about us, and even a passing stranger, takes a cumulative toll.

Being in person was and is how we survive and evolve as a human race. Dating back to the days of the saber-toothed tiger, humanity has always needed and sought after tight communities of people with diverse skill sets and strengths to find connection and belonging, to survive and thrive. We grow best and strongest when we regularly and reliably connect with others.

Our brains and bodies also thrive on novelty — the experience of new, unpredictable, and diverse things that teach us to be nimble and adaptive. There’s not much opportunity for fresh experiences while alone in your office at home. Allow this to be our recommendation, our invitation to you, to try something new, get back out there, and connect with your teammates — in person this time.