Working Well: Navigating the Challenges of Returning to the Office
After years of working from home, the idea of returning to the office full-time in 2025 feels daunting for many workers. Jason LaCroix, a senior systems engineer in Atlanta, knows this well. For five years, he worked remotely, balancing his job with the care of his young children, including his son who suffered a serious brain injury. However, after being laid off last year, his new role requires him to commute three hours daily and spend four days a week in the office. “It’s important for me to be there for my kids, especially after everything we’ve been through,” said LaCroix.
As employees from companies like Amazon, AT&T, and others are being called back to the office, the transition can be overwhelming. President-elect Donald Trump even threatened to fire federal workers who refuse to return. The pandemic changed the way many people work, and now workers must adjust once again.
For those navigating this shift, experts offer strategies to cope with the changes and manage the complexities of balancing work and home life.
1. Seek Flexibility
Flexibility can ease the transition back to the office. Mark Ma, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, suggests companies consider an “employee-choice” approach where teams decide how many days they should work in the office together. If this isn’t feasible, employees can request flexible hours to help ease the commute or accommodate personal needs.
LaCroix, for example, adjusted his work hours by leaving home at 5 a.m. and returning by 2 p.m., allowing him to spend time with his children after school while minimizing time spent in traffic. Shavon Terrell-Camper, a therapist, recommends employees have open conversations with managers to discuss personal needs and seek flexible solutions where possible.
2. Communicate Your Needs
For some workers, returning to the office is complicated by health conditions. Kyle Ankney, a public relations strategist with cerebral palsy, needs assistance from a nurse multiple times a day. Working in an office simply isn’t an option for him. “I would love to work in the office if I could,” said Ankney, “but I need a nurse at home.”
Ankney suggests being transparent with employers about any health or personal circumstances that may affect the ability to work on-site. It can be difficult to bring up personal issues in a professional setting, but openness can help in finding a suitable arrangement.
3. Weigh Your Options
Returning to the office may not be an easy decision. For many, it may involve a long commute, which can feel like a heavy burden, especially in today’s volatile job market. Attorney Holly Keerikatte, who faced a long commute while working at a hospital, found herself choosing between two job offers: one fully remote and one that required an office presence. The remote role paid less, but Keerikatte chose it to have more time with her family. “My primary driver is what’s best for my family,” she said.
Employees are encouraged to evaluate their options carefully and make decisions that align with their personal and professional priorities.
4. Find the Positives
Although returning to the office may feel like a challenge, there are opportunities for positive experiences. Face-to-face interactions foster stronger relationships, spark new ideas, and help prevent misunderstandings. Friendships can develop as colleagues take coffee breaks together, and in-person conversations can often lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have happened in a remote setting.
Employers can also support employees during this transition by offering team-building activities or discussion forums where employees can share tips and strategies for adjusting to the new work environment.
Deborah Ann DeSnoo, a video director in Japan, emphasizes the value of in-person connection, saying, “You can read the air in a different way and find solutions that wouldn’t be possible over Zoom.”
5. Be Transparent
Open, honest conversations are key. Experts advise being upfront with employers about any concerns or needs related to the transition. Whether it’s seeking flexibility, adjusting hours, or negotiating a hybrid work arrangement, clear communication is crucial to navigating the challenges that come with returning to the office.
Returning to the office can be a challenging adjustment, but with the right strategies, flexibility, and open communication, employees can successfully navigate this transition. By prioritizing work-life balance and embracing the positives, individuals can make this new chapter a more manageable and fulfilling experience.
