3-22-2022 9:01pm

Back to the 9 to 5

Christine Larkin Editor

For the past two years, more than 50 million Americans have been working remotely and liking it. At first, it seemed an impossible feat for some as they found themselves juggling daycare, school, and other daily tasks that were usually crammed into a Saturday afternoon. And for those of us 60 and beyond, it gave us a glimpse into what retirement might feel like. Throughout the last couple of years, most workers settled into their home office quite comfortably. The dry cleaner and shoe repair saw a drop in business as most of us were wearing sweatsuits instead of business suits and slippers instead of shoes. The flexibility of working at home has been a game changer for so many, but that's about to change as some companies are calling employees back to the 9 to 5.

As people are beckoned back to the office, many are dreading it. The extra hour or so that we had to sleep in will now be devoted to dressing up. We'll have to budget better for gas as prices increase and car repairs that we didn't have to think about. And the traffic. A recent New York Times article sited several other reasons why some of us are reluctant to return to the standard office space. People want to maintain flexibility and some companies are incorporating that into the office culture. There's also the concern that companies will need to maintain empathy because the last few years looked very different. Many people lost family members and friends to COVID-19 or had the virus themselves. Others retreated to their vacation home. Many companies realize that things have to look and feel different in the new work environment and being flexible is a main component. Another concern is having to take part in small talk with co-workers that we may otherwise never speak to outside of the office. This is a big one for me. I don't like small talk. Can you tell?

The lockdown also saw people resigning from their jobs. We've all heard the term, the "Great Resignation". It seems fitting when you consider how many people quit their jobs while others stayed and attempted to form unions to ensure wages, salary increases, and benefits. There needs to be a better quality of in-office work life, and employers are working together with employees to figure that out. There hasn't been a time in recent history where we've seen such a culture shift in the workplace, and we may never see one like it again for a very long time.

Most of us were lucky to have the choice to work from home and spend more time with our loved ones, but others like healthcare workers and food service employees did not have a choice. They were essential to our daily lives. Don't they deserve to benefit from this shift in culture, too? It will be interesting to see where the dust settles and who has the biggest tips on how best to reinvent the work force. In the meantime, keep your slippers and sweat suits handy.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.