Member-only story
Do We Still Need Offices?
The coronavirus crisis is not over. But in a lot of countries, the threat from the virus is, at least, receding — and know those countries are asking: how and when do we reopen? What is an acceptable level of risk? And what does “normal” life look like in a not-quite-post-pandemic world?
My day job is in an office, but I and all my colleagues have been working from home since March. We still are, but as the UK begins to reopen (not that I think we’re ready, but that’s an opinion for another day) people are asking: when will the office reopen?
But surely the question isn’t “when” but “why”.
Why is the company planning to reopen the office?
Why do we need an office at all?
We aren’t a “customer-facing” business. Sure big, important clients will occasionally come in for meetings, but the vast majority of our communication is over the phone, email, and very occasionally faxes and letters.
At home, I’m set up with a laptop, a phone, and a headset (if I need it). I have what I need, as do my colleagues. Video calls and conference calls are easily available for meetings.
