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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you back in the office?

66 replies

tiredandmardy · 08/10/2021 20:07

Is everyone back at the office now? And how is that? Any signs you might have to work remotely again, especially if your kids are out of school again? Any of you - like me - still working remotely?

I know I will get a few comments along the lines of “I was always in - not for me lounging at home!”, so am aiming the question more at those that worked at home/are still working at home.

OP posts:
Overthebow · 08/10/2021 20:09

I’m back in and really enjoying it, I’d missed the collaboration that happens when working in the office. Most people in my office are back now and those that aren’t are being left behind a bit.

SmileySandwich · 08/10/2021 20:10

Yeah most people I know are back in or hybrid working. It's fine. Lots of colds.

hayley013 · 08/10/2021 20:10

I'm back 3 days a week, 2 at home, and find it's a great balance. It's nice to be at work with everyone, but then I get the luxury of a couple of school pickups a week

Cheesepuff1 · 08/10/2021 20:11

I've been back in full time since April. all the meeting rooms have been put back to normal no distancing etc. seems like covid is over as far as the company is concerned.

JapanJetplane · 08/10/2021 20:12

My firm is still almost entirely working from home. I’m returning from mat leave soon and expecting to go in every couple of weeks, max. We’ve completely embraced flexible working and it’s just being left to the individual to decide if they want / need to be in.

ShinyMe · 08/10/2021 20:12

I've been back full time since March. I work in FE and we're entirely face to face now. Masks and distancing "recommended" but not mandatory so almost nobody bothers. I am amazed that I've tested negative every 3 days since march.

2blackandwhitecats · 08/10/2021 20:13

DP is still WFH desperate for him to go back!

Wazzzzzzzup · 08/10/2021 20:14

We are hybrid, in reality more WFH while office it is getting an update. Always have the option to go in though. I really like the freedom to choose

HandlebarLadyTash · 08/10/2021 20:14

Plans are steaming ahead to get people back. I think I will be in 1 day out of 4. Seems workable although with fuel hikes I migh do more, it is getting a little chilly during the day.

Mirrorxx · 08/10/2021 20:15

I went in to the office for the first day since March 2020 this week. It was the highest waste of time. Barely anyone else there, horrific commute and much less work done due to distractions

nervousseacreature · 08/10/2021 20:15

I don’t think we’ll be going back in. And they were very anti-wfh before Covid.

FrazzledY9Parent · 08/10/2021 20:16

Back in 3/4 days and really enjoying it.

ThinWomansBrain · 08/10/2021 20:16

I was working in a temporary office through most of lockdown - loved it, half an hour walk there and back, was usually the only person there - but opportunity to say hi to receptionists & occupants of other offices.
Changed jobs - now WFH, but hoping to get back to the office soon, only if one or two days a week to break things up a bit.

CovidinPrimary · 08/10/2021 20:17

Hybrid here, had a full contract change. Totally up to me if I want to go in, it’s hot desking and I only have a an actual available desk one day a week. If I go in on any other day I have less equipment than I do at home - would have to work on a “buzz” desk on just my laptop, I have 3 screens at home!!

I spend most of my day on zoom in cross functional meetings, so pretty pointless going in - I would probably inconvenience others as would just be on zoom all day any way!

This week 30 hours of my 37 contacted hours where on zoom / teams

ImitationofBeing · 08/10/2021 20:18

No. And looks like I will be working from home always. My director is working a few days at home and he's found it more productive. And I can be more flexible.

The company has reduced the office space so there's not the same amount of desks.

I miss the others but I don't miss the commute and it is handy as I have a SEN child and being home when they return from school etc is wonderful.

Ladylalaboo1 · 08/10/2021 20:19

I work remotely now and my work ( big well known company- head office) have implemented flexible working so we only have to go in if we need twice a month,but if there is no real need to then we dont. I have personally chose to go into the office once a week as I have baby at home and two other kids so my dh deals with school run and watches the baby that day whilst I work - this works for me as I get a nice peaceful day with no distractions and they have free fancy coffee Grin

AnnaSW1 · 08/10/2021 20:19

Not me. I haven't been in since March 2020.

IsDaveThere · 08/10/2021 20:19

I went in to the office for the first day since March 2020 this week. It was the highest waste of time. Barely anyone else there, horrific commute and much less work done due to distractions

^^This with bells on.

Xiaoxiong · 08/10/2021 20:20

Since the beginning of September I'm in 2 days in the office, 3 at home and interestingly we are all clustering around tues and thurs so we can see each other. No point in coming in to an empty office!

I'm loving the change of scene and socialisation Grin

JBlow · 08/10/2021 20:20

@IsDaveThere

I went in to the office for the first day since March 2020 this week. It was the highest waste of time. Barely anyone else there, horrific commute and much less work done due to distractions

^^This with bells on.

I concur
Mantlemoose · 08/10/2021 20:20

Yes, great, no, no

Bonsaibreaker · 08/10/2021 20:21

Back 1 day a week by choice as I only did 1 day a week before lockdown. In February a new manager was employed who demands twice a week for everyone. I have explained I was always once a week pre lock down since I was employed and he is yet to give me a reason why suddenly twice a week is necessary.

I have requested a transfer to another office who are not as controlling.

RumHoney · 08/10/2021 20:21

3 days in the office, 2 days at home. OH is 2 days in, 3 at home.

Sapphire387 · 08/10/2021 20:22

Hybrid working- usually three days in the office or out meeting people (I work for a trade union) and two days from home.

NothingIsWrong · 08/10/2021 20:27

I'm in Mon/Wed/Thu since March and I love it. The amount that gets done when we can actually talk and cross chat and get wrinkles ironed out is amazing.