There was a time when office culture was the foundation of productivity and a big part of our lives. There were the cubicles, conference rooms, and the excitement of casual Fridays. As work-life evolved and remote or hybrid models became the norm, we were given a new perspective on what office culture actually meant.
While there were parts of office culture that are worth appreciating, there are plenty of things that most people don't miss. From rigid schedules and pointless meetings to daily pressure, removing ourselves from traditional office culture proves how different work can feel when we let go of outdated ideas.
Let's look at three aspects of office culture that we don't miss.
Commuting Only To Clock-Watch
Saying goodbye to your daily commute is the biggest relief for anyone shifting away from working in an office. All those hours spent in traffic or packed on a bus can now be used to sleep in a little later, exercise, spend time with your family, and simply enjoy a calm start to your day.
The only thing worse than the daily commute was our fixation on the clock and how slow it moved. You were judged when you arrived at work or left, creating stress that carried throughout the week. Letting go of rigid schedules has allowed us to tap further into our productivity and be measured by results, not attendance.
Inauthentic Socializing and Office Politics
In most offices, there was an expectation to participate in social activities even if you had no interest. The mandatory happy hours, team-building exercises, or awkward small talk in the break room are all part of office culture, whether you like it or not.
Then, there was the office politics, where you spent your day navigating personalities, trying to figure out hierarchies, and following unspoken rules. None of this made you more productive or improved the quality of your work. Frankly, it was a waste of time.
No one misses spending unnecessary mental energy managing perceptions and avoiding conflict when you can work in a calmer environment in the comfort of your home.
Proxyclick Visitor Management System on Unsplash
Distractions Galore
Open concept offices were designed to foster collaboration, but all they did was create a constant wave of distraction. Background conversations, impromptu meetings, and interruptions just as you got going made getting your work done challenging.
Even a necessary drop-in could derail your focus and force you to work extra hard afterward or past the end of your day. That said, meetings without a clear purpose or that would have been better served as an email often had the most negative impact on your day. Without being immersed in office culture every day, there are fewer interruptions and more intentional communication, which delivers a more efficient workday.
Office culture dictated how we worked for decades. As many people gain more distance from that environment, it makes it easier to recognize that office culture no longer serves us. The brutal commutes, forced interactions, playing office politics, and endless distractions only added stress while getting in the way of our productivity. It's no secret as to why so many have happily said goodbye to working in an office.
