I wrote this when I posted this article to social media:

I am lucky to not work for one of these companies. My company fully understands that remote work functions just fine for those wanting to do it (they knew this even pre-pandemic), and they will still offer an in-office experience for those who want it. But they aren't enforcing a rigid format for return to office.

But I hear stories of others being called back into offices prematurely, especially in states with low vaccination rates and a horrible record of addressing the pandemic overall. For those who want to go back into an office, I'm all for companies supporting that. But I don't think enforcing going back to a five-day in-office culture works optimally in many instances. Perhaps not in most.

Another thing. I hear some touting office culture for the socialization aspect. Maybe we need a rethink about that. For me, I have far better socialization being able to meet up with a close real life (not work life) friend for lunch or coffee than I ever do in the office. I like knowing that I can close my work laptop and immediately go meet a friend for dinner or participate in a book discussion group right after work without enduring what would be an hour and a half one-way commute home from my home office location before enjoying my personal life. I consider these real life connections far more meaningful and deep than those typically created among co-workers (and I adore my co-workers). So maybe we should focus on people having more time with their friends and families rather than being so dedicated to an office environment.