The Days of Wine and COVID, Part III: The Return to the Office

It’s been nearly a year since I wrote Part II of this ongoing series and with things being how they were, I had no idea when this topic would finally come about and when I’d be able to write Part III.

That was until today when we got an email from HR stating the office was being readied for our return (at 50% capacity) beginning on June 1. Attached to the email were several PDFs that went into great detail about how things were going to be in this “new normal” we’re all still trying to get used to.

Gone are the days of waltzing into the building and finding a spot on the next elevator (I actually take the stairs), going into the kitchen to stash your lunch, making your morning cup of coffee while grabbing company-provided bagel or donut, then plopping yourself down at your desk that had personal artifacts from home that made it cozy since, well, you spend a good portion of your time there.

Now it’s all about social distancing, temperature checks, pre-packaged foods, disposable kitchen utensils, one-way hallways and actually having to reserve a desk in advance should you choose to go back and work from the office. This means that personal items are no longer allowed since all desks are open to whomever reserves them first. All of this plus having to wear a face covering as you sit there and work.

Look, hear me out. I’m not crying over this. I get that there are others who wear PPE all day long and my hat is off to them for doing what they do especially now.

But as our company has told us time and time again, returning to the office is not mandatory and we can continue to work from home indefinitely if it makes us feel safer.

And I do. Plus at this point, I’ve got my daily routine going and have spent time and money rearranging and decorating my workspace in the den. I’ve finally gotten it to where I want it complete with a sound system and bitchin’ 1987 Dual turntable I bought from someone on NextDoor.

We communicate via Teams and email. We have access to everything we need. Hell, our team made up of people across the globe even worked on a world premiere of a major automotive reveal that got high marks and praise from our client. We’ve proven that we can get the job done just as well whether sitting in a building in office attire or lounging at home in our pajamas listening to scratchy Louis Prima records.

Yes I miss having an office near the beach but after over a year, I’ve grown to enjoy the freedom being home gives me. It’s just too easy compared to everything that needs to be done if we choose to go back to the office.

Also, at home I don’t have personal items on a desk. I have my family in the flesh.

So my mind is made up and until we reach 100% capacity with no restrictions or other precautions (and who knows when that will be, if ever), the comfort of home is where I’ll continue to slog away.

Here’s to tomorrow when I start my day with a 5-mile walk, take a shower, put on some shorts and a t-shirt, have breakfast and chat with the family, then start the work day by spinning some choice vinyl on the turntable.