As has been widely reported, a significant shift is taking place in the workforce. Many employees who had grown accustomed to the flexibility and comfort of working from home are now being encouraged to return to the office full-time. While this transition initially faced resistance, a recent survey commissioned by Wealth of Geeks reveals that once employees settle back into the office routine, they are experiencing a renewed sense of happiness and fulfillment.
The survey, which polled 3,000 workers who have returned to the office full-time, asked participants to rate their happiness on a scale of 1-10. The results were encouraging, with the average Arizonan employee rating their work happiness at an impressive 8 out of 10. This finding suggests that despite the initial challenges of leaving behind the work-from-home setup, employees are quickly adapting and finding joy in the office environment once again.
So, what’s making everyone so happy?
For a whopping 56% of respondents, it’s all about those face-to-face conversations. No more awkward Zoom lag or trying to decipher their coworker’s tone through email – now they can chat, laugh, and collaborate in person. 20% of employees confessed that having some personal space away from their partner is bringing them a little slice of joy.
But it’s not just about the people – 14% of respondents are thrilled to be dressing up for work again, saying goodbye to pajamas, and hello to confidence-boosting work attire! And who can resist the allure of free office perks? Finally, 10% of respondents cheekily admitted that indulging in office perks like free stationery or coffee was the biggest benefit of returning to the workplace.
When it came to what Arizonans missed most about office life, team lunches or happy hours topped the charts. Over half of us longed for those casual hangouts that are just too hard to replicate online. The morning coffee run scooped up 20% of the nostalgia vote, while 16% missed the good old water cooler gossip – apparently, some conversations aren’t meant for Slack.
Perhaps considered a perk of office life, more than a third of employees who have returned to the office full time say they have found a ‘work wife/work husband’.
Interestingly, when asked to pick a theme song for their return to office life, the choices reflected a mix of nostalgia and humor:
- “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake.
- “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child.
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
- “Let’s Get It Started” by The Black Eyed Peas.
- “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.
Reflecting on these findings, Michael Dinich of Wealth of Geeks, commented, “The shift back to office work has indeed been a period of adjustment, but also one of rediscovery. Employees are reconnecting not just with colleagues but with elements of their professional identities that were overshadowed by remote work. It’s clear that the office offers a unique environment where collaboration and community thrive, enhancing overall happiness and productivity.”
