10 reasons to go to the office

Even if presence at the office is not mandatory, everyone should go to the workplace sometimes. Marja Känsälä, Specialized Researcher, explains the benefits of working at the office.

1. Community. At the workplace, you meet colleagues – often even by chance in corridors or cafeterias. Encounters in the workplace can be particularly important for young people, foreigners and single people. You can even meet new people.
2. Sharing ideas is easy. Spontaneous discussions and brainstorming are smoother in person, and it is natural to ask for advice from someone sitting next to you.
3. Better integration for new employees. Colleagues get to know each other at the workplace and help is always close by. Face-to-face interaction can help a new employee become part of the work community.
4. Customers may appreciate face-to-face encounters. A traditional meeting at the same table strengthens trust.
5. Projects get off to an efficient start. Initial and final meetings are more efficient when people sit at the same table. When the team meets, the work proceeds more smoothly.
6. Supervisory work becomes easier. Meeting employees at the office may help the supervisor notice if someone needs support, for example, with their coping or well-being. It is often more natural to discuss problems face-to-face.
7. Ergonomic workspaces support work. An office can provide an ergonomic working environment, especially if it has better workstations and equipment than at home.
8. Concentration might improve. The office environment may be more quiet than the home.
9. Getting in the mood for work. An office environment can help you get in the mood for work. Your mind will not wander to housework.
10. Commuting gives rhythm to the day. A commute is a transition between work and leisure. Employees can use it for exercise, for example, collecting steps or cycling kilometres.