Working in an office environment can be a rewarding experience, filled with camaraderie, inside jokes, and shared experiences. For years, I thrived in the office culture at my tech startup in New York City. I felt connected to my coworkers, and our shared moments made even the toughest workdays more enjoyable. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, everything changed. Like many companies, we transitioned to remote work, and the once vibrant office culture began to fade.
At first, we made an effort to stay connected virtually. We had virtual happy hours, cut out paper turkeys together for Thanksgiving, and even threw virtual baby showers. Despite the distance, we still cared about each other, and the bonds we had formed in person helped us stay connected. However, as time went on, and people started returning to the office in 2022, I found myself feeling increasingly isolated as a fully remote employee.
The company went through several rounds of layoffs, resulting in many familiar faces being let go. New employees were brought in, but without the in-person interactions that had previously helped us bond, they remained strangers to me. Trying to build relationships and trust with these new colleagues through a screen proved challenging. The lack of face-to-face time and casual interactions outside of work meetings made it difficult to form meaningful connections.
As the months went by, I started to feel disconnected from my coworkers and the company as a whole. The lack of personal connections and camaraderie began to take a toll on my morale and sense of belonging. I realized that the personal trust and relationships I had valued in the office were missing in the remote work environment. This ultimately led me to make the difficult decision to quit my job.
Now, as I navigate the job market, I find myself hesitant to apply for remote-only positions. I have come to understand the importance of personal connections in the workplace and the impact they have on my overall well-being. I have learned that for me, meaningful connections with coworkers are essential for feeling supported and valued at work.
In the future, I will prioritize seeking out roles that prioritize bringing remote employees together at key moments throughout the year. I have come to realize that stepping out from behind the screen and being together in person is crucial for building trust, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging in the workplace. While remote work offers flexibility and convenience, it is the personal connections and shared experiences that truly make a job fulfilling.
