Part 7/10:
Advocates for returning to the office highlight the importance of physical presence. Going to work fosters discipline and provides opportunities for spontaneous knowledge sharing—what’s often called the "water cooler conversations." Such interactions are valuable for intergenerational learning, mentorship, and maintaining a cohesive workplace culture.
There’s also a recognition that working from home can sometimes lead to isolation and mental health issues, as employees miss out on the social connections and routines that come with physical office life. The discipline involved in arriving at a workplace, grooming, and facing daily commutes is seen as beneficial for productivity and mental well-being.