Rhino Ramblings

Rhino Coffee for a Return to Office

Tomorrow, after several false starts, the entire Program staff will be returning to the office.  Note that I normally avoid job-specific topics in my blog (shielding the blog from professional and legal guidance and scrutiny).  This is a personal reflection on a professional situation.

March 2020 found me in San Francisco for a major security conference. People and corporations did not attend because of some health nonsense around a cold or flu or something.  There were many people walking around with masks on or talking about masks and other precautions.  But I boldly (or more accurately as it turns out, foolishly) did not quite believe all the chatter.  Shortly after I returned home, I along with the rest of the world stayed home.  The masks became a lifeline and millions were dying from the previously scoffed at covid epidemic. It would be two years before I traveled again.  That first re-travel was to the same major security conference.  This time, my mask was fully on and I was fully vaccinated.  Side note:  I am one of the lucky few to have not had covid.

Prior to March 2020, our office building had a small fire.  While our offices were not directly affected, we were suddenly unable to go into the offices for an extended time until repairs were completed, and the building declared safe.  We had, sure enough, a literal fire drill of the entire staff working remotely, with no time for preparation.  While we assumed with the rest of the world that this quarantine would be short-lived, we knew we could operate in a remote environment.

As one year progressed to two, while the operational aspects of the program were functioning, the loss of personal interactions reduced professional interactions.  We did institute actions around monthly staff meetings and several staff leaders held virtual get-togethers on a regular and irregular basis.  On the other hand, our program had been built on a staff cohesion that was sorely strained.  At one point we felt we could safely return to our offices while following the strictest of masking and vaccine rules.  A two day a week schedule for in office work was initiated.  What we did not anticipate was the outside world impinging in an unexpected and terrifying manner – a gun shooting randomly ended up with bullets through several offices, including ones that were occupied at the time.  Thankfully, no-one was injured.  Motivation to return, however, was overtaken by motivation for safety and more importantly, for staff mental health.  After a few false starts on how to respond, two important steps were taken: mandatory attendance was revoked; a new venue for our offices was sought out.

Many, many months later we have a new office.  Nestled away from major roadways and with a gated underground garage, safety concerns were mitigated.   A core group of truly amazing, hard-working and creative staff stepped up to the challenge and have created an amazing new (well newly remodeled) welcoming work environment.  This week, staff will be in the office two day a week.  Several leaders, myself included, will strive for an average of 3 days a week, especially to start the “return” process and support the staff as best we can as they adjust.

Is this the right move?  I understand we have proven we can operate remotely. During the past 4 years, the program and staff have grown.  Clearly an argument can be made that remote work is not a bad thing.  Recent articles claim that businesses requiring a return to office have not seen significant productivity increases (I would argue this is too early to proclaim any definitive results either way). The type of work, staff location, cross-collaboration requirements and/or benefits, the staff culture, etc. may point to no need for an office at all or may point to a need for a full return. For this Program’s staff and culture, I believe strongly that a hybrid mix offers the greatest reward.  Returning to a new address with much improved safety profile definitely helps.  I am heartened by a recent all day staff meeting followed by a ribbon cutting (first time I had the honor to be a ribbon cutter) open house of the facility.  These was a very positive buzz and energy level.  I am no longer masked (but support and understand those who still are), and I am also not blind-folded – adjustments will need to be made both professionally and personally.  A month from now, senior leadership will meet in part to discuss “how it went and is going”.    

Today was a personal adjustment.  Until this week, I could have done laundry anytime during the week.  Procrastination of mundane house tasks is no longer ideal, so today was a “must do” wash day.  Argo will have to adjust, and I will make ample use of my dog sitter to provide her a daily break.  I will soon be setting up her fixing day – once she is spayed, I can drop her off at doggie day care at least once a week.  She loves being around other dogs, especially if she can play with them.  I just have to be more deliberative and thoughtful about time away and at home.  Adjustments will continually need to be made.  I am also aware that my adjustments pale in comparison to those who have a long commute, or children, or others depending on their time and availability or any number of other circumstances.  Balancing the conflicts of change is a key to success.

Much has happened in the past 4 years.  This blog itself is due to changes in my life in part brought on by covid and quarantine with increase self-reflection time. Even as a 100% introvert who craves isolation, I also am human and look forward to a human based, rather than virtual based, work environment.  And anyway, I can always lock my office door 😊