Hvorfor trenger vi egentlig å dra på jobben?

Many people in Norway are taking advantage of the option to work from home a couple of days a week, but now some workplaces are tightening up on attendance. Ina Vedde Fjærestad commented on E24's article that being present at the office is important for meeting colleagues. According to our research on working from home (Crossbow: Hedging and balancing between work and home - OsloMet), it's not only employers who are concerned about people needing to come to the office.

Employees also mention the importance of coming to work to collaborate with colleagues. Employers worry about losing the work culture and informal learning that happens spontaneously in the office, but employees describe a more fundamental human aspect to being part of a physical work community. This includes the sense of belonging that comes with shared experiences with colleagues, rather than just social interaction.

The social aspect of work can be replicated through technology, such as video calls, but research shows that the physical presence in a workplace provides a unique experience that digital interaction cannot replicate. One fundamental reason why physical work communities are important is that going to work requires commitment and effort, which can lead to feelings of achievement and satisfaction.

While working from home might have its benefits, such as time for relaxation, focused work, and better work-life balance, many people get a sense of accomplishment and connection from physically being at work. Going to the office also signals to colleagues that you value them and the work community. However, missing work can make one feel less valued and part of the team.

So next time you consider working from home, think about what you and your colleagues might be missing out on by staying away.