10 Things We Miss About Not Working From The Office Anymore

Ah, the days of office life—where the daily grind involved everything from hurried commutes to lunch break gossip. It feels like just yesterday that we were all heading to the office five days a week, fully immersed in the 9 to 5 routine. For years, it was the standard, and even Dolly Parton wrote a catchy anthem about it!

Remember those icy January mornings? We struggle to peel ourselves out of warm beds, start up our frozen cars, and battle the frosty windshields. Some of us were so proud of our cold-weather bravery that we'd snap a quick picture of the car’s temperature gauge, just to show off on Facebook. It was our badge of honour!

For the public transit warriors, there was always the mad dash to secure a coveted seat on the train or bus, hoping for a few precious moments of shut-eye before another hectic workday.

And once at the office, there was no escaping the boss's gaze or the risk of getting dragged into yet another meeting. Let’s not forget the infamous office chatterbox who’d park themselves at your desk, just as you’re trying to power through your overflowing inbox.

By the end of the day, we’d relish the thought of finally clocking out—but then came the return journey. Again, the race was on to snag an empty seat on the train or bus, because no one wants to stand after a long day.

For so long, the idea of working from home felt like a far-off dream—something we could only wish for. But one day, that dream became a reality. And now, while we enjoy the comfort of remote work, there’s a little part of us that can’t help but miss the old office days—just a little.

Here are 10 reasons why we might just want to work back in the office.

1. Bonding With Colleagues

Let’s face it, working alone in your house can feel isolating. Being around your colleagues gives you that social boost that just doesn’t happen over video calls. Human connection, even casual conversations, is essential for mental well-being. Those face-to-face chats with your work friends can make you feel more motivated, productive, and connected throughout the day.

2. Catching Up On All The Hot Gossip

Admit it—you miss the inside scoop on what's happening in the office. Who’s getting promoted? Who’s on their second disciplinary with HR? Or perhaps you want to know more about the office romance in the project management team or hear the big news about that overbearing boss finally getting the boot. Working from home may keep you in the loop on work-related stuff, but the juicy gossip? You’ll miss it sitting in your living room.

3. Lunchtime With Colleagues

Sure, it’s convenient to whip up a sandwich in your kitchen, but you can’t beat the fun of going out to lunch with your coworkers. A lunch break with laughter, jokes, and some light-hearted conversations can help ease the tension of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to recharge.

4. After Work Drinks

There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a drink or two after a hectic day at work. The thought of meeting up with your colleagues for happy hour can be the light at the end of a stressful tunnel. You can bond over shared frustrations, vent about your day, or even collaborate on solutions—all in a relaxed, informal setting. Plus, you're not the only one dealing with work stress—sometimes just knowing you’re not alone can be the best therapy.

5. Smoking And Vaping At The Shelter

If you’re not a smoker, this one might not resonate with you. But for those who enjoy their smoking or vaping breaks, the shelter at work is more than just a place to puff away—it’s where spontaneous conversations and unexpected connections happen. It’s like a mini networking event, where you can catch up on both work and personal life in an entirely casual setting. A quick solo smoke in your backyard just doesn’t offer the same experience.

6. Office Banter

The playful teasing, the inside jokes, and the quick-witted remarks that bounce around the office are impossible to replicate on Slack or Teams. Office banter helps break up the day and adds a sense of camaraderie that no emoji or GIF can truly capture. Those moments of laughter can turn a stressful day into something more manageable. Who doesn’t miss that spontaneous, light-hearted atmosphere?

7. A Colleague Bringing You A Coffee

Remember when a colleague would randomly bring you a coffee, just because? Those little acts of kindness meant a lot, especially on busy days. Whether it was your turn to buy or not, the simple gesture of someone handing you your favourite latte could turn your day around. It’s a small thing, but it’s a genuine perk of being around thoughtful colleagues that you simply don’t get when you're home alone.

8. Visiting Someone At Their Desk Rather Than Making A Call

A quick pop by someone’s desk for a five-minute chat is way easier than scheduling a meeting or sending an email. It’s informal, productive, and more human. Instead of waiting for a response in a virtual queue, you could simply walk over, get your answer, and have a pleasant conversation while you’re at it. That quick interaction was often more efficient and personable than a lengthy Zoom call.

9. The Chance To Impress Or Flirt With A Colleague

Let’s be honest—there’s something about in-person interaction that allows you to show your charm or impress a colleague with your wit, intelligence, or style. Whether it’s harmless office flirting or just wanting to impress with your hard work, that sense of visibility and presence can’t be replaced by sitting in front of a screen in your sweatpants. The office environment naturally creates those moments for connection that video calls simply can’t.

10. Leaving Work At Work

The best part about physically leaving the office? You get to leave work behind. When your home is your office, that separation becomes blurred. Remember the satisfaction of packing up your things, turning off your computer, and walking out the door, knowing that the rest of the evening was yours? That clear distinction between work time and personal time is something many of us took for granted. Working remotely makes it far too easy to answer one more email or finish one more task, leaving you in a perpetual state of “work mode.”