Like many of us, when the pandemic hit, we adjusted to working from home – we had no choice. Living rooms became offices, coffee tables became desks, and team meetings were conducted online. When the world reopened, we immediately returned to the office and we’ve stayed there ever since – but some five years later, many businesses have still chosen not to return.
I’m often asked why we don’t offer remote or hybrid working options at Must Have Ideas, the answer is simple: being together promotes unity, sparks creativity and supports career progression.
Since launching in 2018, our business has experienced rapid growth, what started out as a team of three has now expanded to over 200. Recruitment has been fast paced. Each new face brings new ideas and energy. And sharing the same space has helped us nurture that. It simply wouldn’t have been possible for us to create such a unified team or scale the business in the way that we have if everyone had been working remotely. It may sound like a cliche, but we believe we are better together.
Creating a positive workplace culture
We’ve worked hard to assemble a great team and create a positive culture and I don’t think that can be achieved as well outside a communal setting. These things develop organically through conversation and personal interaction. Culture doesn’t build itself. When you’re working from home you can’t overhear a useful conversation, you can’t bounce ideas off each other as easily, and you can’t pop over to someone’s desk to ask a question. Interaction and small talk may seem trivial but they help foster a friendly, familiar atmosphere. They help people grow, especially when they’re just starting out.
Many of our younger team members who joined us in junior positions have been promoted to more senior roles in a matter of months. Remote working would have made it more difficult for them to develop, learn, make an impression and ultimately, progress as rapidly.
Work-life balance
If the pandemic taught me anything, it was to appreciate the value of human connection. I personally hated being at home. I found it incredibly lonely and certainly not great for my mental health. I don’t think it’s healthy for someone to sit at a screen all day without interacting with colleagues. For me, there’s something nice about switching off after work. When your front room is the office, the line between home life and work life can so easily become blurred.
I appreciate that working from home offers convenience, particularly if you have children (I get it, I have two young girls), but I don’t think it’s always the answer. What’s most important is that employers offer flexible hours. We allow our team to choose their own start and finish times, giving them greater control over their work-life balance.
We’re not saying our way is the only way, for some businesses or employees, remote or hybrid working might be the right fit. But for us, the office is a place for connection, collaboration and creativity, helping us grow not just as a business, but as a team. And that’s something we cherish.
