When the pandemic hit and lockdown took effect in the UK back in 2020, employees across the company had no choice but to work from home.
Some people loved it, and their companies never went back to full-time, in person work. However, years later, others have started requiring employees to head back into the office, which is a serious shock to the system for a lot of people. While some people look forward to the social interaction and structure, others find it hard to adjust to old routines, commutes, and workplace dynamics. What once felt normal now seems exhausting, inconvenient, or just plain unnecessary. If you’re struggling with the transition, you’re definitely not alone. These are just some of the struggles you’ll have to face during the transition.
1. The dreaded commute
One of the biggest perks of remote work was skipping the daily commute. No sitting in traffic, no crowded trains, and no scrambling to get out the door on time. Now, that extra time you used to spend sleeping, working out, or just relaxing is suddenly eaten up by commuting again.
Adjusting to this can feel rough, especially when you realise how much time and energy it takes. Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or music can help make the commute slightly less miserable, but there’s no denying that it’s a major change from rolling out of bed and logging in from home.
2. Getting used to office distractions
At home, you had full control over your environment—no loud conversations, constant interruptions, or office small talk when you were in the middle of something. Now, you’re back in a shared space where coworkers chat, phones ring, and people stop by your desk unexpectedly.
Rebuilding focus in an open office setting takes time. Noise-cancelling headphones and setting clear boundaries for deep work can help, but it’s not quite the same as having a quiet home office.
3. The return of office politics
Remote work meant less exposure to office politics. There were no awkward run-ins, less gossip, and fewer unnecessary meetings, which was a relief. However, being back in person means navigating workplace dynamics again, whether that’s dealing with favouritism, cliques, or unspoken tensions.
It’s an adjustment to go from mostly work-focused virtual interactions to managing in-person relationships. Keeping things professional and avoiding office drama can help ease the transition, but for many, this is one of the least enjoyable parts of returning.
4. Having to dress professionally again
Let’s be honest—one of the best things about working from home was the dress code (or lack thereof). Pyjamas, leggings, and sweatpants were the norm, and “dressing up” usually just meant putting on a decent top for video calls.
Now, you’re back to ironing shirts, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and making sure you look presentable every single day. While it’s nice to feel put together, it’s hard to forget just how much easier it was to work in comfy clothes.
5. The loss of flexibility
Working from home meant you could take breaks when you needed them, squeeze in personal errands, and have more control over your schedule. Returning to the office means set hours again, which also means less freedom to adjust your day and fewer midday walks or coffee breaks on your own terms.
The lack of flexibility can feel restrictive, especially for those who got used to structuring their work around when they felt most productive. If possible, negotiating hybrid work or flexible hours might make the adjustment easier.
6. Spending more money
Working from home saved a lot of people money—no commuting costs, no buying lunch out, and no work wardrobe expenses. But back at the office, those costs creep back in. Suddenly, you’re paying for petrol or train tickets, picking up overpriced coffees, and refreshing your work wardrobe.
These little expenses add up quickly. Planning ahead by bringing lunch from home and limiting unnecessary purchases can help, but it’s still frustrating to go from spending almost nothing to feeling like your pay cheque disappears faster.
7. Social exhaustion
Even the most social people got used to working in solitude. Now, being around coworkers all day chatting, attending meetings, and making small talk can feel overwhelming. The energy needed to be “on” for eight hours straight takes a toll.
It’s normal to feel drained after long office days, even if you enjoy your coworkers. Taking small breaks when possible and setting aside quiet time after work can help manage the exhaustion.
8. Sitting in meetings that could have been emails
Remote work forced companies to be more efficient with communication. Now, being back in the office means more in-person meetings—some useful, but many that could have been summed up in an email or quick Slack message.
It’s frustrating to spend valuable time in meetings that drag on when you know things could be done faster. If your workplace allows it, pushing for shorter, more structured meetings can help prevent unnecessary time-wasting.
9. Adjusting to a structured workday
At home, it was easy to work around your own rhythms. You could grab a snack when hungry, switch tasks when your energy dipped, and sometimes even work in different parts of the house. Now, you’re back to a structured day with set lunch breaks, rigid deadlines, and limited personal time.
Relearning how to function within those constraints takes time. If your job allows it, finding small ways to keep some of that flexibility, like taking short walking breaks, can make the transition smoother.
10. Feeling less productive
Many people found they were actually more productive at home. There were fewer distractions, more focused deep work, and the ability to work when they felt most efficient. Now, back in the office, constant interruptions, social interactions, and a noisy environment can make it feel harder to get things done.
It’s frustrating to feel like your output is lower just because of the setting. Setting clear priorities, blocking off time for deep work, and limiting distractions as much as possible can help regain that productivity.
11. Struggling to maintain a work-life balance
Remote work blurred the lines between work and personal life, but in a way that often allowed people to reclaim their time, whether by finishing work earlier or taking small mental breaks throughout the day. Going back to the office means being physically away from home for longer hours, making it harder to manage personal responsibilities.
Finding ways to maintain balance, such as setting firm boundaries about work hours or making the most of your evenings, can help, but it’s tough to adjust when you’ve had more control over your time.
12. Missing home comforts
Being able to make your own lunch, have a nap on your break, or work in a quiet space made working from home feel comfortable. Now, the office feels rigid. There are no more quick stretches in your living room or working with your pet curled up next to you, and that’s kind of depressing.
It’s a small but real adjustment. Bringing small comforts, like your favourite snacks, a cosy jumper, or a nice mug for your coffee, can help make the office feel a little less sterile.
13. Feeling like remote work made more sense
For many people, returning to the office isn’t just inconvenient—it feels unnecessary. If they were productive at home, had better work-life balance, and still got everything done, the return to commuting and office life feels like a step backward.
While some industries thrive on in-person collaboration, many people are left wondering if the benefits of office life really outweigh the downsides. If hybrid work is an option, advocating for a mix of remote and office days can help ease the transition and give the best of both worlds.
