Both Employers and Employees Face Challenges “Returning to the Office”

Years after the pandemic, companies are still trying to drag employees back into the office. And employees still aren’t happy about it.

“Somebody’s talking about their dad’s colonoscopy again,” says one worker complaining about how distracting and chaotic offices can be.

Leaders say that in-person work boosts collaboration and productivity. But in 2026, workers continue to act like it does anything but: Having grown accustomed to working in the peace and quiet of their own homes, offices feel more overstimulating and work-inhibiting than ever.

“After years of having greater control over their work environments, many employees are finding it difficult to adjust to losing that autonomy,” Fast Company contributor Lindsay Dodgson writes.