Samuel Anderson’s first professional experience was quite unconventional, as the COVID-19 pandemic led him to work remotely for a year without meeting colleagues face-to-face. Initially employed at Australian Spatial Analytics in April 2020, he spent much of his early career working from home, using a makeshift desk and adapting to online meetings on platforms like Zoom.
Reflecting on his situation, Anderson revealed how he often felt lonely and disconnected from co-workers, missing typical social interactions like chatting by the water cooler or enjoying after-work drinks. He joked about sitting on his freezer instead of a proper chair while managing his work responsibilities, highlighting the challenges of remote work.
Dr Melissa Wheeler, a senior lecturer at RMIT, pointed out that the shift to remote work deprived many young professionals of valuable mentorship opportunities that often arise in traditional office environments. She noted that while it’s challenging to form connections online, it isn’t entirely impossible—emphasising that people may need more training to seize networking opportunities in virtual settings.
Despite the insular nature of remote work, Anderson felt fortunate to secure a job during such uncertain times. He remained grateful for the opportunity, allowing him to grow professionally, even amidst the isolation. In the time since, he has come to appreciate the office environment more, preferring it over remote work as it allows better separation between personal life and professional responsibilities.
Currently, Anderson’s perspective contrasts with that of many peers who favour remote positions. He believes that working from home blurred the lines between work and leisure, leading to longer hours without the healthy balance one might find in an office setting.
Dr Wheeler noted that, despite the downsides, the rise of remote work has introduced flexibility that many younger workers now seek. She observed a growing trend among Gen Z professionals rejecting traditional 9-to-5 structures in favour of a more dynamic approach to work—often characterised by bursts of productivity rather than the conventional workday.
Both Anderson and Wheeler acknowledge that a hybrid work model may be the future for office workers, offering a compromise that allows for flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration. Wheeler also mentioned the historical perspective from economist John Maynard Keynes regarding work hours, suggesting that a cultural shift towards sustainability and consumerism may be needed to make significant changes to work structures, such as the elusive four-day workweek.
In conclusion, Anderson’s journey reflects a unique adaptation to the new norms of work, while discussions around future work models highlight the need for balance, adaptability, and the acceptance of evolving workplace dynamics.