Friday Debate: Are You Enjoying Work From Home?

Welcome to Friday Debate, a feature on cup of tea with that book, please, where every Friday a question will be posted that tantalize the brain and expands our horizons. For this week’s question:

This is another issue where my feelings are mixed. I like the Harry Potter books but I was

I recently read an article from BBC News, where they were talking about how most people, even though they were cleared to return to work as lockdown restrictions start to loosen, were not as keen to return to work. Most workers have enjoyed working from home so much, they have asked to work from home permanently, at least part of the time. Employees (who are capable to work from their houses) explain the benefits they have experienced by working from home: saving time and money, spending more time with their love ones and huge improvements in their mental wellbeing.

I enjoyed working from home. I know it’s hard to think like that, especially when you are a public librarian. But since the lockdown, my energy in my work has greatly improved. I can concentrate on my work without distractions, I can do things that I am passionate about and not dealing with any workplace drama has been a huge boost to my mental well-being, even if upper management problems continue to be problematic. I am not ready to go back to my physical worksite and it’s not because I fear for my health and safety (although it is a contributing factor). I know it is a dream, but if I can work from home, at least part of the time, I would take advantage of that opportunity.

So for this week’s Friday Debate, I am asking these two questions: