The Power of Learning in the Office: Why Junior Employees Benefit from Being In The Office
In recent years, remote working has become more prevalent and we have spoken to lots of candidates, especially at the junior end who are only interested in travelling into the office once a week, or ideally working remotely. Although we see the initial appeal, the office environment holds a unique advantage when it comes to learning and development, that you'll never get working remotely. Below we've explored, what we think are some of the key benefits to being physically present in the office (for at least part of the week) and why we are real advocates for hybrid working.
Why we think you'll benefit from being present in the office:
Face-to-Face Mentorship:
One of the most significant advantages of being in the office is the opportunity for face-to-face mentorship. As a junior employee you'll benefit immensely from direct interaction with experienced colleagues. You can seek guidance, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback, fostering a strong learning dynamic that is hard to replicate remotely.
Observational Learning:
Now this is a key one for us! In an office setting, junior employees have the chance to observe their peers as well as more seasoned colleagues in action. This observational learning allows you to see how others navigate challenges, interact with clients, and handle complex situations, which in turn provides invaluable lessons that go beyond formal training programs.
Building Professional Networks:
Being physically present in the office will enable you to build and expand your professional networks. Casual encounters during coffee breaks, lunchtime, or after-work gatherings can lead to meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities that might not occur remotely.
Enhanced Team Collaboration:
Another really important one here! Collaboration is a cornerstone of success in most companies and we work in an industry where many great marketing and creatives ideas are born from collaboration! Working in the office facilitates spontaneous brainstorming sessions, team huddles, and impromptu discussions that can lead to innovative ideas and foster a culture of teamwork.
Immersive Company Culture:
An office environment immerses you in to the company's culture, values, and norms. Understanding these aspects is crucial for your professional growth, as it helps you to align with the company's vision.
Developing Soft Skills:
In-person interactions help junior employees develop essential soft skills, such as communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. These skills are vital for building strong professional relationships and becoming effective leaders in the future. Don't underestimate the importance of body language, which is hard to pick up over a teams meet!
Immediate Feedback:
Receiving immediate feedback is crucial for growth and improvement. In the office, you're sitting with your colleagues and boss, which means you can ask them anything you need to know and get an immediate response, rather than having to wait for that teams meeting that's booked in for the end of day catchup.
Increased Accountability:
Being present in the office fosters a sense of accountability. You're more likely to be conscious of your responsibilities and deadlines when working alongside your team, leading to improved time management and productivity. Which in turn leads to growth and development in your skill set and career.
Boosting Confidence:
Finally, the office environment can and will boost your confidence! Engaging in face-to-face interactions and witnessing your contributions acknowledged from that impromptu brainstorming session, or chat in the kitchen whilst making a cup of tea, bouncing ideas around for the next marketing campaign! It's empowering and will empower you to take on more significant challenges and responsibilities.
So in summary...
...while remote working has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we operate, we really do believe the office remains an essential learning ground for everyone, but especially for junior employees. The benefits of being physically present in the office, from face-to-face mentorship to immersive learning opportunities, are going to contribute significantly to your professional development and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career. For us, striking a balance between remote and in-office work is the key to harnessing your full potential and ensuring you thrive at work.