Is This the End of the Office? | Simon Sinek

A lot of leaders underestimate the challenges of running a virtual workplace. We are social animals that need human interaction.

This is a clip from the FastCompany Impact Council hosted by Stephanie Mehta.

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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that
they do.

Simon is the author of multiple best selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.

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Simon’s books:

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#SimonSinek

[Hermetic]

Human beings are social animals. I have heard this all my life. It has always made me feel like an outsider. It took me 50 years to get to the point where I felt I understood humans enough to really interact well and productively. Maybe I am just strange all around, but I have never felt the need for the company of others and I would be perfectly happy by myself in a tiny house in the woods. In fact, life would be far more peaceful. I’ve never understood this “social animal” thing. It really makes me feel like a stranger each time I hear it. I have been perfectly happy being a hermit during this whole mess. I am more productive at home, I don’t have to contend with interruptions, and I don’t have to feel the need to be conscious about socializing. I can just relax and get things done.

[khalidsafir]

Most of the people I know who do work that involves thinking a lot are loving working from home. They are getting a lot more work done. As a teacher, I did miss seeing my students faces, even though we did have fun and connect over live online lessons. So I can see both sides of the argument.

[williamoei]

Have discussed this before with some friends in South East Asia, I think the younger generation prefers Work From Home to the normal work environment. They are fine it because they say less of social interactions, means less drama at work 😅

[TinaLeder]

I worked on a *remote team for 2 years* that turned into a *location based* company🙈 and I can say first hand that the remote environment had the *strongest company culture* I've ever been in over location based.🤷‍♀️

[wisdom-for-all]

When we think we know all the answers, life changes all the questions. Whatever comes we will adapt and become stronger 🖖

[Justine_Marie]

I'm an introvert who has actually been thriving being left alone.

[racaciaruth]

It's wonderful when you have an option of working from office /home. Happy employees will produce a higher standard of work! You are correct, as humans we crave social bonds. We seek interactions with our colleagues - asking, discussing, debating or just sharing makes us feel socially connected and part of something worthwhile!

[georgemcwilliams]

I was going to quit my job because I couldn't endure one more second sitting in a cubicle. Then the Pandemic arrived and it was like a ray of sunshine. Everyone was forced to figure it out. I love my job now and have decided that I will remain with the company as long as this work from home can continue. My company has reopened the office to people who want to use the space and virtually no one has taken them up on the offer.

[JaneDoe-ygeo]

To be honest, I didn't miss my colleagues during the lockdown. We actually communicated a lot more often than at the office where everyone is in a hurry all the time.

[timetraveler]

You are absolutely right about remote work being more difficult to form and maintain company culture.

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.”
― Confucius

[boggy]

End of human kind if this goes on for much longer!

This situation is utterly crazy!

People are not thinking straight this isn’t how we got to where we are today! Remember that!

We are social beings end of story.

[MilosTopic]

I agree. It is about flexibility and reducing friction, not about over-correcting to either side of the spectrum.

[foad-esad]

I have spent most of my time over the past several years working remotely. Before COVID, I only went into the office once a week or whenever I had to do face-2-face training at a client site.

[abhinavarya]

I like the camaraderie I have in the office with my colleagues and love the whiteboard sessions :)

[OutdeBoxLife]

Very very true... We are social animals and thats what keeps us alive and happy...

[Blueskyeday]

There is no 'one size fits all' for companies or businesses or for individuals. In general, most of my coworkers prefer working out of their homes now that they've adapted. A few prefer the office. We meet frequently online for meetings and discussions, but we also meet weekly to just check-in, as-in 'how are you really?'. It took a while, but now we actually share more both professionally and personally.

[victoriawejko]

I agree, I have really enjoyed working from home and will be most of the summer however I always see myself going in maybe 2 or 1 day a week. I need the ability to bounce ideas off of others from time to time and being in the office is key to that

[ItsAllAboutTheRealEstate]

Having options is the best way. It also depends on the type of work you do. Not every job seeks collaboration. The worst thing is when a company forces you to sit in a cube all day.

[johnsalas]

I'm back to work at one of my jobs and mentally I knew it was going to be a blessing and it is. Much thx to Simon