Over the past couple of months, I’ve talked to several architects about their companies’ plans to return to the office. Most of them told me they’re talking about a return, but no timeline is in place as of yet. With many offices developing a hybrid schedule of some working in the office and some working remotely, I think the remote employees are experiencing a new kind of FOMO—it’s the fear of missing out on critical intel, spontaneous yet important conversations, and useful updates.

It’s easy to think you’re communicating with your clients and employees, but any time you share information face to face, it contains more context and nuance that cannot be conveyed through a computer screen. People want and need face-to-face interaction, because non-verbal communication is equally, and sometimes more important than verbal communication.

I recently read a study that shows just 19 percent of the U.S. workers want to work from home full time, while over half prefer a hybrid model and nearly a third want a total return to the office. Being back in the office promotes collaboration, connection and camaraderie with everyone in the office. This new form of FOMO is about missing out on those critically important, impromptu conversations while you’re waiting for the coffee to brew, or passing someone in the hall.

At the end of the day, we miss people, we miss each other, we miss the bad dad jokes, we miss dressing up for the day, and we miss bouncing that great idea we have off a trusted co-worker … because our dog or cat doesn’t give us honest feedback.

As always, my 2 cents …