I have learned something important about office culture: it does not fit everyone the same way. For some, the buzz of the office, the chatter, and the weekly meetings feel energizing. For others, like me, it feels more like noise than nourishment.

Every Tuesday, for example, we sit through a weekly meeting. It is an hour carved out of my busiest day, when my desk is already stacked with deadlines. Instead of moving forward, I find myself losing momentum. That lost time lingers for the rest of the week, and the pressure only builds.

It is not just meetings either. The office can be filled with distractions that chip away at focus. Temperature battles over the thermostat. Conversations that interrupt deep work. Interpersonal tensions that hang in the air. The simple act of getting dressed, commuting, and bracing myself for another day in the office often feels heavier than the work itself.

Here is the truth I have come to: if I had the ability to work remote or even hybrid, I would be more productive. Without constant interruptions, I could get into flow and stay there. Without the wasted time of commuting, I could start my day grounded and focused. Without the office drama, I could put my energy into the work that actually matters.

Why This Matters to Culture and Recruitment

When companies talk about culture, they often focus on perks or traditions. But real culture is not about cookie-cutter rituals. It is about creating space where people can thrive in different ways. Some thrive in an office. Some thrive at home. Some thrive with both.

Rigid in-office expectations can actually drive down productivity and morale, even for hardworking employees who want to deliver. When the environment is a mismatch, no amount of “team spirit” can cover up the burnout that follows.

A Better Approach

Organizations that embrace flexibility send a clear message: we trust you to know how you work best. That kind of trust pays off in engagement, retention, and results. It also helps recruiters attract candidates who are looking for more than just a paycheck. They are looking for a place that sees them as a whole person.

Final Thought

Culture is not one size fits all. For some, the office is a spark. For others, it is a weight. The strongest workplaces are not the ones that force everyone onto the same track. They are the ones that offer more than one path and respect the way each person works best.

That is the culture that lasts.

Here’s to building more than one track for success,
Angelic
Welcome Home. 🌵✨