Navigating the Return to Office: Overcoming Challenges and Self-Sabotage In this episode of the Becoming Self Made Podcast, hosts Tracy Pleschourt and Gracie explore the complex emotions surrounding the return to full-time office work nearly five years post-COVID. They discuss the generational perspectives on hybrid versus in-person work, the productivity debate, and the career impacts such as the promotion gap for remote workers. The episode delves into overcoming self-sabotage and fear-based thoughts, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, setting boundaries, and maintaining personal well-being. They provide insights on balancing corporate mandates with individual desires, advocating for oneself, and staying connected to intrinsic motivations to ensure job satisfaction and happiness. The conversation also covers talent retention and the opportunities presented by remote and hybrid work environments. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:36 The Shift to Remote Work Post-COVID 01:16 Generational Perspectives on Returning to Office 02:35 Debating Productivity and Control 03:13 Leadership Mindsets and Work Culture 06:06 Real Estate and Cost Implications 08:43 Promotion Gaps and Visibility Challenges 09:52 Self-Sabotage and Career Advancement 12:14 Employee Preferences and Productivity 14:17 Case Studies and Real-World Examples 15:56 Mandatory PTO and Company Policies 16:30 Understanding Employee Needs 17:15 Impact of COVID on Work Environment 18:19 Generational Differences in Work Preferences 20:47 Employee Satisfaction and Control 21:36 Setting Boundaries and Job Satisfaction 22:26 Evaluating Job Choices and Values 24:42 Future of Remote Work and Company Policies 26:46 Essential Workers and Hybrid Opportunities 28:21 Taking Control of Your Work Environment 29:38 Conclusion and Podcast Purpose