Do we want our employees back in the office, at least some days a week?

Before 2006, I was surrounded by people following the rules—everything was formal, checked, and precise. In banking, it was all about structure and discipline. The focus was on ticking boxes and getting results within the lines.

But when I made the switch into the creative industry, joining a branding agency in the UK, everything changed. Moving from Ukraine, which at the time was emerging and peaceful, to the UK felt like stepping into a whirlwind of fresh opportunities. The UK was fast-paced, dynamic, and full of ideas. Suddenly, the world I entered was about breaking the rules, not following them. It was a place where trends were set, not merely followed. People were relaxed, full of ideas, and unafraid to push boundaries. The atmosphere was fresh, dynamic, and had a certain energy to it. It was a stark contrast to the rigidity of finance, and that shift felt like a breath of fresh air.

Realising the Common Ground: Stress that has No Borders

I quickly realised that while the environment in branding was more relaxed and creative, the stress levels were, surprisingly, not that different. The pressure to constantly perform, meet deadlines, and deliver fresh ideas was constant. In fact, the more creative and free the environment, the more stress I noticed people endured in keeping up with the demands. Endless meetings, demanding clients who often thought they knew better than the designers themselves, and the pressure to come up with fresh, groundbreaking ideas—it was a different kind of grind. Stress wasn’t exclusive to banking; it permeated every industry, even the ones that looked carefree and spontaneous.

I quickly realised that stress didn’t have borders. It was a constant, whether in banking or branding, Ukraine or the UK. The same pressures, the same demands, and the same never-ending cycle of work.

Then, COVID arrived, and everything shifted. For many of us, the sudden change in how we worked brought a strange sense of calm. With no office to go to, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to balance work and home life, there was a surprising lack of stress. I was a mom to a very young child at the time, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the value of the newfound work-life balance that many others embraced. But, when I eventually returned to branding, it was obvious. Work comfort wasn’t a luxury anymore—it was a necessity. The ease and flexibility of working from home had shown me how important a supportive, comfortable work environment truly was. It wasn’t just about physical comfort—it was about mental and emotional well-being, too.

Reimagining the Office: A Space for Well-being, Not Just Work

So, here’s a thought: What if your office could be one of those spaces? A space where stress isn’t the norm, and wellness isn’t an afterthought? It could start with something as simple as a comfortable chair, a dog-friendly policy, or just a little space to breathe. Because when your employees feel great, they’re probably going to create amazing things. Maybe that’s the secret not only to a healthier workplace but also to a happier one. And who knows? Maybe the next big idea will come while petting a dog in the office.