After nearly half a year out of the office, the return to work has been anything but normal.
There will be many changes to city life, but as workers step back into their company command posts, they have shared their experiences on Twitter:
For many in London, they were met by a ghost town.
Back to the office for the first time in 6 months! Not quite the usual 9am buzz... pic.twitter.com/UOJ8ZGcXws
— Olimpia Onelli (@olimpia1lli) September 10, 2020
Across the Atlantic, Toronto-based David Leonard was concerned about his plant life.
On March 12, I left my office at @inclusion_ca, and have been working from my dining table ever since. In my haste, I left this Tippy behind. I assumed it was long gone, and today a colleague sent me this picture. IT LIVES. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/YJYBbFTCBP
— David (P) Leonard (@davidpleonard) September 15, 2020
Shawna meanwhile, treated herself to a fresh bouquet of flowers, as well as hand sanitiser, of course.
27 weeks later, we are slowly coming back to the office. I’m part of the first wave. I have my 😷 🧼 and hand sanitizer. Also treated myself to something pretty. #backtotheoffice pic.twitter.com/xdtPqZLfmt
— Dr. Shawna Strickland CAE RRT (@ShawnaStricklnd) September 14, 2020
Others were welcomed back by other garden objects...
Finally back in the office!!! Agent gnome guarded it well.
— Rory Cormac (@RoryCormac) September 17, 2020
And breathe.
(Big shout out to all those who have really struggled working from home) pic.twitter.com/DEbn739CNH
And some people were forced back to work by Jedi Masters.
Came back to the office and found him waiting for me! First thing I did? Put a mask on! He must be protected! pic.twitter.com/IC8hv7W29F
— Kim (@Siccarie) September 9, 2020
Companies tried to welcome their employees back with uplifting messages.
First day back in the office for ages and this sign next to my allocated desk made me smile #happythoughts pic.twitter.com/NrNQiU2WL5
— Matt Briggs (@briggsmatt1710) September 15, 2020
But other messages were tinged with dread...
When you finally return back to the office after lockdown and are met with the new signs pic.twitter.com/DxujUL0tlK
— Mark Davison (@MadDavison) September 10, 2020
Some saw the office as a pleasant change of scenery.
Working mood 💻
— Oleh Mykytyn (@Oleh_Mykytyn) September 10, 2020
Love to work from office 🖤
Missed my colleagues for awhile 😩 pic.twitter.com/xO01awCsoA
First time back in my Ironbridge office since 18 March. A pleasant change from home working. pic.twitter.com/BBzKOrg2ZO
— Industrial Heritage Support Officer for England (@IHSOengland) September 9, 2020
But others were anxious about if - and when - they would ever return...
Getting dressed for work was a struggle for some.
me trying to get out of my work trousers after my first day back in the office pic.twitter.com/yukuiNsYW4
— Sorcha Ní Nia (@Luiseach) September 11, 2020
For others, being away from their pets was hard.
After months of working from home, just back from my first long day in the Midlands office. I think he missed me 🦮😍 pic.twitter.com/B2gGxCbh3p
— Gary Hunt (@Molecheese) September 15, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the world's cities, with many still at home working.
It is predicted that many people will leave the urban areas in favour of a more affordable, slower pace of life in the countryside, where they can work remotely.
London's famous Square Mile financial district has been quiet for weeks, with empty restaurants and shuttered stores as workers remain worried about returning to work.
Companies are now having to decide how they open their offices and bring their employees back to work.
Some asked staff to return as soon as lockdown measures eased, while others have taken a more relaxed approach, making homeworking the company default.