Before 2020, certain office habits were so common they felt like part of the job description. But when we asked people in a recent poll about what’s changed since the pandemic, a clear pattern showed up.
Many of those little routines have quietly disappeared. Between new health concerns, changes in company budgets, and the shift toward more flexible schedules, the office just isn’t quite the same.
Shared birthday cakes in the break room
Before the pandemic, birthday was a reason to cram around a single cake, serving slices with the same knife. Most offices have since canceled group desserts and use individually wrapped slices instead.
Grabbing a coworker’s stapler without asking
Office supplies were once everybody’s business, so people used what they needed without asking. After the pandemic, desk items are now sacred.
Passing around a single phone for conference calls
There was only one shared desk phone for all employees, so someone would pass it to a colleague if they were called into a meeting from another room. Now, most meetings are held over personal devices—even if people are all together in the office.
Taking a sip from someone else’s coffee as a “taste test”
A simple “Hey, is this coffee good?” and a quick sip from a coworker’s mug were not unusual between friendly employees. But after COVID-19? Nobody would dare!
Letting everyone try a slice of your lunch
Back then, employees would bring their lunches and set up potluck-style tables with multiple seats where everyone would share food. Sharing plates is rare these days.
Stopping by someone’s desk to look over their shoulder
Checking out a project used to mean placing yourself right behind the person with the file. Screens are now shared digitally, even if everyone is in the same building together.
Crowding around a single computer to watch a video
Whether it was a training video at work or a hilarious clip that someone found on YouTube, employees used to squeeze around one monitor. These days, they’d send a link instead.
Casual handshakes with every visitor
A friendly handshake was once expected during every in-person business meeting or when greeting visitors to the office. Waving and nodding have now replaced this ritual in many office cultures.
Crowded meeting rooms
Before the pandemic, it was normal to squeeze a bunch of people into one conference room for every meeting. Now, even if everyone’s in the office, teams often stick to hybrid setups, with some people dialing in on video and others sitting in the room.
Passing around paper documents for everyone to sign
From contracts to “congratulations” cards, paperwork used to travel hand-to-hand. Now, almost all signatures are digital.
Business cards for every new contact
Attending an industry networking event always resulted in a pocket full of business cards. LinkedIn connections and QR codes are now used instead.
Borrowing headphones from a desk mate
If anyone didn’t have their headphones, they would just reach over and borrow the pair from a colleague next to them. Most people don’t do that now.
Squeezing into a packed elevator together
Before the pandemic, people would pile into the first elevator they reached to save time. Now, they’d rather wait for the next one if it’s a bit crowded.
Office door drop-ins
Knocking on someone’s office door for a “quick chat” was once the standard. These days, even if you’re in the same building, people are more likely to ping you on Teams or Slack instead.
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