Step back into the 1980s, when office life was often more about socializing than getting work done.
Before smartphones, Slack, and even email, the average ’80s workplace was abuzz with whispered gossip, handwritten notes, and primitive machines, though they didn’t feel like it at the time. And you may even have met an office crush (totally acceptable!) in the loud mainframe room, or taken a quick peek at your office mate’s rolodex to get their cute cousin’s number. It was all so scandalous.
Back to the Office: A Trend with an ’80s Twist
Solo Cozy Cups With Holders in the Breakroom
Solo Cozy Cups with Holders (above) were the ultimate breakroom staple.
Today, there’s a clear “Return to Office” (RTO) trend, with major companies from JPMorgan to Amazon rolling out in-office mandates with some requiring just a few days a week, others reversing entirely and demanding all five. No word on the future of casual Fridays.
READ MORE: Did you drive one of these iconic ’80s cars to your ’80s office job? >>
Beyond nostalgia, looking back at how office culture has changed since the 1980s makes it clear that technology has transformed the way we work. While there was much more face-to-face time back then, today technology has (mostly) made tasks faster, and it’s not unheard of for employees in the same office to video-message each other instead of piling into a conference room — allowing for easier sharing and multitasking. The irony is real.
These Photos of ’80s Office Life Will Take You Back
Miss it or not, life in the ’80s office was buzzing with machines, shoulder pads, and face-to-face drama long before email and smartphones — do these photos take you back?
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
LOOK: Creepy Things That Kept ’70s and ’80s Kids Up at Night
Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, the line between reality and fiction blurred—let’s revisit the movies and moments that kept us up at night (and maybe still do!)
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
