After having been locked in your house or quarantined for a prolonged period, returning to the office can feel daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious, apprehensive, or curious… or all three at once!
It’s no secret that some people are looking forward to returning to a routine, socializing with co-workers, and networking with someone other than their flatmates or parents. For many people, however, returning to the office, commuting, and feeling safe in such a fast-paced environment can be a challenging endeavor.
The ‘new normal’ will affect all of us, regardless of whether we continue to work from home or return to the office. There are a few things to remember when returning to work following Covid-19. Following these eight tips will let you maximize your return to work.
1. Change your circadian rhythm.
Preparing for a long commute? You need to get used to those early starts again by waking up and going to bed earlier. Each morning, wake up an hour earlier until you wake up exactly when you need to leave. You can maximize your time by taking a short walk or making a tasty breakfast in the morning.
The change doesn’t just come from getting up earlier; you may also have to alter your eating habits. During the week when you are at home, push back your dinner time to when you usually have dinner after you’ve gotten home from work. If you eat this way, you won’t be so hungry once you get home from work!
2. Come dressed for work!
We (or at least I) have enjoyed working in our loungewear or pajamas for a while now. Putting on your work clothes may be a good idea. If you reformulate your clothing (or whatever you’d wear to work!) to a more professional look, you’ll begin to return to a more professional mindset. Although, keep in mind that things have changed, and many offices are changing to a more relaxed dress code. Talk to your employer about this if you have any suggestions.
3. Organize your finances.
The money saved from the commute, and the lack of pints, may have led you to find other ways to spend your money in lockdown, or maybe you just enjoyed the extra cash. You should revise your budget and ensure that you have enough money put aside for commuter costs, Costa coffees, and lunch deals.
Want to avoid slipping back into your old spending habits? Make packed lunches and take your morning drink in a flask to reduce those little expenses.
4. Consult your employer.
Please do not downplay your concerns; they are crucial, and you are entitled to expect them to be addressed. Ask any questions, concerns, or doubts you may have! Do not feel guilty about asking any questions. A comfortable, safe work environment is your employer’s responsibility.
In addressing health and safety protocol, you might find that your employer is more open to making reasonable adjustments. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns about your job.
5. Monitor your mental health.
Mental health is a serious issue, so it is wise to reflect on your current mental state. You can find many tools, websites, apps, and services online to help you cope with feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression.
Check out these ideas:
- Visit GP
- Exercise/walk
- Do yoga
- Speak with a friend
- Write a diary
If you are worried about returning to work, talk to your employer about what can be done to ease your transition.
6. Set boundaries.
If you feel the need to set personal boundaries, you can do so. In your company, you can ask your colleagues to step back or to socially distance themselves if you’re not quite ready to shake hands, hug, or get too close.
7. List the things that excite you.
There must be a few things you are looking forward to when you return to the office! Try making a list. Below is our list:
- Catching up with colleagues! It’s been too long, and we’re eager to see them.
- Drinks after work! We missed you!
- Delicious bacon rolls!
- Fewer video calls – you can only say “you’re on mute” so many times.
8. Give yourself some time.
We repeat it so often because it is important to remember it even though we haven’t gone through it ourselves. The transition and experience are entirely new for us all, and as with anything, people will adjust at varying speeds.
There you have it – our tips for reentering the office. Are there any tips we missed? We’d love to know! We’re going to look like this, except with elbows and masks.
