The UK is finally starting to return to normal after the height of the pandemic. Many companies are encouraging their employees to work in the office – after nearly two years of remote working. You might find the transition back to the office a little nerve-wracking. After so long at home, it’s difficult to remember what it was like working in an office. Say goodbye to your sweatpants and rolling out of bed five minutes before you clock in and hello to office wear and the commute once again. Here are a few ways you can get ready for the transition to the office.
Create an organised space
You need to prepare your home for your new working arrangements. Your wardrobe should be categorised into work and weekend clothing. You can grab your office wear in the morning without getting side-tracked by your comfy ripped jeans or the pyjama pants you’ve been using for the last year. You might need to buy a few new pieces to fill out your office wear collection. It’s been a while.
If you’re returning to the office full-time, you need to go through your desk at home. You can move your work materials back into the office and put your desk into storage or reuse it at home as extra storage space or a makeshift vanity. Your home should feel calm and organised before you head back to work. This will allow you to separate the two spaces and feel able to kick back and relax at home without looming deadlines or work worries.
Run a practise route
You need to find a new routine that works for you and your family. Spend one day mimicking your office routine to get yourself back in the habit. You could practise the commute, just in case there are any delays or roadworks now. You might need to take an alternate route or train.
If you’re going by public transport remember to allow for pesky delays and buses that don’t always turn up, the last thing you want on your first day back is to show up late. Aiming for a slightly earlier option will lessen this fear and your transportation will likely be quieter so you will have more chance of getting a seat to relax in on your journey.
Check the guidelines
You should always check government guidelines before returning to the office. You need to know what to expect and make sure you’re doing right by everyone. You may need to book a space in the office ahead of time if the team is working flexibly. Or, there might be a new check-in system on an app.
Whatever system your employer has chosen, make sure to follow it carefully and consistently in order to respect others and keep everyone safe. Some of your colleagues may feel more anxious about returning, or have vulnerable family members, so knowing everyone is playing their part will help them feel more welcomed and safer about coming back in.
Create a balance
Many businesses are now offering a hybrid approach to working. You can split your time between the office and home. You need to find your work-life balance among the new working arrangements. Find a schedule that works for you and your team. For example, you could work at home on Monday to see the kids and spend Tuesday in the office for your meetings.
It takes time to develop a new routine and find your footing in the office. Prepare yourself for the transition back to the office, and try to embrace the change.
