Survival guide to getting back to in-office work

The world opened its doors again after the pandemic, making the return to the office more common than ever. With companies like Amazon asking employees to return to the office, some workers face the challenge of transitioning to an in-person setting. This is especially true in the tech sector, where many have grown accustomed to working from home with just their computers, having established routines and a work-life balance in a remote setting.

That is why it can be tough to maintain the same level of productivity in the office. To help you navigate this old-new setting, we give you a survival guide with strategies to help you feel less stressed with this transition.

Practice a new routine

When you were working remotely, it was all too easy to hit snooze and enjoy a few extra minutes in bed since your “office” was just down the hall. But now that you’re back in the office, it’s time to create a routine that gets you energised and ready to tackle the day!

We’re all creatures of habit, so why not set your alarm a bit earlier for an energising morning workout or prep a tasty meal the night before? This way, you can ease into your morning without the stress of last-minute decisions. 

Try to keep your work schedule similar to what you had while working remotely. It’ll help you transition smoothly and maintain your productivity!

Note: But, please, don’t forget to take care of yourself and slowly change into a routine that will suit your current lifestyle.

Create a welcoming environment

Transform your desk that reminds you of your home office because a personalised office to your taste can make a huge difference in how you feel during the workday.

• Having an inviting space that can help you relax, stay focused and boost your creativity will make it feel less like “the office” and more like your own productive space. Just make sure you don’t set your office into a Christmas frenzy with your LED lights or display your whole collection of action figures.
• Don’t forget that in-person collaboration is one of the main benefits of being in the office. Being physically present can lead to deeper relationships while fostering better communication and strengthening connections between coworkers – making it an engaging and productive work environment.
• Ask your leadership to create spaces where you can kick back and relax, like cosy well-being areas, or increase productivity with fun features like phone booths and standing desks. And don’t forget to decorate up the office with festive decorations—who doesn’t love some Halloween spirit? Adding these elements’ll make the workspace much cosier and more homey.
  

Take breaks without shame 

Regular breaks are essential for your focus and creativity. Short breaks can clear your mind, reduce stress and help you recharge your energy levels! 

By taking these breaks, you’ll find that stepping away from your desk can lead to fresh insights, like discovering the solution to that annoying bug in your code, and ultimately, boost your productivity.

Don’t forget that some companies also have benefit programs that will give you perks in your office! From massages to game days, discounts in restaurants around the area or even FREE food – I mean, who doesn’t love free food?

Enjoy all these perks in your breaks without any shame because companies do allocate their budget to these initiatives just for your well-being!

Keep work at work

Now that most of your working hours are spent at the office, it is important for you to separate work from your personal time. 

Set a clear start and end time for your workday by communicating your availability to coworkers and resisting the urge to check emails after work hours. We all dread the call from the managers or, even worse, clients, but don’t forget that, sometimes, this separation is necessary.

It not only helps you recharge but allows you to have a better overall work-life balance and enjoy time outside of work differently!

Adjust to a new flow of energy

Transitioning back to in-office work is a challenging transition. Many other factors come into play, such as commuting, social interactions, and new work dynamics, which can create a different kind of fatigue compared to remote work.

• Let’s be mindful of this shift and make self-care a priority! Think about mixing things up by defining collaborative work times, setting aside uninterrupted individual work periods, using different spaces for different tasks, and balancing remote and office days based on what requires the most brain power.
  

Your well-being matters, and a little planning can make a big difference!

Assess your spending habits

Another factor people tend to encounter when they return to the office is the changes in their expenses.

• Commuting costs, lunch outings, and other work-related expenses may increase.

It’s important to track your spending to understand how this transition affects your budget.  This awareness will help you make informed financial decisions and identify areas where you can cut back, such as opting for meal prepping instead of indulging in that really good-looking burger or sushi.

Returning to in-office work is an exciting opportunity to embrace new routines and reconnect with colleagues! While it can come with its challenges as we navigate changes in our environment and adjust to financial shifts, you can make this transition smooth and fulfilling.

Start your day positively by establishing a morning routine that energises you. Create a welcoming workspace that inspires creativity and productivity, and don’t forget to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. With these simple steps, you can turn this transition into a journey of growth, revitalization and, who knows, actually enjoying working at the office!