Although, the Delta Variant is on the rise which may cause restrictions to be reinstated. As the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions ease, depending on your location, type of work, and business circumstances. You may be called in to return to the office soon. If this pertains to you it is understandable that you may be stressed over the changes ahead.
Free food in the break room or meals from the boss. Chatting with your favorite co-workers in person, and just getting back to work in a company work environment, may not be as joyful as it once was. As companies return back to the office, there are some new challenges ahead.
Tips For A Smooth Return To The Office
If you have a return to work date set in the near future. You might be concerned with the thought of having to leave the safety of your home. To go back to work in an environment that’s filled with many uncertainties. As it was, there were already so many adjustments you may have had to make. As you worked from home during the pandemic.
Now, a commute, in-person interactions, transitioning and getting back into the workforce on-site. After more than a year off or working remotely may feel overwhelming. People worry that when they leave their house, they may unknowingly contract COVID-19 or spread it. With social distancing for over a year, people have lost the social prowess to naturally meet with people in person. Greet and engage in meaningful conversation.
Here are some back to work tips to ease the transition:
1. Re-establish a back to work sleep schedule– Not having to get up on time, get ready, and commute to work made it easier for you to delay starting your day. On the flip side, no time-management schedule might have pushed your remote workdays late into the night. Now you’ll be back on a schedule so adjust your sleep habits accordingly.
2. Talk to your employer if you have any concerns– When it comes to the work environment, be sure to spell out what your expectations are and ask for your employer’s COVID-19 safety policy. Be sure to thoroughly read and understand the policy. Let your employer know what your needs are. Especially if that requires some kind of change or exception to the safety policy. Don’t be afraid to speak up, your employer must follow and enforce the safety protocols.
3. Try to touch bases with your favorite co-workers– Some of your work buddies and colleagues may have the same hesitations and fears as you do. Speaking with each other about these concerns can help put you at ease. And prepare you for a smoother return back to the office.
4. Work out a plan that allows you to return to work gradually– If it matters to you, ask whether it’s absolutely necessary for you to go back to the office for a full five days a week right away. Maybe you can work out a plan. Where you come to the office a couple days a week. Or only come in for half days during the first few weeks.
5. Have a return to work rehearsal– You’ve gotten into a totally different routine during the pandemic. Get back into your pre-pandemic routine ahead of time, before you return to the office. Set your alarm and begin waking yourself up every day as if you’re preparing to commute. Dress for work, even if you’re not going anywhere yet.
6. Set boundaries and stick to them– This is the perfect time for you to think about what you want from your fellow coworkers and how to communicate that effectively. Identify what safety measures you need to set and be ready to state and reiterate them.
7. Evaluate any lingering stress– It might be hard to see this time as an opportunity, but there’s no better moment to take stock of your work life and see what can be improved. It’s also a good time to assess whether your stress is actually centered around the transition. Or if it’s really about the job itself.
In Conclusion
If you are finding it extremely difficult dealing with returning to the office and workplace environment, talk to your employer. Maybe a counselor can be provided to help you deal with the transition. Or possibly some kind of modified work schedule.