Returning to the workplace - Post-pandemic

It has been 17 months and counting and while many of us moaned and groaned about the challenges of working from home, home-schooling, etc. we have certainly become accustomed to it.

We have created our home offices. Gotten into a good coffee routine. Placed increased emphasis on self-care. And, many of us have gained back the dreaded time lost with commuting to and from work. And just when we got comfortable- BAM 💥, now they want you to come back into the workplace.

Now, don't get me wrong, some people really DON'T like working from home - either because they are not productive, don't feel motivated, and/or haven't been able to carve out a space that is comfortable and has all the things they need to do their jobs.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, switching back will still require an adjustment period.

In my role as a Human Resources Executive, I have had many conversations with employees and colleagues on this topic so I have developed some tips to help with the transition:

1. Hold a dress rehearsal! Practice makes perfect. Some of your transportation routes may have changed since the pandemic began... Traffic may be heavier, public transportation routes may be slower or different... So before you start, day 1 back in the office, do a dry-run. Practice getting up, getting ready and getting to the office. You may decide to make some adjustments to your routine as a result of this. The last thing you want to do is add to your stress level by leaving this to the last minute.

2. Streamline your at-home routines. You may have started to throw a load of laundry in on Tuesday mornings, or perhaps you started making breakfast for the family, or you may have established a routine with your children (pick up/ drop off)... Consider how these things will be affected now that you will be back in the office and make the necessary preparations. Tip: focus on simplifying or outsourcing at-home routines so that they can still happen without you and/or find another way to get them done.

3. Build better workday boundaries. We have all had an opportunity to re-set. So don't rush back into the same crazy work routines. Try to remain efficient with your work day so you don't start racking up the overtime because you were chatting with colleagues at the water cooler! While it's "fun" to see everyone in person again, be careful not to slip back into old habits. Set some boundaries also around when you will end your work day. If there is an opportunity for you to respond to emails or take calls while you are commuting, make those choices and set those boundaries.

4. Seek and Give support as needed. You never know if there are others who are feeling the same return-to-work anxiety so seek to create a support network so that you don't feel like you are in this alone.

5. Mind your mental health! Allow yourself an adjustment period and be kind to yourself. It may be stressful, you may hit some road blocks but all of the focus on self care can't go out the window. Remember to take breaks as you need to, breathe as you need to, take a walk, meditate if necessary but continue to practice all of your self care.

It's important in this transition to accept the fact that this will be an adjustment period. Give yourself grace to re-learn the things you used to do without even thinking about it.

So, take your time, be patient with yourself, and take all of the things you've learned during the pandemic with you as you transition back.