Returning To The Office After Coronavirus

As time goes on and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, businesses are beginning to create new strategies to adapt to the world today. Many employers are asking their teams to finally step out from behind their computer monitors and return to work, even if it is just for a few days a week. Returning to the workplace after over a year of not being in person is going to take a lot of getting used to. No longer working from home and having to socialize after so much time spent secluded is going to take some getting used to. To make this transition easier, here are a few helpful tips.

First and foremost, be open to change and uncertainty. There is no playbook for the world we live in today. Companies may still be trying to figure out what systems work best in their workplaces as everyone begins to return to the office. A willingness to work with your team and your coworkers as everyone reacclimates is the key to readjusting as smoothly as possible.

The second tip is to communicate. While it is important to work through any difficulties that may arise as offices transition back in person, it is also important to express any concerns or ideas about this process. If concerns regarding policies and procedures, safety, or anything in between are expressed, then people will be more aware and can begin to work on addressing the issue.

The next thing to keep in mind is to be accommodating of others. Everyone has faced their own struggles over the past year and handled the pandemic differently. You don’t know who has developed anxiety from lack of social interaction, lost a loved one, or has been struggling financially over the past months. As people are being asked to come back to the office, be aware that some may be having a more difficult time returning to normal than others.

Have a game plan. Before the big day, make sure you have gone through everything you’ll need. Make sure to talk to your team so you know what to expect and what to bring on the big day. Remember to pack important things like paperwork, office supplies, and any technology (along with the chargers). Set out an outfit the night before since the comfort of working in a bathrobe is coming to an end.

Finally, give yourself a second to breathe. No one has this whole situation figured out. If you are feeling stressed or unprepared, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t stress yourself out. This is a process no one has been through before, and it is alright if everything doesn’t feel figured out right off the bat.