How to Transition Back to the Office After Working Remote

So many people have reached out lately to ask if I would write something about how to transition back to the office. Leaving the comfort of your own home, as well as jumping out of sweats and tennies, is a big step. I’m writing this blog right now wearing one of my favorite pairs of yoga pants, a tee-shirt and tennis shoes. But for many, times must change and we are all making great strides and undergoing tedious transitions as we move out of the pandemic.

While some will continue to work from home, many others are back at the office or getting ready to return soon. My schedule has happily opened back up, and I have already made plans to travel once again to lead my training sessions and conduct my business from the office. How can the transition feel less painful if leaving home is creating some stress?

Create a Morning Routine

Structure is important and when you have a plan which includes a daily routine, not only will you feel more in control but you will also set yourself up for a productive day. Factor in a new wake-up routine, starting with your favorite breakfast. The more you can schedule the night before, the better. Have your clothes picked out, your coffee ready to hit the brew button and refuse to hit the snooze button. Meditate, exercise or jump into the shower, whatever fits your personality and routine preference—the fewer the choices the better when you are making the transition back to the office. 

Make Your Office Your Sanctuary

Take some time to figure out what makes you work most efficiently. For me, it’s having two monitors and working from a desktop computer rather than a laptop. You may determine you need earbuds to cancel out noise or some house plants to make you feel like your office is fresh. Bring a light sweater to throw over your shoulders if the office air conditioner is too cold and stock up on healthy snacks to keep at your desk for the afternoon slump.

If you need something specific such as an ergonomic chair or new chair mat to help you slide easier under your desk, ask for it. If you have trouble sitting for long periods of time, invest in a small heating pad for your chair and make sure to get up and take short walks throughout the day. Essential oils or an air filter is another option to keep your office feeling fresh and healthy.

Reestablish Office Relationships 

Many people haven’t seen their peers face to face in over a year. Although Zoom has kept people connected, 65% of workers who work remotely because of the pandemic feel less connected to their colleagues now. Depending on your work environment, it may be easy or awkward to transition back to the office, as well as reconnect where you left off with work friends.

The key is to take it slow. You can’t force a relationship and it may need some time to regain the natural flow of office friendship. Schedule lunch or an after work cocktail, or get people together to bond naturally. Just like in other situations, relationships can’t be forced, but if you are in close proximity and the environment is positive, you will be back to your old routine, reestablishing and affirming productive office relationships even better than before the pandemic. People are more prone to feel grateful to be together after such a tough year.  

For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Eye Rolling Gestures and What They Can Mean. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.