Seeing your favorite coworkers, scoring free treats from the office pantry, and being able to focus on your job-related tasks are just a few of the perks of office life. The challenges — encountering coworkers who like to overshare, crusty coffee mugs in the sink that nobody wants to wash, or one person who microwaves fish every other day, and most importantly, the stress of such a significant change of returning to work after almost two years of working remotely. While some were fine with the changes in 2020, others had a difficult time adjusting to the new normal. Three years on, the definitions of what is normal and what is not, have changed. Now employees struggle to rearrange their priorities as work asks them to start joining full-time. There are parenting pressures, financial drains, and in some cases, just the fear or discomfort of being around other people. Now that COVID is resurging, albeit in milder forms, all across the world, having your return to work date looming over your head might leave you feeling uneasy about leaving the safety of home to work in an environment filled with so many uncertainties. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that can help you make this transition easier.
Identify where the stress is coming from: If you're worried about returning to work, it's normal. This is just reentry anxiety, which comes from concerns about your safety and the resumption of social interactions at work. People worry about contracting COVID-19 or spreading it when they leave their houses. Also, as a result of remote working, people have become accustomed to working independently, without the physical presence of teams or managerial oversight. With such concerns at the back of the mind, looking people in the eye, and engaging in everyday chitchat can be challenging.
How to start mentally preparing for your return? We suggest you go through the scenarios that might arise in your workplace to feel calmer. Visualizing them can help you manage stress-inducing situations more confidently. To get prepared, if it's possible, take a trial run before starting to work again; arrive at the office and spend some time there. Look around, and sit at your desk - a lot of things have been modified and new policies were established. Things may not appear or be as they used to be.
Make yourself at home: We know your office will probably never look or feel like your home, but you can always try! Since you are making a transition, it is best if you bring something from home that is comforting for you and place it in your workspace. When you come in for a practice run, take some of your personal items along and spend a little time getting the area ready. Throw in a few new trinkets or photos to create an inviting atmosphere. A pleasant and orderly setting is great for your mental well-being. It can also bring down your stress hormones such as cortisol. Try adding some greenery too; plants have been known to reduce stress and enhance productivity.
It’s time to refresh your wardrobe: Look at some of the exciting perks of getting back to work. Let’s admit it, most of us worked in our sweatpants and clothes that we may never wear when we are outside the confines of our homes. And now, getting back to work means that you will get to do a wardrobe makeover. The right wardrobe will not only make you feel more eager to get back but will also make you feel more professional and confident, helping you transition better.
Establish a sleep schedule: One of the most widespread challenges for people, when they started working from home, was that they developed a very poor sleep schedule and were not sleeping well. Not having to commute or be physically present at work also meant that many of us woke up later than we were used to and started our day later. At the same time, balancing work and home responsibilities may also push your workday late into the night, messing with your sleep cycle. Now, in preparation for getting back to work, it is important to establish a better, more amenable work schedule that helps you function better and prepares you for your workdays.
Finally, and most importantly, one of the biggest parts of getting ready for work is to learn how to deal with mistrust, and safety concerns, that may be haunting you right now. Ensure that you and your employer are up to date on the safety protocols concerning COVID-19. Ask for their established policy, read it thoroughly, and do not be afraid to bring up any discrepancies or ask questions. Keep yourself protected by wearing your mask, using hand sanitizer, and making sure that safety is a priority in your workplace without fear of being judgmental. Your health should come first. Remember, how you say what you say is as important as what you are saying. So if you want some space, or if you are not ready to jump right in, talk to your manager, or your team and ask for the space you need while you are getting back.
You are not alone in this. All over the world, millions of people are starting to get back to work, and though it may feel daunting right now, remember how difficult it felt when you first started working remotely. You were able to handle that, and you will be able to handle this as well. Just take one step at a time, and if you still feel a little lost, we are here to help!
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