When you have been working from the comfort of your own home—and in your comfy clothes—for an extended time, it can be difficult to make the move back to the office. Both environments have their own challenges, advantages, and routines which can be tough to make the adjustment. These tips can help make the transition back to the office smoother.
1. Stick to Your Routine
Every effective remote employee has a killer routine—it’s a necessary structure in an otherwise totally unstructured setting. Trying to stick to a semblance of your typical routine is key to easing the transition back to the office. In the last year if you’ve been enjoying breakfast and taking the first hour to check out industry trends and respond to emails—don’t change it once you’re in the office—regardless of what your routine entails. This also includes your workout routine. The familiarity will help you feel less overwhelmed and keep you productive.
2. Take Advantage of the Commute
One of the biggest adjustments is simply the addition of a daily commute. While a commute can sometimes feel like wasted time, it is in its own way, a routine. Make the time more productive by listening to an educational podcast or audiobook. You can also use this time to begin mentally transitioning to the next role of your day—whether that means parenting, cooking dinner, or simply relaxing and unwinding.
3. Stock Up on Stationery
Getting fresh stationery and writing instruments to take into the office can make the transition more fun and exciting. This can include colored sticky notes, a themed to-do list notepad, or stylish pens. The Sarasa Grand features a weighty brass barrel in 6 fashionable barrel colors so it’s sure to make you stand out in the office. For something all-metal (inside and out), try the STEEL F-701 Ballpoint Retractable Pen. It is made of stainless steel and features an all-metal refill, so it won’t quit before you do. For even more options, find out how you can Explore Different.
4. Make it Feel Homey
One of the most jarring things about leaving the comforts of your home office is the at-home conveniences, like having a coffee pot within arm’s reach and wearing sweats all day. When transitioning back to the office, make sure to take some of your favorite décor like framed photos and plants that remind you of home. Grabbing your favorite tea or snacks that you usually enjoy at home can also offer some comfort. Pro tip for dog owners: An at-home doggie cam can do wonders for dog-parent separation.
5. Transition New Skills
If working from home was new to you during the pandemic, you most likely had to develop new and useful skills or habits to adjust. Maybe you found new ways to improve your time management or strategies to better avoid interruptions and distractions. No matter what new skills you have developed, be sure to continue to hone and build on them even once you’re back in the office setting.
6. Keep Communicating
Work from home most likely meant more communication with bosses and co-workers—not less. From an in-office messenger system and emails to conference and phone calls, the means of office communication are endless. Once you are in the physical proximity of your team members, don’t limit or stop communication. Continuing to initiate conversations lets your team know that you are engaged and willing to work with those around you.
Working remotely definitely has its perks. However, it’s important to remember that many of the benefits—autonomy, routine and comfort, to name a few—are totally transferrable. We hope these tips to make the transition easier.