Is it Over? How to Transition from Quarantine Work From Home to Working in the Office
Updated: May 11, 2020
Last week we started phase 1 of our reopening effort. We invited employees to come in on a voluntary basis. I was missing being in the office so I thought it would be no big thing for me to jump right back into office life. I was so wrong!
I had not realized how accustomed I had become to working from home. The first day was rough but by the end of the week I felt like I was back in the groove of things.
I have come up with some tips to help you avoid some the struggles I had.
1. Approach your return with gratitude - you have a job to go back to. Be GRATEFUL.
2. Gather Intel
- Try to gather as much information from your company about what to expect on your first day back. Things such as arrival time, entry procedures, safety protocols, what amenities will be temporarily unavailable such as refrigerators, microwaves, water dispensers and vending machines.
3. Prepare
- Get all your work clothes together and say goodbye to the pj’s and lounge-wear.
- Prep for lunch. At my office the refrigerators, microwaves and disposable utensils are temporarily unavailable, so I purchased a lunch box that I plug in to heat my lunch and stocked up on my own utensils. You can also consider purchasing insulated lunch containers for your cold items.
- Tie up loose ends and open items around the house that will have you preoccupied at the office. Being at home, we started all types of DIY projects and organization projects. Finish those so you can be 100% back in the zone.
- Clean your car and fill up the gas tank. If you use public transportation, make sure your train pass or your bus pass is in your wallet and check for any changes in schedules and routes.
4. Go Get ‘Em!
- On the first day back try to go in a little early to get reacquainted with your work space. Clean and rearrange things as you see fit. Get comfortable.
- When on a break, go outside for a quick power walk.
- Be mindful of social distancing and guidelines implemented by management for your safety.
- Drink lots of water and don’t skip your vitamins.
- If you develop feelings of anxiety, utilize resources such as the company’s EAP program or virtual counseling apps.
Always remember if you have any concerns about your return to the office, contact your HR department. We are here to support you!