No matter why you are in the process of having to transition back to work, it’s probably a little scary. Considering why you are about to embark on the office experience again can help you watch for certain risk factors. Let’s chat about the most common ones and how you can minimize your anxiety.
Safety
One of the more frequent concerns around anxiety is safety. While most workplaces have in the past put in processes to ensure people didn’t get hurt at work, many workplaces didn’t put the same emphasis in place for people getting sick at work.
Covid-19, if nothing else, has put a huge emphasis on health and care for distancing. While I understand the need to fill office spaces, I believe companies will emphasize ensuring there is enough spacing for adequate circulation and physical distance. This will likely help us all get through cold and flu seasons just a little easier.
That being said, make sure you identify and address any safety concerns with your managers and HR. Typically they can help you ensure you feel safe and make arrangements for working in the office while keeping health and safety a top priority.
Positivity
Going back to an office setting can be hard.
Attitude matters.
So whether you are going back to the office due to switching jobs, Covid-19, or after maternity leave, how you look at this transition will make a difference. No one wants to be miserable. Give yourself a chance to adjust and be flexible.
Work with your managers and coworkers to ensure you are engaging, pulling each other up, and overall keeping toxic behaviors and thoughts from entering your sphere of influence.
If you see someone struggling, talk to them and understand if they need extra support services. If you are struggling, reach out to your HR or doctor’s office to see if they have someone you can talk to.
Team Building
Moving to a network of socialization is challenging for most. Introverts will be overwhelmed, and everyone will want to talk about and update each other on the daily activities that have occurred.
Distractions are going to be hard to overcome.
Work together to ensure you are keeping team building at the forefront of everyone’s priorities while not allowing negativity and too many distractions get in the way of accomplishing the daily tasks that need to get done.
Figure out and make sure every single person knows the most important priorities and can talk to them. Schedule time for coffee breaks and chit-chat so there is an acceptable time for those activities.
Time Management
During your transition back to work look at your time management skills. Blocking time for the most important activities, projects, or tasks will help you stay organized. If you don’t already have a time management technique put in place take a look at these and see if one can help you.
- Eisenhower Matrix
- Pomodoro Technique
- Ultimate Time Management Guide
- Rocks, Pebbles, Sand Time Management
Creature Comforts
If you have been working from home for a long time, then you have creature comforts you have come to rely on. There is nothing wrong with having your coffee pot at your elbow and throwing that load of laundry in during a quick break.
As you transition back to work, try to replicate those creature comforts for the office setting. Taking a little time to get the coffee and finding a way to do the laundry when you first get home. Transitioning and making these things part of your new routine will help your transition back to work be a little less stressful
Wrapping Up – Transition Back to Work
While the transition back to work can make us feel sick in the stomach, it doesn’t have to be a painful transition. Understanding what you need and what is changing will help make the move a little easier. Focus on what you need and you are guaranteed to be successful
Good Luck!
