6 Tips for Returning to Work:
Whether you’re dreading it or can’t wait, the days of working from home could be coming to an end.
For some, that may mean a hybrid of office and remote work. For others, it’s officially time to clear the papers off the dining room table and retrieve the work wardrobe from the back of the closet.
Ultimately how you feel about the changes ahead will depend on your comfort level in proximity to others. Particularly if your comfort level is low, the transition will likely be stressful at times.
To help you mitigate that stress, we’ve assembled our top going back to work tips. In addition to responsible masking, handwashing, and social distancing practices - which by now should be second nature - these can help you make the transition go smoothly.
Return-to-Work Tips for Success
1. Practice Your Script
Some of your coworkers will share your trepidation about coming back to the office. Others may be less concerned with health risks, and in turn, less respectful of guidelines.
To prepare for this, practice what you’re going to say in the event a maskless coworker wanders into your cubicle.
It can be tough to balance coming across as nice while still being firm, but ultimately, your feelings of safety are most important. As such, a simple, direct but non-combative declaration that “I’m still social distancing” (as you reach for your mask) should provide plenty of signals to back up and mask up if they want to talk to you.
2. Do a Trial Run
If you have the opportunity to sneak in before the actual return date, do so. This can help you “get a lay of the land” before it’s packed with coworkers.
Plan your route to the breakroom, scope out where the masks and hand sanitizer are stocked, try to identify any potential problems (like desks grouped too closely or bottlenecks in the hallway) that may need to be brought up to HR prior to reopen.
Most importantly, use this opportunity to psychologically reacclimate yourself to an office environment.
3. Get Your Workspace in Order
It’s likely been a year since you’ve sat at your desk. At this point, it might look like something out of a horror movie.
To start, disinfect all high-touch surfaces and check the drawers for any food items you may have forgotten to throw out last year.
If you’re not sure how to safely clean a desk, whiteboard, etc., we’ve compiled a list of helpful cleaning tips here.
While you’re at it, take this opportunity to organize your paperwork, restock your pens and sticky notes, etc.
4. Make Your Workspace Feel More Like Home
After a full year working remotely, the transition to an office might feel jarring. Ease the transition by bringing some framed photographs, a small houseplant, your favorite knick-knacks, and anything else that promotes comfort and well-being.
5. Stock Up for Safety
Make sure you have a full bottle of hand sanitizer at the ready and keep a couple of extra masks in your desk drawer. Disinfectant wipes are a good idea, too.
6. Work on Your Sleep Schedule
It’s probably been months since you’ve set an alarm. In the weeks leading up to your return to the office, ease back into your old sleep schedule. That means going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting used to waking up in time to get ready and out the door.
This will help prevent you from feeling fatigued during your first few days back, which in turn will empower you to better deal with the stresses of your return.
With these tips, hopefully you are feeling more confident about heading back to the workplace. And for an extra measure of protection, look to Stand Up Desk Store for acrylic sneeze guards, desk dividers, room dividers, UV light sanitizers, and more.
