2020 was an odd year for many people in the workplace. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out and mandates are being lifted, many people are preparing to return to work for the first time in over a year. Here are a few tips on how to readjust yourself to going back to the office.
Monitor Your Feelings
When it comes to returning to the office, many people have anxiety and fear about going back to work. The transition into remote work over the past year was challenging for many, but returning to the workplace may prove to be even harder for some. You should address your feelings about returning to the office and find someone to talk to about it. Consider chatting with your boss or someone in human resources. You may even want to invest money in a counselor or therapist if your anxiety is overwhelming. Ignoring these feelings can cause you to lose sleep and can even impact your relationships with others.
Be Patient and Flexible
As new protocols and procedures roll out seemingly daily, your company will have to adjust to new guidelines. Be flexible and try to roll with the changes as they come. For example, if your company has a staggered start time for employees to come in to avoid people crowding the entry waiting for their temperature to be taken, anticipate that this time may change. Most of all, keep in mind that everyone else is going through these changes as well. Be patient and compassionate.
Manage Your Expectations
Don’t expect things to be exactly as they were before the pandemic. You will need to adjust to the new normal. For instance, you may have to have your temperature taken daily, wear PPE in the workplace, and practice social distancing in common spaces. All of these things will be different than before. Your workplace may no longer feel normal. If you are a leader in your organization, provide your team with honest answers to their questions. You should also alert them to potential upcoming changes. These things will help them better manage their expectations.
Try to Be Positive
One of the best ways to help yourself and others readjust to going back to the office is by being a source of positivity. Find ways to strike up lighthearted small talk. You should also be prepared to laugh at yourself and not take everything so seriously. There will be mishaps and mistakes transitioning back into the office. Being able to joke about it can be key to maintaining a positive headspace and truly readjusting to the new norm.
Focus on the Big Picture
Last but not least, try to stay focused on the bigger picture. Everyone has undergone extreme stress and possibly trauma over the past year dealing with a global pandemic. Set your sights on how you are recovering from it and the best ways to support others. Find ways to inspire hope in the workplace and use it during this huge transition.
As an employer, returning to the office is an exciting time. However, you may find you have gaps in your staff you need to fill. Contact the staffing professionals at A.C. Coy to assist you in finding top talent for your organization.
