With so many people now working remotely, the prospect of returning to in-person work after COVID can be daunting. However, with a little preparation, you can make the transition back to the office as smooth as possible.
Here are five tips for ensuring a successful return to in-person work after COVID.
1. Communicate With Your Team
One of the most important things you can do when returning to in-person work after COVID is to communicate with your team. This means sharing your plans for returning and setting expectations for how things will operate during the transition.
It’s also important to be open and communicative about how you’re feeling. Returning to the office after a long period of working from home can be overwhelming, and it’s important to let your team know if you need any help or support.
2. Get Organized
Getting organized is another key to a successful return to in-person work after COVID. This means taking some time before returning to assess what needs to be done and creating a plan for how you will tackle it.
This may include setting up specific times for checking in with remote team members, creating a system for tracking tasks or establishing meeting protocols. Having a plan in place will help you feel more confident as you return to the office and minimize stress.
3. Set Boundaries
When returning to in-person work, it’s important to set boundaries with your team and colleagues. This may mean setting limits on after-work socializing, being clear about when you are available for meetings or calls or creating space for yourself to adjust to the new environment.
Setting boundaries will help you feel more comfortable as you transition back to the office and will ensure that you are able to focus on your work.
4. Take Breaks
Working from home has likely given you more flexibility when it comes to taking breaks, and it’s important to keep this up when you return to the office. Make sure to take time for yourself throughout the day, even if it’s just a few minutes to step away from your desk.
Taking breaks will help you avoid burnout as you transition back to in-person work and will allow you to come back to your tasks feeling refreshed.
5. Be Flexible
It’s also important to be flexible when returning to in-person work after COVID. Things may not go exactly as planned, and there may be bumps along the way. But by being flexible and adaptable, you can make the transition back to the office much smoother.
Flexibility can come in many forms, from being open to working different hours to being willing to try new methods of communication. Whatever it looks like for you, being flexible will help you and your team as you return to in-person work.
Final Thoughts
The thought of returning to in-person work after COVID can be daunting, but there are ways to make the transition smoother. Keep these tips in mind as you return to in-person work after COVID, and you’ll be on your way to a successful transition.