So much has changed over the last few years. From attending meetings and events in person to screening them virtually within the four walls of one’s house, the entire working landscape has undergone a drastic makeover.
While work from home jobs have made some things convenient, it has paved the way for new uncertainties. For example, many feel apprehensive about building rapport face-to-face, tackling distractions, and adjusting to a setting that is out of one’s comfort zone.
As more and more companies transition back to office spaces, it is natural to feel a little rusty and out of place.
We hear you!
Whether you are returning to the office after a long break or stepping into one for the first time, here are some tips to help you plan your return-to-work plan and adjust to your workplace while achieving your work goals.
Tips:
Prioritise your mental wellbeing:
Some of the most common mental health issues like anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders and stress can lead to demotivation, discomfort and lowers your efficiency if it’s not looked into.
Although this cannot be annihilated overnight, the key here is to integrate new strategies to help you cope and manage it.
A key factor is to observe and be aware of what’s bothering you and causing issues in the moment. For example, if something feels overwhelming, try and step away and take a short break. Focus on something positive and that makes you happy. This can help reset your mind and allow you to return to your tasks with a fresh perspective.
Another approach is to focus on one task at a time. Burdening yourself with too many things can lead to stress and pressure, so to tackle this, try and prioritise and give your best to one task before moving to the next.
This is easier said than done, but we can assure you that it will help in the long run.
Focus on your strengths and build a growth mindset:
We as humans tend to turn towards negative aspects when we are dealing with work-related stress. Dealing with situations in person has its own set of problems in comparison to working from home and while the pressure feels the same, the way we deal with it speaks volumes.
The key tip here is to learn from the situation and reassure yourself of your strengths. This comes by building a positive mindset and focusing on trying rather than quitting.
It takes time to adjust your perspective, but slowly, you’ll start viewing challenges as opportunities. When you focus on trying and learning, you’ll find you’re much more resilient than you thought.
Reconnect:
After months (or even years) of working remotely, reconnecting with your colleagues face-to-face can feel daunting.
In such situations, always remember, to take it slow. Start with small gestures and find common ground. Whether through shared projects or casual conversations, find something which will help break the ice. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but gradually, these moments of connection will rebuild relationships and make the transition back to the office easier and enjoyable.
