How to Cope with America’s Return-To-Office Plans

Many of us found our comfort space working right under our roofs. Whether it has saved you a long, weary commute to work or turned you into a pro at multitasking at home, it has begun to look like the new normal for many American workers, with some even transitioning into a hybrid work mode. However, things are beginning to change. For better or for worse?- we will have to find out with time. 

A large number of companies have already called employees back to their offices and many have return-to-office plans for later this year. Big companies including Google, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have all set dates for this big return as the Omicron variant cases drop. Experts however worry that this return could restart another wave of resignations in the country. At a time when employers battle both the labor shortage and The Great Resignation, this could make things worse. 

However, if you’re looking forward to shifting from remote to in-office work, here are a few ways to cope with this shift in your workspace and mode of work:

Rebuild Office Friendships

Working behind our screens and attending meetings virtually can sometimes distance you from your colleagues. After months of working virtually, it might be a good idea to reconnect with them and make plans. Maintaining good friendships at your workplace will significantly make a difference in your interest to return to work. For some, this might be the first time they ever step foot in their workplace. This reconnection could also be a great chance for pandemic hires and new hires to bond with the workforce. HR reps, this might be the best time for you to organize team-building activities and fun office gatherings. 

Regain Balance

It's no lie that there’s more time on your hands when you WFH. At some point, we’ve all mastered the art of multitasking- attending morning calls while whipping up breakfast or staying muted on a meeting while running an errand or even picking up the kids from school. Returning to the office for a typical 9-5 job is definitely going to take away this level of comfort. It's important to maintain a balance between your personal and work lives. If you’re a parent, arranging for childcare and transport for your kids while you’re away is a priority. Additionally, create a routine and stick to it. Many of us have grown accustomed to staying up late. It might be a good practice to wake up and go to bed early. 

Be Compassionate

All of us have experienced the pandemic quite differently. While returning to work, let's also be mindful that it can be a big shift for many to come back to work, socialize and stay connected in person. This could also be a reason for anxiety for many workers. Take your time settling back in and keep in mind that some of your colleagues may still be grieving their losses to the pandemic. We could extend help in small ways like offering to carpool with a colleague or reminding each other of deadlines or even occasionally packing lunch for them. While we wrap our heads around this shift, let's also make it a bit easier for the ones around us.