After this unprecedented, anxiety-filled, work-from-home escapade, it is unlikely that everyone will transition smoothly to office life. The experience will affect each of us differently. With it being a temporary blip for some and a back to the office blues experience for others.
Adjusting to the commute, sharing office space, and returning to a structured routine can be exhausting and restrictive. As a result, it brings in anxieties and career concerns. However, the return to office norms is vital for the business.
Although the adjustment may be harsh in the beginning, it is possible to find things to do that will lessen the burden and rid yourself of those back to work blues.
1.Expand your network and make connections
In returning to the office environment, it is normal to feel slightly intimidated. Having adjusted to months of relative autonomy, and then being suddenly thrust into an environment surrounded by co-workers can be intimidating.
Rather than concealing your difficulties—embrace them! Use this opportunity to grow your network and reach new heights of cooperation with your team. Share your pandemic experiences, be open about your concerns and your anxieties, and be honest about how it feels to be back at the workplace. You will be amazed at how much it resonates with your team.
Sharing your experiences, feelings, and concerns will not only make you feel more comfortable, but it will also lead to positive, open team interactions. Following months of relative isolation, your team will jump at the chance for human interaction. Even if you have personal trepidations, exhibiting some enthusiasm can go a long way.
2. Take regular breaks
We should not view breaks as a means of avoiding work. Rather, breaks are a means of enhancing performance. Regular breaks ease the immense pressure to perform and allow you the opportunity to pace yourself.
You should structure regular breaks in various ways—from a simple cup of coffee with co-workers to the regular application of the 20-20-20 rule. What’s important is that you break-up the workload, avoid burnout, and increase your productivity, motivation, and creativity.
Use breaks in such a way that you give yourself a boost. Think of breaks as a reward for maintaining focus and make them an integral part of your daily routine.
3. Make plans
Uncertainty has been a hallmark of the pandemic, yet planning for the future remains a necessity and helps us to put the present into perspective.
Whether it is making Holiday plans, scheduling household chores, or making weekend plans with the family, making plans is key to overcoming the back to the office blues. Maintaining an uncluttered schedule and organizing daily tasks intelligently can make each workday a productive one.
For example, beginning each day with the completion of a worthwhile task. It can be accomplished quickly, which will set a positive tone for the entire day.
4. Work on your sleep
Many of us overlook the obvious value of proper sleeping habits. Although it is such a simple thing, it is frequently related to the problems that we face each day. Nothing is more powerful for one’s well-being than regular sleep habits. Poor sleep habits can negatively impact IQ, judgement, mood, and personality.
As you ponder the root causes of back to the office blues, consider the fact that disrupted sleep patterns and the resulting change in energy levels can be a significant contributor. Thankfully, improving your sleep patterns can be as simple as exercise, healthy eating, and improving the bedroom sleep environment.
It is hard to fully understand the effects of the pandemic lockdown for some time. However, we can all agree that a good night’s sleep is one sure way to give us the energy we need to assist our bodies in returning to a normal state.
5. Negotiate more flexibility
If having practised all these tips, you still find yourself suffering from back to the office blues, consider negotiating a more flexible way of working with the management team. This is a step that should not be undertaken lightly, but you may be surprised at how well the management team receives the idea.
Explain to management why you believe that a flexible approach will result in improved performance and enhanced job satisfaction. Be prepared to conduct face-to-face negotiations and be sure to stress how important an issue this is for you.
Given that you spend fully one-third of your life in the workplace, it only makes sense that you would look after yourself to avoid burnout.
Read our guide: The Signs of Burnout at Work and What to Do About It.
If that fails to help you, it may be time to consider a career change!
