It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our working world dramatically. While a variety of specific in-person job positions were deemed “essential” by the government, anyone whose job duties could be performed remotely began to work from home in 2020.

Now that stay-at-home mandates have been lifted, countless individuals who had begun to work from home during the start of the pandemic are now being called back to the office. Whether returning to the office full-time or on a hybrid schedule, these transitions can stir up mixed emotions.

Here are our top four tips to help you readjust to office life with minimal stress after having spent significant time working from home.

In-person, hybrid and remote work models

Some jobs require in-person work, whether it’s in an office, store, warehouse or field sites. This is considered a classic, full-time, in-person schedule. 

With advances in technology in recent years, remote work has soared in popularity. Whether working from your home office, a coffee shop, the library or even a beach, remote working means you have no physical office space you check in to.

A third option is a hybrid work model, which has become particularly prevalent post-pandemic. In a hybrid work model, you spend an agreed-upon amount of time in a formal workplace (such as an office), and the rest of the time working remotely.

4 tips for transitioning back to the office after working from home

Readjusting to working in an office after working remotely is a big change for anyone, even if you are returning as a hybrid worker and only plan to be in the office part-time.

There are many factors to consider as part of the transition, including commuting, working in a shared space and having face-to-face interactions with coworkers and clients again, as well as potentially reorganizing any personal areas of your life (such as partner, children, pets or hobbies) that might be affected by your new routine. You might be feeling overwhelmed.

1. Prioritize your mental health

Whether you’re feeling excitement or dread (or a bit of both) about returning to the office, one way to ensure a stress-free transition is to prioritize your mental health. You can do this by extending patience and compassion to yourself and others, setting realistic expectations, and being intentional with your time, energy and emotions.

2. Reframe your mindset

Change can be difficult to accept. Some people might have a negative mentality around returning to the office. You may be disappointed about no longer being able to work from home full-time, but that doesn’t have to squash your experience of returning to the office. Use this as an opportunity to reframe your mentality around office work. Think of something to look forward to, such as listening to podcasts on your commute or ordering your favorite takeout for lunch. 

3. Establish a new routine

Working from home, you may have mastered the art of looking professional “up top” on Zoom while wearing pajama bottoms and sitting in your recliner in the living room. A set morning routine might seem like a distant memory. Take the time to reawaken old habits and establish new ones so you can start your day well and carry that energy with you throughout your shift.

4. Contact us for additional support

At Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP, your success is our passion. We’re here to support and empower employees like you. It’s our mission to help professionals take charge of their future and achieve their goals and dreams.

To learn more about our service offerings, submit a form on our website or call us today at 1-800-543-5080.