Going back into the office can be…weird.
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Going back into the office can be…weird.
Nothing feels the same. Maybe you miss your home setup. Maybe the office will be a relief from noisy neighbours and needy children! It’ll be challenging either way, so we’ve sniffed around for some expert tips on how to cope.
If you’re not comfortable about heading back to the office, tell your bosses exactly that. You might be able to negotiate a hybrid schedule or stricter safety measures so it’s easier to cope when you absolutely have to come in.
Of course, this depends on whether you think your boss will (a) listen, (b) grumble but listen, or (c) ask you to fly kite. If it’s not worth the fight, maybe try the next few tips.
By now some of your work-life boundaries might have…blurred a little. Maybe you caught up on chores when it was quiet at work. Or started answering emails seven days a week…
Guess I’ll shave on my lunch break.
You might need to reset and firm up the divisions between your work and leisure time. Of course, if a work emergency comes up, you gotta be flexible, but normal work tasks can stay within normal working hours.
COVID-19 precautions have done a number on how we interact with others.
If you were a hugger before lockdown and you’re now Officially Not, it’s good to have a plan about maintaining your personal space. Be respectful of others who need a little more space too!
It’s probably been a while since you headed back into your workplace, so getting back into the groove might take a while. Lower your expectations juuuust a little as you ease back into your office routine.
The bad news is that you might not be able to be everyone’s office bestie like before. But the good news is you can build back up to that slowly!
Connect with people one-on-one or in smaller groups before moving on to team and department interactions. You’ll be back on good terms with everyone before you know it.
Pretending to be someone you’re not is just extra stress. Bring your actual self to the table! There’s no need to, say, ask your hot bestie to pretend to be you in front of your new boss who was your childhood friend…what, too specific?
*cough*
All our sleeping, eating and exercise routines have turned into rojak over the past 20+ months or so. And if yours haven’t…who are you and when’s your TED Talk??
But seriously: structure helps you prepare and cope for what lies ahead. Set up a proper pre-work routine so getting back into the office is that much easier. Prep breakfast, lay out tomorrow’s outfit, or even set aside 5 minutes just to stretch before you head out.
If you’re stuck at a desk again it might as well look nice. Add a stress ball, some snacks, books, or photos of loved ones. You could even change your desktop wallpaper!
If you have to hot-desk, consider getting yourself a nice travel mug, comfortable jacket or some of your favourite pens that you can take home with you at the end of the day.
If you want your good office buddies back…you’ve gotta be a good office buddy yourself!
Take the initiative to invite people out for coffee, lunch, or any other (socially distanced) gathering you’re comfortable with. If you’re the shy type, prioritize spending time with supportive coworkers you already get along with and get to know their teammates too.
Finally: heading back to the office can result in a fountain of feelings.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, talk to colleagues, bosses, family and friends, or even your doctor. If things get rough, they can get you the help or resources you need to get back on track.
We hope these tips will make the transition back into the office easier, so you don’t end up in messes like Kim Hye-Jin…or should we say Diana?
Cos if you haven’t heard, there’s a Malaysian remake of the K-Drama She Was Pretty coming soon, and it’s exclusively on Viu! Yoodo fans stand a chance to win 50 pairs of tickets to the SWP premiere screening at GSC. Here’s how to take part!
Not ready to head back into theatres, but super ready to watch along? We’ve got you covered there too. Get a 20GB Viu Add-On for just RM7/month!
What back-to-office tips would you share with others? Let us know on our social pages 🙂