The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives in so many ways, including forcing many of us to work from home. In the UK, we are finally coming out of lockdown and the government has announced that we are able to go back to work. But for many of us who have spent months working from home may not be all that excited about heading back to the office. So how do we successfully transition from remote to onsite work?
Prepare Yourself for Going Back to Work
When you were working from home, you probably woke up a bit later each morning since you did not have to worry about commuting to work. Change your routine by setting your alarm at least an hour earlier so that you have plenty of time to get ready for work.
Plan your journey so that you know which route you will take that will get you to work on time. Make sure that you are aware of the rules for traveling on a bus or train if you plan to use public transportation.
Make sure that you have a notebook and extra pens and pencils to use when you go to the office. If you were using a laptop, mouse, keyboard, and other equipment that you brought home from the office, make sure that you have these items packed in a bag the night before you go to work.
Make Sure You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Because you were working from home, you probably were staying up a little later because you knew that it only takes you an hour to get ready for work without having to commute. But now that you know you have go to the office you will need to get up earlier. Therefore, you should go to sleep a little earlier so that you will be able to get up in the morning.
Ensure that You have All the Equipment You Need
Get to the office a few minutes earlier than you normally would and check that you have all the equipment you need to do your job. Make sure that you have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on your desk. Check your office chair to make sure that it is comfortable.
If you need cables to attach your laptop to your desk monitor, ask your manager. Ensure that you have extra face masks to wear throughout the day if you have appointments with customers or if you have to move through crowded communal areas.
Switch on your computer and make sure that it is connected to the internet and that you have all the files you need to do your work. Also, make sure that the telephone on your desk works properly.
Continue to Communicate with your Team Manager and Colleagues
Just as when you were working from home, you had to keep in contact with your team manager and your colleagues to ensure that everyone was working towards meeting the company’s objectives.
Whether you communicate by phone, Whatsapp, video conferencing, or chat on Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, it is important to maintain clear communication with your team manager and colleagues. They are there to assist you when you need help, support you when you face challenges, and to cheer for you when you complete a project or accomplish a task.
Your team manager may also contact you to ensure that you are keeping up with your daily goals and will also give you feedback on your performance and productivity. They may also check to see if you need any support with your daily tasks.
Have a Positive Attitude
Finally, it’s important to have a positive attitude about going back to work in the office. Think of ways that you can stay motivated and positive about being in the office again. For example, keep your favorite quotes on your desk to help motivate you to work.
You could also come up with some techniques to help you stay calm when facing some challenging situations. During your lunch break, take a walk outside to refresh your mind. Take a break away from the computer. Think of the advantages of going back to work onsite. One of the benefits of being back in the office is that you can finally meet your colleagues face to face. The other benefit is that being onsite means that you can get immediate support when you need it. Use these tips to help you to successfully transition from remote to onsite work.
