Return to the office
For many of us, something like ‘normal’ is slowly approaching. After what actually seems like a remarkably short winter, spring is here. And as the buds start to come out, so can we. Some businesses are beginning to think of how to bring at least some of their workforce back to the offices in the near future. The logistics are complicated, the territory uncharted, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. As this strange chapter in our lives comes to a close, have we been working from home, or living at work?
The outside world
Some people have adapted to working from home rather well. Others have been doing it for years and are now pleased that it’s being recognised as a viable way to be both productive and happy. For others beginning to get back to work, or even travelling to work – sometimes using public transport – will present significant challenges. You don’t have to be a particularly nervous person to feel as though this virus is a very dangerous issue, which has to be taken seriously. The statistics don’t lie and this has had a huge impact on the UK population and economy. Mind-sets have changed and you can’t just say one morning, “Right, all back to normal now. Off we go!”
Transitioning slowly
The transition back into offices needs to be a progressive one. For many an office will feel like a very alien environment. For certain people there are some behavioural changes that can be implemented, to make them less anxious about returning to work. Social skills may have been impacted by months of seclusion. It’s a good idea to start taking small steps, to rebuild confidence in interacting with people. This might get you used to using public transport once more. Or at least moving among people and conversing in a natural, friendly way. It may feel strange wearing a mask, but try and smile and be yourself as you go about your activity. Social distancing and masks are a constant reminder that this isn’t ‘normal’, but until they are dispensed with, they’re here to stay.
Safe office space
It’s also important for employers to reassure their staff that they will be returning to a Covid-safe environment. This will mean there will be sanitising measures, social distancing observed, and potentially, flexible working. Some people are more productive in the office, some at home. Some managers prefer their staff present in the office, but for many large firms – especially those cited in multi-storey buildings or in densely-populated business districts – the complications of space and numbers just aren’t feasible to bring everyone back at once.
It’s been suggested by some commentators that around one third of the workforce will be in at any one time. This is particularly true in the larger organisations. A proportion will be in some days, other staff on others, with larger groups in for key team meetings or training. But by and large, working from home will continue to be with us, in one form or another, for a while yet.
Speaking to a mentor or coach, either at work, or externally can help build confidence. It can ascertain what aspects of returning to the office you are looking forward to, and which fill you with dread. If working from home suits you, then don’t feel as though you’re being forced to go back in, while others have missed the interaction and can’t wait to return to the working environment once more.
