As Dolly Parton once said, “Working 3:2, what a way to make a living.” The pandemic has introduced an influx of companies wanting to be more flexible to accommodate their employees and the way this is happening is by adopting a hybrid work week which typically involves working 3 days in the office, and 2 days remotely. While many people were required to work purely from the comfort of their own home during lockdown, some are now finding it hard to transition back into the office. Here are some ways to help you adapt to the new normal:
1. Get organised
The hardest thing about getting up to go to work everyday is literally getting up. I’m sure we can all agree that working from home allowed us to be a bit lazier and, let’s face it, complacent. Gone are the days where we can just roll out of bed, turn on our laptops and attend Zoom meetings with a smart top and pyjama bottoms (let’s face it, we’ve all done it! No judgment here!) To avoid the fear of waking up early and getting ready for work, start by maintaining a healthy morning routine. Take some time to enjoy a relaxing shower and a healthy breakfast, have lunch prepared the night before ready for you to pack in the morning, put some music on – if you’re really keen, take a walk or do a light workout. All these things will set you up for a great day and help you stay focussed throughout the day.
2. Maximise your in-office days
First of all, make sure your desk is organised and tidy – clear space, clear mind. Set out a list of tasks and prioritise the ones that can only be done in the office. Tasks that require teamwork and brainstorming should be done in the office. For example, if you are working on a project with a colleague, get the tasks relating to the project done first while you’re with your colleague, rather than struggling to do them over Zoom at home.
3. Ensure you have the right equipment for WFH days
There’s nothing worse than trying to turn your laptop and monitor on to find that you’ve left the connector cable in the office. To avoid having to go into the office more than you need to, make sure you have all the equipment and technology you need to be able to successfully do your job remotely.
4. Communicate with your manager
If you are having trouble with the transition of going back to the office, communicate this to your manager. Struggling in silence will do more harm than good and will not help you in the situation so it’s always best to talk to someone if you’re feeling anxious. Lockdown had long-lasting effects on a huge percentage of the population, and you won’t be the only one having problems adjusting to life as we now know it. There will be something your boss or manager can do to ease you back into the office and cater to your needs.
5. Don’t be tempted to continue your work after hours at home
It can be so tempting to carry on working even after you’ve finished just to get your tasks done when you’re working from home. However, in order to maintain a health work-life balance, you need to keep the two separate. Once it’s time to log off, go for a walk or spend time doing the things you enjoy.
Hybrid working doesn’t come without its challenges but it’s becoming something that the majority of us can learn to adapt to. With these simple tips, you can be on your way to living the new normal happily and healthily.