Due to the pandemic and relevant Government guidance, many of us ended up being furloughed or working from home because of COVID. In fact, nearly 40% of the employed population did some work at home in 2020, a 9.4% increase on 2019. Figures also showed that a total of 4.7 million people were on the Government’s furlough scheme in January of 2021.
However, it is expected that with the next step on the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown workers might be required to return to in-person working, which is to come into effect sometime from 21st June.
After a year of upheaval and insecurity, it is only logical that the transition from homeworking or furlough back to in-person work might be a struggle. Therefore, here are 5 ways to make the transition back to in-person working a smoother process.
1. Make a routine (and stick to it)
When you have been working from home for so long, it is likely that you have a great routine. Try and stick to some semblance of this familiar routine that you are used to, which will help you to be as productive as possible.
If you have been furloughed for a while, then create a new routine! Incorporate bits of familiarity into your daily routine, easing yourself back into work. Once you have set out a routine that works, just remember to stick to it.
2. Surround yourself with home comforts
Going back to work means leaving behind your home comforts, such as your ‘trackies’, favourite mug, music playlist, and cosy cushions. Leaving all of this behind can be quite a big shock to the system, especially going back to restrictive clothing choices.
However, you can try to make yourself feel at home in the office as much as possible. Bring in your favourite mug, photos of your family, a small plant, and perhaps even some headphones so you can blast your trusty playlist to your heart’s content.
3. Consider a hybrid office model
Working from home or being furloughed 100% of the time, and then jumping back into working in-person 100% can be incredibly jarring and overwhelming. Instead, see if it is possible to ease yourself in gradually.
Your employers may consider a hybrid office model, which allows you flexibility on when you come into the office. You might start with 1 day in the office a week, gradually increasing until you are in-person full time.
4. Carry on effectively communicating
It can be tempting to stop making the effort to communicate with your colleagues now that you are face to face. However, it is important to carry on effectively communicating no matter how close you are together.
5. Be clear and honest about your reasoning
In order to make sure you see the positives be absolutely clear and honest about your reasoning for returning to in-person working. Think about why you are saying goodbye to remote life – do you find it isolating? Would you prefer more structure? With all this in mind, returning to in-person working doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. After implementing these 5 top tips, your transition from homeworking or furlough back to the office will be as smooth as possible.
