As more and more people get Covid-19 vaccinations, it is becoming more and more possible to return to “normal” activity— no masks, eating inside restaurants, going to the movies, seeing your favorite sports team play and live concerts—and of course back to the office.
In the past year and a half, we have gotten used to a new way of life, a new daily routine a lot of which is our work life. Getting up and making a much shorter commute from your bed to your desk. It took some time to get used to this new reality and now it seems it is time to get back to the pre-pandemic way of life. It’s a switch up that comes at a time when many are already experiencing higher-than-normal feelings of stress and anxiety.
We have to take into consideration that people are going to have anxiety around picking the commute back up, getting back into a routine, getting used to the new protocol in their offices, working with people who have a different view of the virus, and maybe take different precautions or fewer precautions. Also, there's going to be a lot of awkwardness and some stress as people get back into the office and see people after this time of isolation. Sensory overload is no fun!
On the flip side we are sure to see those who look forward to getting back to their normal work routines, seeing co-workers, and feeling somewhat “normal” again. Having face to face meetings and enjoying separation of work and home is how some thrive and do their best work.
Hopefully, employers will give a flexible return to the office plan to accommodate, as best you can, people's different needs.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to continue to work during the pandemic from home and continued to be successful in my role. Going back to the office will be strange at first and an adjustment for sure, but just as we adjusted a year and a half ago, we can do it again!
Every company return will look different, but all deserve to be comfortable and well-implemented. No matter what path your organization takes back to the office, you can ensure a healthy and happy return with a solid return to the office game-plan.
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