Return to Office
It happened. You received the email from your company stating that all employees are returning to the office for three, four, maybe even five days a week. Whether you jumped for joy over the news or hid under the bed, follow these five steps to make sure you show up with your A game and thrive during this big change.
Update your Personal Routine
Make sure to replace what you fear you will miss. Healthy food during the day? Prep lunch meals on Sundays and buy plenty of healthy snacks for the week. Did your morning walk get cut short since you now have to commute? Make walking dates with friends on weekends. Try to keep healthy rituals like journaling or meditation even if you now have to change the time of day you do them. If it means going to be 30-minutes earlier, that’s not such a bad thing–your body and mind will thank you.
Show up with the Right Attitude
Embrace the upside and be positive. Sure, we enjoyed doing laundry during the day or taking the dog for a walk during breaks. But don’t dwell on what you cannot change–it’s not healthy and is not the best use of your time. Enjoy the camaraderie of being with your colleagues. Walk for coffee together or explore new lunch spots.
Elevate Your Attire
Face it, we all got a little relaxed working from home. Assess what others are wearing in your office. Adding just a few new items is a signal to your brain to show up differently. Maybe even treat yourself to a new bag or fancy sneakers. Don’t worry, you can (and should) still express your individual style. For more tips on elevating your style at work, listen to Episode 417
Build Relationships
If the leadership wants you back in person, then make the most out of those contacts for your professional development. Build strong relationships with your superiors so you reap the rewards of being in person. Remember, out of sight, out of mind. That’s the concern many had who were remote and felt passed over for opportunities. What meetings or conversations are taking place in person that can accelerate your career? If few exist, how can you create some?
Assess
Is being at the office still a drag? Can you no longer tolerate the commute? Or maybe the people have changed and it simply is no longer the place you used to love. If you’ve given it a shot and it still does not feel better, or gets worse, maybe it is time for a change. If so, develop an exit strategy. Get the most you can out of the office for the time being: meet people, do a great job, make sure you have strong ties outside your company. Then put together an action plan to look for a job that has the schedule you need, the culture you want, and brings you the satisfaction you deserve.