Over the last few years, we have proven we can be quite productive working from home, thank you very much. Plus, we wore our comfy clothes, balanced our work and personal commitments, and loved the commute.
But as we head into fall, many organizations are calling for a bigger in-office presence, and those trips into the office are ramping up. Why does this shift seem so difficult now?
Well, for starters, the pandemic lasted for years, not weeks. The workplace is forever changed. It’s natural to feel some uncertainty around this shift, much like we did at the start of the pandemic when we began working remotely. This is more than a small change in how we work and live.
So, how can we minimize the upheaval associated with yet another change in how we work?
I’ve got three strategies to share.
- Build (and stick to) your routines
We are creatures of habit, which makes our daily routines an essential part of how we navigate busy days. Our routines simplify recurring decisions and help us protect time for what we value most. But routines, much like our closets, need some fine-tuning when the contents change (make way for cozy fall sweaters!).
On that note, I suggest you pick consistent days and times to be in the office. Ideally, synchronize with your colleagues, so you can schedule meetings and events on these days. Then, set recurring meetings and lean into consistency from one week to the next.
Similarly, you can set up the support you need at home during your office days. There is calming simplicity in knowing who will walk the dog on Tuesday and who will prep dinner on Thursday.
Avoid reinventing the wheel each week. Instead, build your routines, and give your brain the predictability it craves. While we can’t control every aspect of our days, creating structure around what we can control is liberating.
Building structure into your week protects your time and energy to focus on what matters most. I call this your Proactive Routine and it is one of the best investments you can make to manage your time. Think of your Proactive Routine as that friend on whom you can always rely; someone who helps you feel grounded and calm regardless of whatever change you’re navigating.
Yes, the benefits associated with flexibility are important: The ability to shift your schedule to help your top client. Have lunch with a friend when they’re in town for only a short time. Attend a mid-afternoon school recital.
But like many things in life, flexibility works best in moderation. In practice, the structure of a routine is what gives us the balance and freedom we crave.
- Reframe your mindset
Returning to the office often conjures feelings of what we’re missing: losing time to commuting, less flexibility in our daily routine, less time working in our sweatpants, and less time with our Covid pets.
But there is also an upside. Building strong connections with our colleagues is a strong predictor of how much we enjoy our work. As well, being able to ask quick questions (without booking yet another video meeting) allows for ease and efficiency. In-person work also prompts more mentoring and development, which helps all of us feel more fulfilled. And might I remind you how nice it will feel on those occasions you arrive home to find someone else has cooked the family dinner?
When we shift our mindset from what we are losing to what we are gaining, it allows us to enjoy what is, as opposed to what we long for.
- Prioritize your wellbeing
Our wellbeing is always important, but especially so when we navigate change. Routines help to simplify our life. They also support our overall health and wellbeing.
This is an excellent time to reset your wellbeing routines. Consider what you are doing to prioritize your sleep, exercise, nutrition, relationships, relaxation time, and more. Your wellbeing habits are key to offsetting the stress and anxiety associated with shifts in how we work.
Another crucial part of wellbeing is seeking help, which can be hard. But it’s important to recognize we can’t do it all. Consider where you can recruit support to lighten the load, especially at home. Can you outsource some household tasks? Rotate responsibilities at home? Streamline certain tasks with services like meal or grocery deliveries?
From routines, to mindset, to wellbeing – shifting to more time at the office is doable. In fact, you might find you like this new approach even better.
For more on this topic, take a listen to my CBC Radio interview with Shelley Joyce (at approximately 5: 15).
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