Returning to the office after a long period of working from home can be overwhelming and stressful as you readjust to office life. Because of this, it’s important you set yourself up for success with small, yet effective ways to feel on top of things, organised and refreshed.

The difference between working from home and working in an office is significant for many. From the start of your morning routine to logging off at the end of the day, many of us have unexpectedly welcomed a new routine. Therefore, switching back into an office routine takes time. This process can be made easier with the following tips.

Get organised!

Getting organised doesn’t have to involve time-consuming, boring tasks. Rather, it should include helpful, satisfying, and simple tasks that leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Some easy ways to get organised for the day ahead include writing a to-do list, planning your work outfit, packing your lunch, or even prepping your breakfast the night before. All are simple, yet effective tasks to set yourself up for a good day.

Another way to feel office-ready is by giving yourself time. For many, travel times to work were removed and morning routines skipped a few steps when working from home. Therefore, when returning to the office, allowing ample time to achieve daily tasks can ensure your day runs smoothly.

Start with a fresh new look

Revamping your work wardrobe to include comfortable work clothes that you are excited to wear can act as a great source of motivation. As we know, the typical work from home fashion is a lot more casual than everyday office wear. Items like our women’s bandless slim leg pant and our men’s adjustable waist pant can make the transition from comfortable home clothing to office wear easy. Filling your wardrobe with easy to style basics can take the fuss out of outfit planning each day. Staple pieces like our women’s open neck dress and our men’s Hudson shirts are versatile options that can be worn again and again.

Additionally, incorporating new, fun, vibrant colours into your work wardrobe can position you to feel excited to get dressed and head into the office. Purchasing new uniform pieces is also a nice way to reward yourself while you readjust to office life, so it’s a win, win situation!

Focus on your mental health and wellbeing

One of the best ways to prepare for returning to the office and redeveloping a work routine is to start with a clear and relaxed mindset. Achieving this can be assisted with mediation, talking it out with friends and colleges and making action plans. Put your mental health first and listen to what you need.

It’s ok to feel overwhelmed, on edge and even a little flat when returning to the office. Accepting this notion will help you understand your feelings and deal with them in an optimal way. Some helpful ways to focus and reflect on your feelings is to chat with a loved one, friend or colleague. Getting your thoughts out can leave you feeling light and refreshed. There are also many apps available that focus on wellbeing. For example, the  Calm app, which has tools to help you with health, self-improvement, happiness, sleep, anxiety and stress.

Making time for fun and rest is important while workloads and work hours increase. Prioritising things that make you happy is an effective way to maintain balance.

Catch up with a colleague before returning to the office

Meeting up for a walk or meal with a colleague is a great way to take the pressure off the first day back. Reconnecting with your co-workers in person will enable you to discuss nerves, excitements and areas of concern. It’s possible your co-workers feel the same way so tackling the first day back with a buddy will make the process a lot easier.

Give yourself a confidence boost

Another way to start on the right foot is by giving yourself a confidence boost. As your work-life balance changes, so will your goals. Realigning your goals to be relevant and achievable in this new setting is key to ensuring you are optimally reaching them.

Another wonderful way to boost your confidence is to get inspired. Creating a mood or vision board can help you pave your way to success. Questions such as ‘What do you want your desk space to look like? How will you fuel your body for the day? How will you reward yourself?’ can allow you to strive for the best in all areas of your work life.

Reconnecting with the team

Transitioning back into the office can be challenging for everyone. Everyone will likely feel less focused and become distracted easier than usual. As the team reunites, take time to catch up with everyone, check in to see how they are managing and offer support. As the team readjusts, mistakes will be made, deadlines may not be met, and priorities will shift, therefore approaching every situation with a compassionate mindset is important. Everyone is in the same boat finding their feet in the office again, so supporting one another is the best approach.

Maintain your good WFH habits

Commonly, working from home revealed a more casual approach to work with more coffee breaks, frequent time away from the desk and even more snacks! Completely ignoring these habits can leave you feeling swamped and flat. Continuing your good working from home habits can equate to higher productivity and an increase in overall mood, so if it worked at home, try it out in the office.

Ask for help

When returning to the office, each staff member will be at different stages and approach the return with different mindsets, therefore the overall process is not a one size fits all situation. If you are feeling anxious, not ready, or prefer working from home, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and suggestions. Many companies are offering hybrid working set-ups, gradual returns, and even complete remote working, so there might be options for you that you haven’t discovered yet. Asking for help will allow your employer to reflect and make changes as necessary.

Welcoming the change of returning to the office can be exciting, nerve-wracking and daunting all at once. However, giving yourself the best chance to thrive and enjoy the process will allow for a seamless transition. Looking for some more pieces to add to your wardrobe? Explore the Biz Corporates range of styles and wardrobe staples that are must-haves when returning to the office.