Let’s be honest- although it’s convenient, working from home isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. If you live with other people, you can get frequently interrupted by conversations, errands, and other distractions throughout the day. It can become difficult to stay focused with so much commotion happening around you.
Transitioning back to office life takes a bit of intentionality and adjustment. Here are a few tips that can help you make it back to the office so that you can be just as productive in your new space.
Maintain a Routine
Just because you’re in a different location, that doesn’t mean you need to leave behind the routine that you’re used to keeping. If you always make a hot cup of coffee before you check your email, that doesn’t have to stop. Keep a coffee machine near your office desk or become a regular at your favorite local coffee shop.
Routines help our minds transition between tasks more easily and prepare to be focused on the workday ahead. When you lose little habits that you’re used to, it can act as a greater stumbling block to efficient and effective work.
Make the Most of Your Commute
Oftentimes during a commute, people spend that time zoning out during the drive or dreading the final destination. It’s much easier to be productive at the office when you’ve taken time to warm yourself up to the demands of your day-to-day work.
You can use your driving time to help you mentally transition from relaxed home life to the hustle of work life. Put on some pump-up jams to make you feel energized, or listen to a podcast that helps you get your brain active.
Get Social Again
One of the main advantages of office life is the ability to work collaboratively without having a technological failure. No more Zoom calls that freeze too often or group chats that bombard your notifications. Communication is a lot more convenient when you can pop your head in the office next door to ask a question.
As you transition from your home office to a traditional office space, be sure to reach out to coworkers and begin rebuilding friendships with them. Those little moments chatting in the breakroom can connect you with the people that will have your back when a work emergency occurs, and you need help solving a problem.
