What To Do When Planning to Go Back

With the summer in sight, your return to your workplace is likely approaching. This may feel like an abrupt shift, especially after you’ve established new routines that have helped you succeed while working remotely–which is why today we’re focusing on what you can do starting right now to help set you up for continued professional success, as well as how to tackle those first days back on site. Having a plan of attack before going back is key to making that transition easier. Remember to break down any big tasks you’re anticipating encountering upon re-entering your workspace into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be carried out at a sustainable pace over the course of your transition period. The tips we’ve gathered below from the pros will help you think ahead and maintain momentum while getting back into the swing of things.

Alex Shteingardt at Hays offers up a suggestion that’ll help you return to your workplace no matter the reason why you’ve had to step away: “Establish a more positive mindset before your first day back. Moving from a negative mindset to more positive thinking won’t happen overnight, but practising positivity in the days leading up to your return can help…So, when you are thinking about your first day back at work, instead of focusing on the negative (e.g. your full inbox or a daunting client meeting), think about those elements within your role which you enjoy. Whether it is working on a particular project, spending time with a colleague, or even visiting your favourite coffee shop during your lunch hour. Focus your mind on the things you are looking forward to about returning to work.” Let yourself find comfort in returning to the productive routines in your workplace that you established before shifting to remote work. And know that you’ve honed your sense of adaptability through being able to both step away from your typical professional environment and return to it. That flexibility will come in handy as you come back to new circumstances in a familiar setting. Make sure to take some time before your first day back to remember the positives about your role, and allow that positivity to shine. 

Whether you’ve needed to take some personal time or have been working from home, this tip from John E. Discala at Inc. will also help you establish a great mindset: “Ease your way back into work. Either the day before returning to work or the morning of returning to work, take some time to plan out your day. Make a to-do list with everything you know you need to do and prioritize what needs to be done. If you do this on the morning of your return, be sure to give yourself space to be alone with your thoughts…Focus on doing what you know how to do and what requires the least amount of time. Starting with small tasks can boost your confidence. Remember, you’re taking one step at a time.” Though you may be returning to a faster paced setting, you don’t need to hit the ground running! Just as you’d do stretches before beginning a race, make sure you’re taking some time to prepare for the task ahead of you. That involves both organizing and remembering all of what your unique strengths add to your workplace. A little preparation will go a long way.

You can do this! Positivity is the key. In focusing on the positive aspects of your in-person return, take a moment to practice gratitude for elements of the space that you’ve missed while away. And know that it’s okay if you need to take some time to ramp up to your previous in-person, professional full speed.  In thinking ahead, make sure to remember that you’ll need to give yourself extra time for your commute–which also means thinking ahead about how to spend your commute time, so make sure you’ve got a good book or your favorite playlist handy. We’ll see you again tomorrow as we close out the week with our Feel Good Friday: Return edition.

Image retrieved from Pixabay under the public domain.

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