So we’ve been working from home for the past year and a half now. But since things are slowing down and going back to normal, we’re slowly starting to transition back to working at the office.
We understand that it’s been a while since you’ve been back at your desk in the office and there are some things that you just need to ease into. To get you started on getting used to working at the office, we have prepared a list of do’s and don’ts for you to take note of!
1. You’re Not Alone Anymore
DO:
Jaga Your Face
The first thing to remember when you’re at the office is that there are other people with you now. All around you. So you know what you need to do — control your facial expressions! They can see you make faces while responding to their emails or messages, even with the mask on! Don’t get caught in that embarrassing mistake. Keep your face as neutral as you can while working.
DON’T:
Talk To Yourself
Here’s a daily reminder to not talk to yourself. I know we all do this when we were working from home, because who else but ourselves would listen to our endless chatter? But you have a lot of eyes on you now. Your boss already thinks you’re weird enough already. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of strange looks from your other colleagues, now do you?
2. Keep Your SOPs in Check
DO:
Monitor Your Health
To those who are eager to go back to the office, we get that you’re excited. But please don’t overlook the simple things — check your temperature everyday and make sure you’re healthy before going out of the house! You can also take a COVID test before starting your office journey, just to be safe. If you’re sick or feel a temperature coming on or don’t feel well, don’t risk it. You can just request to work from home.
DON’T:
Take Things Lightly
When you’re at the office, even though you are familiar with the people you work with, keep your masks on. Whenever you’ve touched something, wash your hands or use hand sanitisers whenever you can. Another important note is to keep your distance from people. Yes, you might want to talk to them but online services are still an option. If you absolutely have to talk to them, keep it three metres apart, at least. Another important thing — don’t be afraid to call out colleagues who break SOPs! This is your health we’re talking about!
3. Make Yourself At Home
DO:
Make A Nest
This is just to ensure that you’re comfortable, not make a literal nest. I mean you can if you want, as long as it doesn’t bother anyone. If making a nest for yourself at work would make you more productive and work better, I say why not go for it? Whatever it takes to boost morale. Might I suggest a makeshift nest at the corner of the office for when you need to take a break or a short nap?
DON’T:
Take Up Space
We get it. You’re so used to having your things spread all around you at home. But you’re not at home now, are you? You’re sharing space now with other people. Keep your things on your side of the desk. You can make yourself comfortable without disrupting other people’s peace as well, yes?
4. Preparing Yourself for A Day At The Office (Mentally and Physically)
DO:
Make A Checklist
To make sure you’re not going to forget anything on your day back at the office, a helpful way is to list down things to bring the next day so you don’t forget. Like your lunch, laptop, wallet (with money and touch n go), masks, sanitiser etc. If you’re anything like me and you’re majorly forgetful, this trick works wonders! Unless you can’t find your notebook that the checklist is in. I don’t know what to tell you, write it on your phone next time, maybe?
DON’T:
Tire Yourself Out The Day Before
In case you forgot, the recommended sleeping hours are eight, not four, not five and certainly not all-nighters. So, get your sleep on and make sure you’re all good and rested the next day. That isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy yourself the day before. But just in moderation, if you get what I mean. You won’t want to arrive on your first day at the office all groggy and cranky, do you?
5. Getting Used To People Around You
DO:
Make Friends
Since you’re going to be working at the office now, it’s time for you to rekindle your office habits as well as get to know your co-workers. Why, you ask? It’s important to know the people you’re working with. You never know when you might need help. And what if you don’t know who to ask help from because it’s too awkward for you and Google can’t help you. You don’t want that, right?
DON’T:
Isolate Yourself
At the very least, you can practice the art of making conversation with co-workers. You’re a little dysfunctional and strange but that’s okay, practice makes perfect! It’s also important to note that it’s okay to take breaks. When you get overwhelmed at work, take a few minutes to walk around the office, hit up a co-worker and take time off to walk down the 7-Eleven near you to buy some coffee and sweets or something and talk about how your day’s going so far.
Eh, You’ll Be Fine… Eventually
It would take some getting used to, that much is obvious. But you’ll get through it. Everything takes time. Sooner or later, it’ll be just like you never left the office.
If you’re still working from home and trying to get the hang of it, might we interest you in some apps that can make your working from home experience a smoother one? Check out:
5 Apps to Make Working From Home Easier
