In this uncertain moment of history, many of us would have conflicting thoughts about stepping out once again to restore normalcy in our lives. It's absolutely fine to have such thoughts after what we all have experienced in 2020. However, it's important that you try to control any negativity or anxiety that you are feeling.
From being over-concerned about the sanitization of the office space, constant policing to use sanitizers, or over cautiousness in talking to office colleagues, there can be a lot of things on your mind that makes it hard for you to resume normal day office.
The first step to overcome these fears is to acknowledge them. Acknowledge these thoughts and find the right people to talk to. Talk to someone around whom you feel comfortable. They can be your colleagues, friends, or your HR. Ignoring such thoughts or mismanaged fears can lead to serious health troubles.
Be Open to Change
Remember the last time you walked out of your office before the lockdown started? Well, be assured, when you return to the office, your workplace would also not be the same. The Covid-19 Pandemic has forced everyone including the whole workplace ecosystem to undergo drastic transitions to survive.
Rather than being critical about these changes, be a part of the transition process. Be open to changes which your employer might find necessary to apply. Be positive about any such transitions and have faith. Looking at the brighter side of things always helps.
Take an example of your everyday cup of coffee at work. Maybe your company decides to cut down on costs by removing coffee machines from their office cafeteria. Rather than being upset about your coffee routine, think about the so many such decision every employer had to take to survive in this economy. Try to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
Be Compassionate
Every person who walks into that office has survived in his/her way during the previous year. The memory of this pandemic is fresh in everyone's mind. Some may have lost their loved ones, someone may have had financial troubles, while some may be nervous or anxious. Everyone has fought their own battles in 2020. We need to be much more compassionate towards each other, especially when everyone went through a lot in all these months.
A kind word may help someone get over their nervousness, a patient ear may help someone find relief. Be patient with your office colleagues, after all the vibe of any workplace depends on how the employees feel.
Spread Joy
As rightly said, be the change that you want to see in the world. Lead from the front and make people comfortable around you at your workplace. Have light-hearted conversations with your office colleagues, tell them things that may lighten up the mood.
Do your bit to bring some joy to the people around you. Find innovative ways to replace the usual handshake. Let it be the source of a smile for everyone who is a part of it.
Share WFH Experiences
One of the best ways to make the transition easy is to share your personal experiences with your office colleagues. WFH had made all of us convert our living rooms into makeshift offices, there must be so many experiences worth sharing. Gather around your office mates during lunch breaks or small coffee breaks and share each other's good and bad experiences while WFH.
Focus on Productivity
Companies are now focusing on productivity to ensure a positive rate of growth. The main focus point has mostly shifted to the productivity of every individual working in an organization. The most important thing which should focus upon in times like these is being on top of your game. Any kind of carelessness towards your work may end up having serious consequences.
Most of us are all set to get back to work, however, the transition from WFH to returning to the office won't be that easy. Although we are gradually turning a page of history, one thing is certain: humanity shall triumph.