Jodi R. R. Smith* offers three tips to help workers readjust to office life.
The next movement toward the new world of work is happening—people all over the world are talking about going into the office again.
Whether your office is already open or you’re waiting for your company to make an announcement, take a moment to anticipate the change.
From how you commute, to who is there, to your workspace—there are bound to be changes as different parts of the world begin to emerge from lockdown and start returning to offices.
In this post, I’ll share some of the tips, tricks, strategies, and ideas for making your version of the return to the workplace as positive as possible from my LinkedIn Learning course, Navigating New Professional and Social Norms as Offices Reopen.
Watch the full course for free until August 31, 2021 and join the conversation around #FutureofWork on LinkedIn.
- Bring supplies
Remember, we’re still in the throes of a pandemic so your safety and the safety of those around you is paramount.
I hope that all workplaces will be providing basic cleaning and sanitation services, but you’ll want to be prepared.
At a minimum, you’ll want to bring:
- Disinfecting wipes
An entire package is good, but even 10 folded nicely in a Ziploc bag will do.
These are for wiping down your workspace, your desk, your phone, your computer, the knobs, buttons, switches, and handles.
- Hand sanitiser
Most offices will have installed hand sanitising stations.
But again, bring your own.
A larger bottle for your desk is a bonus, but a pocket-sized container is all you need handy.
- Masks
Even if you have your own office, you may need to be appropriately masked when walking to and from your workspace.
Three masks is a good start.
The one you’re wearing, a backup mask should the one you’re wearing become soiled or damp, and an extra should someone, a guest, a visitor, a co-worker or a client forget theirs.
- Lotions, potions, refreshments
With all of the cleaning, washing, and sanitising, your hands will be dry.
Have some hand lotion to rehydrate your skin, but choose carefully.
You want them to protect your skin, but not leave greasy marks around the office.
Also take note of the fragrance and opt for the most subtle of smells as to not trigger any co-workers’ allergies.
As for those breath mints, after breathing through a mask for a few hours, a mint can help to refresh your breath and maybe even your mood.
Be sure to always follow the guidance from your local Government and your company’s policies.
- Get more information on the logistics
Something that’s helped me deal with change is remembering that our routines are just that—familiar to us.
As you think about going back to work, it can be helpful to think about the logistics that will have changed and what will stay the same as you go back to the office.
Here are a few places to start:
- Request information in advance for your manager or HR on what to expect in changes.
- Review the building website to see what regulations have already been put in place for spacing, elevators and stairs, or any areas where people are eating.
- Reach out to a few of your co-workers to see what they think about what it will be like back in the office.
- Seek comfort in the familiar.
Even though returning to the office may be fraught with uncertainty, we can also seek comfort from the things that have not changed, whether it’s your favourite coffee shop, the plant someone watered for you during the year, or a co-worker’s laugh.
Noticing the things that are familiar will help you feel more at ease.
- Establish clear guidelines of meeting and greeting
Let’s take the guesswork out of the equation of meeting and greeting in person in this new world.
If you’re going to be meeting with somebody, whether it’s a co-worker, a client, or for an interview, use your pre-emptive etiquette to set some expectations.
When you schedule or confirm the in-person meeting, in addition to the date, time, location, let them know the appropriate behaviours to anticipate.
For example, you could say:
“Looking forward to our meeting on Monday at 10 o’clock at headquarters.
“Please do wear your mask and handshakes are on hold until further notice.”
When you see this person for the meeting, it can be muscle memory to initiate a handshake, but casual touching is still a no-go.
As you approach the person, use both your body language and your words to welcome them without touching them.
Instead of extending your hand, put your hands up or your hands together to use your words kindly yet firmly to acknowledge the awkwardness and keep the conversation moving along.
“I’m so sorry we can’t shake hands today but I’m thrilled to meet you and I’m so looking forward to hearing your proposal for the new rollout.”
What if someone reaches out for the handshake despite your body language? Even with the best of intentions, it will happen.
Greeting signals are crossed.
Maybe you go for the socially-distanced wave and they have their arm extended for a shake.
No need to ignore the situation. Better to acknowledge it without assigning fault.
Have a quick moment of levity and then move the meeting along.
You could say something like:
“I know, I know, I still have to remind myself not to shake hands.
“It’s a wonky world but I’m glad to be getting back to work and glad we have this time to meet today.”
Just like those perfect Olympic gymnasts who may have had points deducted during the routines, it’s all about sticking the landing.
Any faux pas can be excused if you’re able to professionally close out the interaction.
*Jodi R. R. Smith is a contributor at Linkedin.
This article first appeared at linkedin.com.
