Finding your new "normal"....

The kids have gone back to school, the first milestone in the roadmap out of lockdown. In the meantime, it’s back across the landing, to the lounge, even the garden shed we go, laptops in hand. Some sort of normality is on the horizon, but what does that look like in the workplace?

A year on, we are seasoned pros at working from home, managing our time and multi-tasking beyond our wildest of imaginations. While some are desperate to get back to the office, there will be some feeling reticent, even anxious at the prospect of going back to the workplace.

 Employees on furlough may feel they’ve forgotten the basics, introverts feeling uncomfortable after so much time away, and Covid is still a very real and fearful situation for many.

 We hear you! But there are simple and effective ways to help you get back into the workplace full of positivity and motivation moving forward;

Communicate - This last lockdown has felt long and arduous, and it can be all to easy just to stop communicating, especially when it seems like there is little to report. But, engaging with your teammates and colleagues is an easy win towards transitioning back into the workplace. Don’t just leave it for the online meetings. Look at ways to engage and talk shop (or not!) at leisure, and re-ignite those relationships. If you have new colleagues, arrange a happy-hour or ‘meet & greet’, but keep it light, friendly and don’t feel obliged to crack out a quiz - it’s ok to be quizzed out, just talk!

 Request a return to work interview - A valid and straightforward request to make; this is a great way to catch up with your management and air any concerns or issues you may have before returning. Doing this can help lessen the load if you feel anxious about returning, knowing you have addressed anything on your mind. It is also helpful for your employment records too.

 Evaluate - what works for you now? While making social preparations for your return, the practicalities need thought too. You are more than likely not in the same situation as before due to child care, flexible wants and needs, or salary changes. What do you need to sustain your new working life, and what is your business doing to help? We offer dynamic and flexible working arrangements at REED to suit our employees’ specific needs and the business. All our working arrangements are open to anyone needing support in these areas. Combined with our Wellbeing initiatives, we want to ensure all employees returning or starting anew with us feel heard, supported and welcomed back into the workplace.

 Prepare - A reasonable cause for concern could be the thought of stepping into the unknown. What are you walking back in to? Has your business taken Covid security seriously? What do they expect from you? Address these points in your communication with your management and colleagues; it’s a great point to raise in your return to work interview. For yourself, give yourself peace of mind by ensuring you have the practical things you need to feel safe such as your face mask and sanitiser.

 Plan - How are you getting to work? We have become accustomed to regimented or single travel, and so heading towards the Tube or getting regular busses again can seem daunting. Plan how you want to get to work and look at alternatives well ahead of time if the thought of public or shared travel isn’t doing it for you. Perhaps can you take advantage of the situation and do that thing you always said you would - walk, bike, run to work?

 Self-care and mindset - Mental health awareness and care are essential here. Seek support when you need it; there are many services in and outside of the NHS you can access. Utilise company wellbeing initiatives if they have them, such as socials, support groups, phone lines and literature. You can set up guidance for yourself, too, with many quality, regulated mental health and wellbeing apps like headspace, MindTheApp and Calm to help quell any uneasiness and reinforce a positive mindset.

 It’s the little things too - Sometimes, a little lift can go a long way to feeling better about something. The coffee flask had its day? Start back fresh with a new one, especially now the shared mug cupboard may be no more. Replenish your make-up bag, after weeks or months of waiting, enjoy that haircut! or perhaps a couple of feel-good pieces for your work wardrobe I know I will as our dress code policy has also been updated. These things sound inane, but they really can make a difference. As the old saying goes, a change is as good as a rest. Defined as restorative or a refresh, this is a helpful way to look at things going forward.

Click here for information on what's available at Reed and Reed.co.uk Go get your new normal...