Despite how much we fear change, humans, by and large, are pretty damn good at it.
Our ability to adapt to change is at the core of our being. Over millions of years, our ancestors have evolved through whichever changes they’ve had to face – from ice ages, to technological revolutions, to the Great British Bake Off moving to Channel 4.
Even throw a pandemic at us, we adapt. The world plunges into lockdown, we roll up our sleeves, streamline our digital processes and make it bloody work.
Back when that happened, we were worried about it. We didn't think we could make it work. And yet, before we know it, we've become so good at it, that the thought of having to go back to working with a commute, colleagues and shoes, can actually be quite unappealing.
There are many reasons as to why the office return might feel that way. But ultimately, just like any change, we've also just adapted and got comfortable. We don't like uncertainty and, frankly, it might take some effort to get comfortable again.
But we always adapt. And if we spend our time focusing on what we control, rather than what we don’t, the effort required might not be so taxing, after all.
In any period of change or transition, when the world around us may seem uncertain and chaotic, the question we must ask ourselves is:
How can I create consistency and stability in the areas I can control?
In the office transition, here are 5 areas that might be worth your attention:
Routine
Whether going back to the office full-time, or some kind of flexible hybrid, your work routine is shifting.
From rolling out of bed onto laptop every day, we now have to navigate an earlier alarm, queues for the shower, delayed public transport and commuters’ armpits…none of which, were ever that appealing in the first place.
This shift and inconsistency could be a shock to the system. So, managing your personal routine and giving consistency to your body clock, might help you to ease through it more gently.
Setting a consistent alarm, even for the days working from home, can help to get your body used to an earlier start. That won’t happen without an earlier night - so factor it in and wind down accordingly. And putting just a little time and thought into adapting all of these routine processes, will help them run just a little smoother, too.
Voicing concerns
One of the many things lockdown has hit home, it’s that everybody’s different. We all have different circumstances, personalities, body types, hopes and fears.
Concerns over change and uncertainty are very, very normal – and what the concerns are over, could be anything at all.
While we may not have full control over company policies, we might have some say. And unless we voice our concerns - whether they be over health and safety, routine or anything - then we aren’t maximising the things which are within our control.
So be clear on what the concerns are and communicate them through whichever way you feel comfortable - with managers, HR or colleagues. It may not change the situation entirely, but it could uncover options which may make the situation easier.
People
When working from home, the boundaries we set with other people are easy. We just put them on mute.
Not so easy in the office. Being around other humans is great, until we realise we’ve spent half the morning talking about Love Island or last night’s football results, instead of actually working; or, even worse, dealing with people we’d just rather not. You know who I’m talking about…
Equally, while lockdown with kids, partners or housemates may have driven us up the wall at times, we may also have got used to spending time with them at our leisure – which will be less so, when not in their vicinity.
Be clear, with yourself, on what your boundaries are on how and when you want to be with people - so you're able to communicate those boundaries with them and make sure it happens.
That might be setting dedicated family time; politely letting a colleague know you have a deadline to work to – “but let’s put 15 in the calendar for a coffee?”; or communicating with management about what you need to make this as easy as possible.
Tools and space
Whether moving back to the office from home, or switching between the two, disruption to work can add to our stress.
So make sure you've got everything you need. Don’t get home and realise you’ve left your laptop charger at work. Don’t get to the office without the headphones that help you focus.
Your productivity will be affected by the space in which you work. For many of us, that’s been more of a challenge to create at home than it will be in the office, but both still require thought.
Make a checklist of the tools you require, in order to be productive. Treat your workspaces like homes away from home. Make moving between the two as effortless as possible - as if you’re Queen Liz, dipping out of Buckingham Palace for a cheeky few days at Balmoral.
Wellbeing
For all its devastation, the great lockdown of 2020 has forced many of us to put a bit more thought into our physical and mental wellbeing. But anyone who assumes it won’t still be important after lockdown, could be in for a surprise.
Ask yourself the question: What have I found to be most important to me, when it comes to maintaining my physical and mental wellbeing?
Could be a good night’s sleep. A healthy diet. Yoga three times a week. A 20 minute walk every day. A 10 minute meditation. Playing with the dog.
Write down whatever those things are for you and schedule them into the week - but don’t beat yourself up over it.
We’ve developed habits, based on our previous routine - now we have to adapt them to a new schedule and that isn’t always easy. But at minimum, becoming aware of them will allow us to know what works best, when we might be able to fit it in, and do our best to maintain it.
Mindset - and finding support
Take your time, in whichever way you can. If you need to, and if it’s possible, dip your toes into any new physical space or social setting, before launching yourself into it with a massive cannon-ball splash.
Remember that you do adapt. It takes time, but you’ve done it before and you’ll do it again.
And, if the whole situation still feels too much - that you need help or support in any way - seek it out. Speak to a manager. If not, a colleague. If not, a friend. If not, one of these guys (UK/US/global). If not, call me, dammit. I love a chat.