Companies are calling employees back to their desks, signaling the end of our remote-work comfort zone. Like the great migration of 1.5 million wildebeest across the Serengeti, we’re preparing for a collective upheaval—a transition back to the office.
Since 2020, many of us have embraced the world of remote work—a world where our homes became our offices, and business casual often meant a nice shirt paired with pajama bottoms. After an adjustment period, we figured it out: balancing childcare between Zoom meetings, sneaking in an episode of our favorite show during lunch, and finding new ways to be productive outside the traditional office environment. For many, this newfound work-life balance became a cherished aspect of daily life.
But now, the tides are shifting. Companies are calling employees back to their desks, signaling the end of our remote-work comfort zone. Like the great migration of 1.5 million wildebeest across the Serengeti, we’re preparing for a collective upheaval—a transition back to the office. So, how do we navigate this change? Can we survive and even thrive in this new phase?
Acknowledge the Change
The first step in making this transition is to acknowledge that it’s happening and that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about it. Change is always disruptive, and after three years of remote work, many have grown accustomed to the flexibility it offers. Recognize that these feelings—whether they’re frustration, excitement, or anxiety—are valid.
It’s a good time to reflect on what worked for you during remote work. Was it the freedom to structure your day? More time with family? The absence of a commute? By identifying what matters most, you can set realistic goals to carry some of those benefits forward, even as you adapt to the office.
Rebuild Your Routine
One of the biggest shifts will be re-establishing a daily routine that works for the office environment. This means adjusting your wake-up time, preparing meals ahead of time, and potentially reintroducing a commute into your day. For those of us who mastered the 30-second morning commute from bed to desk, this might feel like climbing Everest. But with preparation, it’s doable.
- Start transitioning early: Begin waking up and getting ready as if you were heading to the office a week or two before the actual return. Practice setting an alarm again—yes, that thing you used to rely on.
- Plan your mornings: Set out your clothes, pack your lunch, and organize your bag the night before to reduce morning stress. Remember, “Is this shirt clean?” is not a question you want to face at 6:45 AM.
- Revisit your commute: If you’re taking public transit or driving, do a trial run to ensure you’re familiar with the timing. And don’t forget to mentally prepare for rush hour traffic—a cherished ritual we’d all forgotten.
Another pro tip: pack an emergency stash. Snacks, ibuprofen, and maybe an extra charger can be lifesavers when you’re still re-acclimating to the unpredictability of office life.
Prioritize Work-Life Balance
One of the greatest lessons from remote work is the importance of work-life balance. While you may no longer have the same flexibility, you can still advocate for balance:
- Set clear boundaries: Leave work at the office whenever possible. Avoid answering emails or taking calls after hours. This might mean learning to say, “That sounds great, let’s talk about it tomorrow!” when a colleague tries to corner you at 5:59 PM.
- Communicate with your employer: If you’ve found certain remote-work practices beneficial (e.g., flexible hours), discuss options for retaining those arrangements in some capacity. Many companies are more open to hybrid models than you might think.
- Carve out personal time: Make sure to schedule time for family, hobbies, and self-care to avoid burnout. An hour of reading or a quick yoga session after work can do wonders.
Things We "Missed" About the Office
Let’s be honest, returning to the office does bring back some, uh, delightful experiences we’ve been missing out on during remote work. Remember that great egg-and-sausage sandwich from the corner deli? The one that always left your fingers greasy but your soul content? Or the office coffee that somehow managed to be both scalding hot and lukewarm at the same time—a true marvel of modern science.
And who could forget the morning cheerleader of your workplace? You know the one. She’s chirping a bright "Good morning!" while you’re still working on prying your eyes open. It’s not just that she’s a morning person; it’s that she’s an extreme morning person, the type who’s already on her second coffee and third motivational podcast by 8 AM.
Then there’s the bathroom situation: the faint aroma of industrial cleaner mingling with despair. The awkward eye contact while waiting for the stall, the passive-aggressive signs reminding you to "flush with care," and the hand dryers that sound like jet engines taking off.
The commute is another nostalgic gem. Traffic jams, crowded buses, and the soothing symphony of honking horns as you contemplate whether you can survive on freelance gigs alone. Still, there’s something oddly comforting about these rituals—a sense of shared suffering, camaraderie, and a reminder that we’re all in this absurd play together.
Focus on Connection
Returning to the office isn’t just about physical presence; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and rebuild in-person relationships. While remote work allowed for efficiency and independence, it sometimes came at the cost of spontaneous collaboration and social bonding. Take advantage of:
- Team-building opportunities: Participate in office events or informal gatherings to strengthen bonds with coworkers. Pro tip: if there’s free food involved, show up early.
- Collaborative work: Enjoy the spontaneity and creativity that can come from in-person brainstorming sessions and discussions. There’s a certain magic to scribbling ideas on a whiteboard while someone’s pen runs out of ink mid-thought.
- Micro-interactions: Those small chats in the break room or hallway can lead to deeper connections and even new ideas. Don’t underestimate the power of asking, “So, how was your weekend?”
Be Kind to Yourself
Transitions take time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you adjust. Remember, you’ve adapted to significant changes before. It’s okay to feel unsettled at first, but trust that you’ll find your rhythm again. If you need to vent, find a trusted coworker, friend, or even an online forum. You’re not alone in this.
Practice small acts of kindness toward yourself. Treat yourself to a nice lunch, give yourself grace if you’re running five minutes late, or celebrate small wins—like surviving the first Monday back without crying in the bathroom.
Advocate for Hybrid Options
If remote work has been a game-changer for your productivity and well-being, now might be the time to discuss hybrid models with your employer. Hybrid arrangements—combining remote and in-office work—are increasingly common and may offer the best of both worlds.
To make your case, highlight specific examples of how remote work improved your output or reduced stress. Frame it as a win-win situation for both you and the company.
Redefine Success in the New Normal
As we adjust to this new chapter, it’s worth rethinking what success looks like. Is it about being the first one in and the last one out? Or is it about working smarter, not harder? The pandemic has shown us that productivity isn’t tied to a desk—it’s tied to motivation, creativity, and well-being.
Take this opportunity to redefine your goals and priorities. Whether it’s advancing your career, finding more joy in your work, or simply surviving the transition, make sure it aligns with what matters most to you.
Summing Up: Thriving in the New Normal
The return to the office may feel like an upheaval, but it’s also an opportunity to redefine how we work and engage with our professional lives. By planning ahead, prioritizing balance, and embracing the positives of in-person collaboration, we can navigate this transition successfully. And who knows? This new chapter might just surprise us.
