Mom-buns, Covid-beards, and “Zoom Suits” are the NORM. Is it time to get dressed and go back to work?

This month marks one official year since the announcement of the Covid-19 Pandemic. One year ago, we thought we would be back to work, drinking coffee and gabbing with our work friends in just 2 weeks. As the weeks turned to months, we realized that many of us wouldn’t be back inside our physical offices or with our co-workers for a long, long time. Even now, we are not sure what the timeline is for reentry, but we know it’s coming. As the vaccines are being distributed and states are reopening, not only will many of us eventually be going back to the office, but we also have to reenter society after all this time away. Are we ready?

What we need to understand is that every single person who has had to isolate themselves for the last year has handled it in a vastly different and personal way. Some adapted quickly with little disruption to their routines except the venue where they open their laptop. Some now have their kids at home remote learning while they work full-time. Some have taken a lot of time to learn the new ways of the world and better themselves...and some have just been getting by...barely.

We wear sweatpants below the watchful eye of the camera as an actual NORM now. I’ve heard it referred to as the “Covid Mullet or Zoom Suit.” Business has changed. Permanently. Life has changed, permanently. People have changed, permanently. I’m not sure I’m completely ready to give up the comfort that comes from working remotely, but I do feel the time has come to get back to some type of normalcy…and this is just not normal.

While many businesses may opt to continue telework for its many advantages, it’s inevitable that many will open their cubicles once again. Going back to work in-person is going to take little adjustment for some and a whole lot of patience for others. In addition to the restrictions that will need to be in place (i.e., social distancing, hybrid work environments, hand sanitizing stations, masks, staggered schedules) the stress related to reentering a post-pandemic society and work environment is real!

so…how do we prepare ourselves to reenter the world and an in-person workplace again?

Consider the Options

Do you have to go back full-time? Does it have to be right away or can you transition slowly? According to PwC’s US Remote Work Survey - January 12, 2021 “The success of remote work has reimagined how corporate work gets done, as well as where the work takes place. PwC’s second survey into attitudes about remote work finds US executives and employees converging around a post-pandemic future with a lot more flexibility, yet few are prepared to completely abandon the office space.” With 83% claiming success in moving to a remote work environment, more businesses are adapting a hybrid office environment.

Communicate with your team and your supervisors and make sure everyone is on the same page about expectations ahead of time.

Prepare Yourself

We must first recognize that it’s going to happen and then really wrap our heads around it. We have completely changed our habits, routines, and mindsets this past year out of necessity. We can wake up later. We don't have to commute. We’re wearing athleisure and Mom-buns or Covid-beards to Zoom meetings and it’s OK because so is everyone else! It has been a great ride, but it’s time to get back on track (some type of track anyway). The sooner we accept it, the easier our reentry into the real world will be.

Take a Personal Inventory

What do you think you need to have done to be ready to go back? Do you need new clothes? A trip to the barber? Or do you need something more...like talking to a professional about the anxiety you are feeling? Maybe you could use some personal or leadership development courses to brush up on your skills. Whatever it is - make a note of it.

Pets can be affected by major changes just as much as we can!

Prepare Your Loved Ones

Take a family and pet inventory. What do your family and your pets need to be ready for you to leave the house again? They have had you at their disposal 24 hours a day for a whole year. Their habits and routines have changed, too. Even your pets are going to need some extra thought about how they might react when you go back to an office and can no longer feed them treats from the table at lunch or give extra belly rubs.

Act and Make Plans

Take note of that personal, family, and pet inventory you took earlier and start making plans. Are you even writing this stuff down?

Start new routines…like maybe stop feeding your pets treats from your home office!

Each “inventory item” needs an action item. Whatever needs to be done by the time you go back, get it done – the sooner the better. Register for classes. Make those appointments. Go shopping. Set goals based on your timeline.

change your Routines

How many of us have heard the term “Groundhog Day” used to exhaustion throughout the Pandemic? I always joke on the Monday team Zoom call when asked about my weekend, “it might as well have been a Tuesday!”

It takes 21 days to make a habit. So, what happens in 365 days? Hopefully not lots of unhealthy habits...but we all know that is not true. Consider starting by making one minor change to your routine. Maybe it’s going to bed or waking up earlier. Instead of showering at night, shower in the morning. Feeling extra motivated?? Try getting dressed! And maybe not a hoodie and sweatpants. Continue adding slight changes. And get your family and pets accustomed to changes in routine as well.

Don’t forget the new habits and routines that you have adopted in the last year that are GOOD FOR YOU. Don’t get rid of those! But do plan how you are going to fit those things into your future routine.

Make Time for Self Care

Don’t forget to take time for yourself and enjoy the ride - no matter how bumpy it may be.

My personal favorite. I have gotten into the habit/routine of working out every day before work. It makes me happy, it relieves stress, and it keeps me healthy-ish since the kitchen is mere steps away from my desk. It’s my own form of meditation. Because I don’t have a commute – I can step off the treadmill and be working in a matter of minutes. Or I can work from my phone on the treadmill! This is not something I am willing to give up when the world opens back up and I will make sure I always make time for it.

I also love to hike - so I make sure to take time to go for walks with my kids and get them out of the house. Sometimes it’s hard to intentionally take care of yourself - sometimes you need to force it, but the rewards are well worth the fight.

So when you go back, it’s important to still fit the things in that make you smile through all the stress and responsibilities.

Follow the Rules

Be extra sure that you are following all the latest developments, restrictions, and protocols with the Covid-19 Pandemic. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable. You may be not as worried as your co-workers – try to consider everyone around you and how they might be feeling. This will ensure that your team remains working like the well-oiled machine it’s meant to be. Without the discomfort of that one person not following the rules, we can focus on the work.

Personally - I’m hoping to reenter in a hybrid format. I have worked from home for many years with other companies - so this wasn’t hard to adjust to in that way. But I do miss shaking hands, I miss lunch meetings, I miss the in-person connections and how it really strengthens a relationship…sometimes I even miss getting dressed and driving into work…BUT as a Mom, having a flexible schedule, working in my pajamas, and being there for my kids is pretty appealing, too. Ultimately I will do what is right for both my family and the company I work for. We are all learning together. So, remember to be kind to yourself and others and respectful of how your co-workers feel about rejoining an in-person work environment.

How are you feeling about having to go back to work in-person? If you could choose to would you continue working remotely? What are you doing to prepare yourself for reentry? Leave your comments for us!

Kelly Pattison

Director, Marketing & Business Development

kpattison@half-full.com

Are We Ready to Reenter the Workplace?