What can you expect when returning to work after quarantine? Are you nervous about the end of your WFH life? Check out this insight here.
A Guide for Returning to Work
When going back to work, there are a few considerations you should make. There are likely policy requirements, as well as those of local ordinance. Return to work plans should not compromise the safety or wellness of employees.
Prepare the Workplace
If you’re in a leadership position, return to work policies and procedures are likely your responsibility. This means a lot of changes for you and your staff. You may have to manage new staggered schedules, office arrangements, and develop resources to train and inform staff of these changes.
If you are not in leadership, the best thing you can do for your team is to be flexible and understanding. Going in to work at the office won’t be an easy transition for some. Coworkers with families or a high health risk may be unable to return to work, so being supportive reflects well on you and will help your company.
Managing Expectations
With coworkers and employees used to working from home, supervisor expectations have likely shifted. When you and your team come back to work, you should still keep your expectations fluid. New policies and adjusting working face-to-face will likely have altered the office dynamic.
As an employee you may find our supervisor or teammates more demanding or relaxed than anticipated. It’s important to keep your mind open to new accountability measures, but don’t be afraid to speak up (respectfully) about what has worked. You and your team will likely benefit from feedback.
Keep Yourself Informed
Going into work is not an option for every employee. Some have families or health concerns that may keep them at home.
Others’ roles may not require going back to work in person, especially if office space is limited. When returning to work, be aware of workforce laws and local ordinances which dictate who can and can’t come into work.
As an employee, stay on top of training your supervisor may ask you to watch or participate in. Don’t shirk responsibilities, such as sanitizing a shared space or wearing a mask.
If you’re confused about any new policies, ask the designated team worker for clarity. Don’t inundate management with questions about a basic policy, unless they have communicated you can do so.
Work Together
Returning to work is actually a good thing—if managed correctly. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from your employees about how they’re doing with the transition. It’s important, more than ever, to work together when going back to work.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Feedback will help your team as much as your mangers make changes that benefit the entire workplace.
Going Back to Work Is a Good Thing
If your company is encouraging returning to work, that is a good sign. Employees back in the workplace show things are returning to normal and stabilizing.
After the adjustment, you’ll likely see your employees happy to see each other in person once again, instead of isolated. For more information about the workplace, please consult our other content.
