The days of working in sweatpants while your dog snores in the background might not be over entirely, but for many, the shift back to office life is happening. After years of remote work, adjusting to return-to-office culture may feel like uncharted territory. Whether you’re excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, returning to the office doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s your guide to navigating this transition with ease. We're covering everything from managing work-life balance to rebuilding in-person connections and adapting to new office activities.
Manage Work-Life Balance in a Hybrid World
One of the greatest benefits of remote work was the flexibility it allowed to balance work and personal commitments. Returning to the office might disrupt these routines, but you can set yourself up for success by creating intentional boundaries.
Establish a New Routine
Start by reviewing your schedule. Do you need to shift your morning routine to account for a commute? Are there childcare or household responsibilities that require new timing? Plan your day with consistency in mind to give yourself structure while minimizing stress.
Protect Your After-Work Hours
When working remotely, it was easy to close your laptop and walk away. With return-to-office culture, leaving your work at the office can help re-establish that boundary. Commit to logging off at the end of the workday with intention and focus on your personal time.
Pro Tip: If your office has flexible hours or hybrid days, plan ahead to make the most of work-from-home opportunities. Use those days to run errands or tackle tasks that are easier outside the office.
Revisit Your Priorities
With a busier schedule, now’s a great time to reassess what matters most. Whether it’s weekly fitness goals or spending quality time with loved ones, decide what you’ll prioritize and ensure it’s included in your plan.
Rebuild Relationships with Your Colleagues
Remote work transformed how we communicate. Slack messages, video calls, and virtual coffee chats became the norm. Now that in-person interactions are back, reconnecting with coworkers doesn't have to feel awkward.
Start with Small Talk
Ask about weekend plans, swap book recommendations, or even talk about favorite takeout spots. Friendly small talk can be a simple, pressure-free way to reestablish bonds with colleagues.
Lunch (or Coffee) Is Your Best Friend
Shared meals or casual coffee breaks can help build camaraderie. Inviting a teammate to join you for lunch gives you a chance to connect on a personal level without the distraction of work.
Strengthen Teamwork Through Collaboration
Group projects are one of the best ways to rebuild trust and a sense of shared purpose. When you show up as a team player, you remind your coworkers of why they enjoyed working with you in the first place.
Key Reminder: Be patient. Some people may need more time than others to adjust to in-person interactions again. Respect those differences and create a welcoming space for all personality types.
Adapt to New Office Norms
Post-remote office life is different. Many workplaces are blending the best of remote flexibility with elements of traditional office culture. Expect new norms, evolving policies, and fresh opportunities for working together.
Master the Hybrid Environment
If your team splits time between home and office, make sure you’re comfortable navigating hybrid workflows. Stay proactive by keeping calendars updated and scheduling in-office meetings that maximize collaboration.
Learn (or Suggest!) New Tools
Your company may adopt new technology to streamline office workflows. Tools like shared desks, video conference rooms, or scheduling apps might play a bigger role than before, so make it a priority to familiarize yourself with them.
Don’t hesitate to suggest solutions, too. If you’ve been using a stellar productivity app or communication platform remotely, offer to share it!
Observe Office Etiquette
Every workplace has its quirks, and some may have shifted during the remote work years. Take time to observe how your peers approach office routines, and ask questions if you're unsure about new rules or expectations.
Don’t Forget to Prioritize Self-Care
Returning to the office can be a mental and emotional adjustment. It’s essential to practice self-care along the way to avoid burnout and maintain a positive mindset.
Listen to What You Need
Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Give yourself permission to step back and breathe. Whether it’s a quick walk, an afternoon energy-boosting snack, or talking through your thoughts with a trusted confidante, prioritize activities that help you recharge.
Focus on Positivity
Acknowledge the perks of return-to-office culture. Consider what you’ve gained with this transition, whether it’s reconnecting with a work friend, access to a better workspace, or even the occasional free bagel in the breakroom.
Build “Recovery” Time
If the daily grind of commuting takes a toll, set aside time to recover. Quiet evenings at home, mindfulness exercises, or a 10-minute meditation can help you decompress and adapt to your new routine.
Pro Tip: Try journaling about your thoughts during the transition. Writing down feelings of growth, challenges, and wins can bring clarity and motivation.
