After 15 months of working from home, I am finally transitioning back to in-person work at my office. For the time being, I plan to spend two days of the work week in the office, with the option to increase my in-person days as needed. Here are a few things I have discovered as I make my transition back to in-person work:
Sweatpants are Better Than Dress Pants
For the last 15 months, I have not worn actual pants during the workday. Sure, I look like I am wearing business casual when you see me in the Zoom meeting. That is only my top half and for my bottom half, there is a good chance I am wearing athletic shorts. Now, that I am back to in person work, I am required to wear actual dress pants, which are not as comfy.
Reorganizing Is Required
My past self was not very kind to my future self. My first day back to the office, I returned to messy/unorganized workspace. Remember when we thought the shut down was only going to last two weeks? Well, I left my office with the impression that I was only going to be gone for a short period of time. So, I left my desk a mess. When packing up on the day of the shutdown, I grabbed what I needed and left everything exactly where it was. So, on my first day back, I spent the whole day reorganizing and cleaning my desk. I found lots of old candy in my desk drawers. Thankfully, cleaning is easy with iLevel® technology. Also, to be on the safe side, I disinfected every surface and object imaginable.
Are Paper Files Still a Thing?
Before the pandemic, my office had relied on paper documents and files. With everyone working from home, everything became digital. Digital documents make it easier for one to access wherever they are, are more accessible for people who need documents in different formats, and more environmentally friendly. Looking at my workspace for the first time in 15 months, I was taken back by all the paper files and how that seemed like a foreign concept after working from home. So, are paper files going to be a thing of the past as many employers move to a hybrid work setting?
Interacting With Others In-Person Has Become Exhausting
As an extrovert, I love to talk and be around people. While working from home, there were many days where my dogs where the ones I interacted with most. Now that I am working in person, I am required to talk to multiple people throughout my workday on an everyday basis. I find myself feeling exhausted after working in the office for the day and interacting with others. Has the pandemic converted me to an introvert? No, probably not. Still, I must retrain myself to get used to multiple in-person interactions and pick up on daily social ques. After being on lockdown, we all need a refresher on our interpersonal skills.
What things are you noticing as you transition back to in-person activities?
About Isabella Bullock: Isabella, or Izzie for short, is an employment specialist for the Center of Independent Living. She is an iced coffee enthusiast who enjoys getting lost in a good book. Click here to learn more about Isabella.