Excited to reconnect with colleagues and share updates? Or anxious about leaving remote work behind? In 2021, returning to the office means adapting to new routines. Here's what to expect and how to prepare effectively.
Commute: Healthy Habits to Adopt
Why not use this transition to rethink your daily commute? If your workplace is nearby, opt for biking or scootering. This avoids crowded public transport—reducing virus transmission risks—while providing fresh air and exercise. Stuck with buses or subways? Get off a stop or two early for a refreshing walk to start your day right.
Limit contact further by prepping lunch at home instead of buying takeout during breaks.
Office Safety: Protecting Yourself on Site
After months away, reclaiming your workspace requires ongoing vigilance, especially in open-plan offices. Follow these proven health protocols:
- Disinfect hands upon entering if using public transport.
- Skip hugs, handshakes—opt for no-contact greetings.
- Maintain at least 1 meter distance from others.
- Wash hands frequently, particularly after touching shared surfaces like elevator buttons or door handles.
- Dispose of tissues immediately after use and wash hands.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wear a mask covering nose and mouth around others in shared spaces; remove only in private offices.
- Store used masks in a sealed container or freezer bag—never loosely.
- Ventilate open spaces and communal areas regularly; layer up with a sweater to stay comfortable.
Can surgical masks be washed?
UFC-Que Choisir tested washing surgical masks at 60°C up to 10 times, finding filtration nearly unchanged. However, reuse isn't recommended by the General Directorate of Health or High Council for Public Health.
From Remote Work: Easing Back to the Office
Remote work suited some perfectly, challenging others. With office returns likely soon, prepare with these practical steps:
- Establish consistent work hours and sleep schedules, mirroring pre-pandemic routines.
- Separate home and work mentally—delegate chores to family for smoother transitions.
- Retain active commutes like walking or cycling to sustain fitness and lower risks.
- Assess remote gains: Apply new skills or habits to boost office productivity.
- Embrace positives via meditation or the Coué method to manage stress productively.
- Feeling anxious or dizzy? It could be cabin syndrome. Access psychological support or call 0 800 13 00 00, the Ministry of Labour's free teleworker helpline.
Returning after confinement can be tough, but these expert tips and health guidelines ensure a confident, serene comeback.
