After more than a year of working from home for many professionals, returning to work might be a bit of a challenge. The time has come for some of us to start preparing for a daily commute and workdays spent outside of the home. With vaccinations at full speed and many counties starting to open up, some are experiencing mixed emotions about going back into the office. And that’s okay. It’s normal to feel a little confused and anxious about returning to the workplace.

Tips to Feel more Prepared When Returning to Work in the Office

We’ve put together some tips to help you feel more prepared for the next transition.

1. Keep communication lines open

If you have questions or concerns, just ask. It’s okay to express your concerns to your employer to ensure that the workplace environment is set up to be safe and secure for you. This will foster trust and give your employer a chance to explain the changes they’ve implemented to keep employees as safe as possible.

2. Focus on your mental health

It’s important to express your emotions and focus on your mental health. This is key if you are stressed and your sleep, for example, is being compromised. Take the time to prioritize yourself by going on walks, practicing yoga, or doing other activities that can boost your mental health. You can also take this time to mentally prepare for getting back to the office. 

3. Plan your new routine

It might be a good idea to plan out and prepare for your new routine. Whether it’s taking extra time the night before to pick out your outfits or making sure your family’s schedules are in sync, having a good routine in place will help you stay calm and focused as you start getting used to this change.

4. Review safety protocols and guidelines

Looking over all the safety protocols put in place will be helpful for you to prepare being back in the office. Every workplace will have different rules and regulations, so take the time to look over what the next steps are and what you need to do to ensure a safe and comfortable return. If you do not see any guidelines, reach out to your manager or HR for updates.

Laid off because of the pandemic?

Here are some steps you can take to get back out there with confidence.

1. Revamp your resume

Take charge of your job hunt by updating your resume. Incorporate everything you have been doing including new certifications or contract work you might have taken up after you lost your job due to the pandemic. Put your creativity to use and tailor your resume for your industry to highlight your skills and achievements.

2. Practice your interviewing skills

Interviewing is usually the most nerve-racking part of the job hunt process, but it doesn’t have to be! If you have reached this round (congratulations!), do a lot of research on the company, and look up some interview tips, to prepare and build your confidence for the day of the interview.

3. Seek out industry recruiters

Recruiters are here to help! Working with a recruitment company will help you match with employers of your choice that are looking for talent with your skills and ambitions. Your recruiter will be on the lookout for the positions you pursue, making it a lot more efficient when seeking potential roles that fit your interests and skills.

4. Optimize your social media

Take the time to clean up your professional social media presence – especially your LinkedIn profile. Reach out to former employers, supervisors and coworkers for recommendations. Edit your profile accordingly and use the proper keywords to attract recruiters to your profile. Here are some tips on how you can optimize your profile.

5. Reach out to your network

Now is a great time to reach out to your connections to seek out any job opportunities. Networking will create a snowball effect with your connections reaching out to their connections for you which could lead to being connected with potential employers.

The pandemic has hit all of us in many ways. We’re all trying to be prepared and figure out our next steps when it comes to our careers. Whether you’re looking for a new job or trying to sharpen your skill set, continue to seek out the necessary tools and resources to help you navigate through your career journey.

Roth Staffing Companies has specialized business lines to help you find the right role in the industry you want to be in. From administrative to finance & accounting, to technology or legal staffing, discover how our recruiters can help you take that next step in your career.