The Covid-19 pandemic forced a lot of people to leave the office and start working from home. Now that vaccines have started rolling out quickly, a lot of companies are making adjustments to move back to the in-person office setting. However, there are many aspects to consider before moving forward to a traditional office setting. Here are five tips for adjusting back to the office after working from home during the pandemic.
1. Look Into Your Local Health Guidelines
Before you make the transition back to the office, it’s wise to check up with your local public health guidelines to ensure that it will be a safe move. Some states have higher risk factors, such as lower vaccination rates and higher levels of infection. Local health authorities can provide information and tips for safely moving back to in-person workplaces.
2. Survey Your Employees
The next step you’ll want to take is surveying your employees to gauge how they feel about the transition. Some work-from-home operations are extremely effective, and moving back to office work may not be necessary. Survey your employees to gather their thoughts on remote work, returning to the office, and other work-related topics. Ask them what can be done better, what’s working, and what’s not working so great.
3. Assess Your Needs for Office Work
Some businesses only need a handful of in-office employees, while others may need more. Depending on the industry, you may be able to get away with primarily remote workers. Otherwise, you could consider a hybrid method where some employees are in-office, and some are working remotely. It all depends on the industry factors and specific job duties. Work with your human resources team to decipher what’s best for your company and employees.
4. Consider Making Changes to Your Office Space
If most of your employees prefer to work from home, you may not need the large office space you would if all your workers were in person. Reducing the amount of office space you pay for can help you save costs in the long run. If you plan to continue with the work-from-home model, consider reassessing your real estate needs and sizing down your office space.
5. Encourage Workers to Come Back to the Office
If you are looking to bring employees back into the office, find ways to encourage them to come back voluntarily. If your employees are not happy with the change to an in-person setting, they won’t be as willing to perform high-quality work. Working with your employees and creating a flexible work environment can allow your team to make decisions based on their preferences. Those that are excited to return to the office can do so when they are ready.
Final Thoughts
Working from home during the pandemic worked great for some businesses and employees. However, some companies are ready to transition back to in-office work. To do this safely and effectively, work with your local health authorities to find safe methods, and check with your employees to gather their thoughts. Following these guidelines can ensure that you can smoothly transition your remote workers back to the office.
