Please don’t say it’s so.
The return to work is upon us and we’re all dreading it (not me if you’re reading this boss. I love returning to work!). But that feeling of dread doesn’t need to be persistent, you can make the return back to the office a more relaxed one, it can even be fun. Here are some things you can do to make your return to the office fun.
Plan to Be Social
Hopefully you’ve got some work friends, some mates you actually enjoy hanging out with in the office. Book a time to catch up for coffee or lunch in your first few days back at work to reconnect. Talk about your breaks, what you watched, make some effort to discuss anything but the office.
New Desk Decorations
A little office/desk refresh is a good way to make the return feel like a fresh start. Whether it’s a desk job, sales job or even work where you drive. Add some new decorations in the space you spend the most time in to liven up your workspace.
Quick Wins and Goal Setting
Set some goals for the year that excite you that you can work towards in quiet moments. On you first few days though give yourself a few short and quick jobs you can crush easily to help rebuild that work flow and find some new year confidence.
Curate a Playlist
Can you listen to music at work? Make a new playlist for the office or for your commute that’ll get you moving and feeling good.
Lil Treats
Reward yourself when you finish an important task. Print that paper? Get a coffee! Finish that presentation? Time for a lil’ brownie!
Reducing some Immediate Stress
One of the most overwhelming parts about the office return is picking up all the work that built up over the break. If you can get a head start on it quickly then the initial stress if this can feel less intense. Whether it be the very first thing you do when you get in is smash out the first hundred email, or even getting a small start the night before to save you some head aches.
Themed Weeks
I know this sounds stupid but it’ll make the return a bit fun and silly when you return. Give yourself a treat week where every coffee break you try a new baked good, or a deli sandwich lunch week. Can even rope in some friends to join you and make it a team building exercise!
