Welcome Back!

Welcome Back: Making the Transition Back to the Office

By: Lyndsey Walthall

FINALLY. After working from home for what feels like decades, it’s time to return to the office! Your team has been briefed on all necessary COVID procedures set in place to keep everyone safe, and it isn’t long before you find yourself itching to get started. After all, you’ve missed physically being at the office. The night before the big day you dust off your computer bag, grab the pile of papers you brought home last March, and set out your favorite coffee to brew fresh the next morning. But are you really as prepared as you think you are?

Well, yes and no. In truth, it’s impossible to be totally prepared for anything. For example, what if everyone finally made the long awaited return to the office, got settled (masks on, of course), only to then have the power go out? Back home you trek, ironically. Power outages are unpredictable (and unlikely, barring nasty weather), so what can you prepare for? Well, for starters, set aside some time to check in with everyone. 2020 was scary and hard for all of us, and your team is likely experiencing a broad spectrum of emotions upon returning to the office. If possible, take a half hour in the morning to set up some coffee and muffins outside, allowing people to eat and mingle safely. Yes, the job is important, but so is mental health.

Plan accordingly for meetings. Keep in mind the hotel boardroom down the street where you normally hold your bimonthly budget meeting might not be open, or, if it is, might have limited seating available. Sticking with Zoom calls and emails might be best for right now.

At BCI, we understand transitioning back to pre-COVID life is daunting. Several of our current clients are experiencing it right now. But we care about you, your business and your employees and want to help anyway we can. In the end, I personally believe this process is all about kindness, understanding and patience. Welcome back!