Bring remote work habits back to the office
As one of the many remote workers recently transitioning back to the office, I have been finding myself lacking enthusiasm at the thought of going back full time.
Yes, I am excited to see my team again, brainstorm in person and start resuming a more “normal” routine. However, I also am going to seriously miss some of the freedoms you get from working from home.
That’s why I am making a conscious effort to integrate the lessons I’ve learned during the past few months into my new office mindset. Here are four lessons from my work-from-home (WFH) experience that I am taking with me into the office.
Take actual breaks.
When it comes to taking breaks in the office, I — like so many leaders — often find any and every excuse to squeeze in another small task instead of taking an actual breather.
Yet, during the past few months, my day was punctuated with short breaks every few hours. Being at home afforded me the opportunity to take my dog outside twice a day, make a latte or do a quick check-in with a loved one. Not only did this boost my overall mental health, it also strengthened my ability to concentrate and think critically.
Skip the in-person meeting for a conference call.
After finally getting my team and clients used to the idea of routine Zoom meetings, it dawned on me how much time I actually spend going to head offices and conference centers when a quick phone call or video conference could have easily sufficed.
Of course, this isn’t a new thought. However, spending the past few months without the luxury of in-person meetings has made me rethink how I value my time and the practical use of technology.
Make time to connect.
When our WFH order first started, many of our internal systems had to adapt quickly to an all-online model. This included how we cultivate our company culture — from daily banters (now moved onto Slack channels) to team outings and volunteering efforts (now done via video conferencing and online donations).
With our daily routines changed, how my employees needed support also dramatically changed. That’s why daily or bi-weekly meetings to discuss how our leadership team can best serve our employees made all the difference in easing the transition, and will be essential when we move back into the physical office.
Make wellness essential at work.
While working from home, it was easier than ever to implement wellness habits into my actual work day — whether that was doing a face mask during phone meetings or pausing to make a delicious lunch.
Having the space to build a few practices into my work day allowed my brain to slow down and regain focus, and made me a better leader.
There’s a reason why airlines tell you to put your mask on before others; in order to best lead your team, you must take your own mental well-being seriously.