It is no exaggeration to say that work routines of all types have seen a considerable disruption to the norm since the COVID-19 virus impacted the professional world. This can mean that returning to work after the lockdown can be accompanied by a bit of apprehension and nervousness. If you have felt this way, then have no fear, many are in the same situation and we have come with some sound advice. 

Here are some of the top ways you can facilitate your return to the work scene after the lockdown.   

Clarify the plan

You will feel a little more secure in your outlook if you have taken the time to contact your line manager and get the down low on your return to work. It could be that you are perfectly happy with your work arrangement but are not sure how much longer things can continue as so. While you are in communications, you can also have a discussion with your line manager about the future of your working arrangements so you know what to expect.   

Make sure you are following ORDERS  

Your organization has probably already carried out health and safety reviews to ensure that it is completely COVID-19 safe and has taken all the measures described by authorities to be in line with regulations. If you are unsure about what type of rules have been enacted, you can ask for more information from your local authority, Health and Safety Executive or even with other companies that are already adhering to the COVID plan.   

Organise Yourself

Being away from the office for a while means you are likely going to be out of sync with the routines of every day office life. Organising yourself to ensure that this doesn't impact you is important. Ensuring you have your needs and can work effectively is important. This may mean a new laptop or keyboard, a fast wireless charger so you don't run out of juice during the day or even just a new coffee cup.

Understand the process

The mental health charity "MIND", the Society of Occupational Medicine, Acas and Business in the Community have taken the time to create the Returning to Workplace Toolkit, which provides everything you need to know about returning to work. While this is primarily intended for management, it is also a useful thing for employees to familiarize themselves with.   

Plan your meetings

If you will be working primarily at home, but still heading out to the office, take the time at the office to have all your important meetings and get in that valuable face time with your team leaders and coworkers.   

Reconnect

You have taken considerable time away from your place of work due to the global pandemic and this has taken its toll. With this in mind, you may want to find some time to reconnect with your friends and allies and talk about the things you have lived through in the last year.   

Address the dress code  

One of the more pressing concerns you may face is the subject of dress codes. You are probably not the only one who has cast aside your sharp looking attires for loungewear. Ask your manager about the dress code for those coming back to work and see if any changes have been made. It could be that your company now allows a little more comfort in the workplace - but, you don't want to be the only one in crocs and jorts, while the rest of the team wears business suits.  

Review your commute  

If you have been taking the same route to get to work day in day out, it might be a good time to shake things up a bit. This would be a great time to check out that bicycle path you have been considering. You never know what magical adventures await you on a new trail. If you are dreading the commute, you can also do other things to turn all this around and make your journey more interesting by walking or cycling.  

Maintain your routine

It could be that this time away from the conventional work scene has given you a new focus and drive and a new way to face your routine. If this is the case, it may be a good time to stick to that new way of doing things for as long as possible. By the same measure, if you have created any bad habits in your time away from work, this would be a good time to begin rectifying these tendencies.   

Take it one day at a time  

Without a doubt, the last 16 months have been a wild ride of surprises and emotions that has been affectionately dubbed the "Corona-coaster." With this in mind, it is as good a time as any to check in on yourself and make sure that you are being extra conscious of the way you feel. If you believe you are struggling with some emotional baggage, take some time to talk to a trusted friend and get it all off your chest.