Returning To the Office: A Guide for Young Professionals
3 minute read
Young professionals throughout the country are trading in their sweatpants and Nespresso cappuccinos for winter parkas and take-out coffee as return-to-office mandates increase seemingly every day. Shifting from remote work back to the office, especially after years of enjoying the flexibility of working from home, can feel overwhelming. However, returning to the office doesn’t have to be a negative experience. With the right mindset and strategies, you can make this transition smoother and even find unexpected benefits along the way.
Understanding the Frustration
It’s completely normal to feel resistant to change, especially when it requires squeezing into dress pants and crowded subway cars. The idea of returning to the office can prompt many concerns, including the following:
Loss of Flexibility: You’ve built a routine that works for you, and now it feels like that freedom is being taken away.
Commuting Hassles: Long commutes, public transportation delays, or traffic can add extra stress to your day.
Office Distractions: Working in an office environment means dealing with chatty coworkers, impromptu meetings, and other interruptions.
Change in Work-Life Balance: Remote work allowed for midday walks, personal errands, or even working in comfy clothes—things that might feel impossible now.
While these frustrations are valid, reframing the experience and developing strategies can help the thought of returning to the office feel far less daunting.
Skills to Manage the Transition
1. Time Management & Routine Building
Start adjusting your sleep schedule a week before returning so early mornings feel less jarring.
Establish a structured morning routine that includes something enjoyable—coffee from your favorite café, a podcast, or a short meditation.
Use a planner or time-blocking techniques to stay on top of your workload.
2. Setting Boundaries
Communicate clearly with your manager about your workload and ask for help when you need it.
If distractions in the office are an issue, listen to instrumental music on your headphones or book a conference room for focused work time.
3. Managing Stress & Anxiety
Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or short mental resets throughout the day.
If commuting is a major stressor, listen to audiobooks or calming playlists to make the experience more enjoyable.
Stay active—incorporate short walks or stretching breaks to keep your energy levels balanced.
4. Strengthening In-Person Communication Skills
Remote work relied heavily on emails and messaging apps, but face-to-face communication is different. Practice active listening and making eye contact to rebuild those social skills.
Reconnect with coworkers by planning happy hours or lunch outings to strengthen relationships.
Finding the Benefits of Returning to the Office
While returning to the office may feel like an unnecessary inconvenience, there are potential benefits:
Career Growth: Being physically present can open doors to mentorship opportunities, visibility with leadership, and networking that remote work doesn’t always allow.
Separation Between Work and Home: Leaving work at the office can help you mentally disconnect and improve overall work-life balance.
Collaboration & Creativity: Brainstorming and problem-solving often happen more organically in person than over video calls.
Social Connection: Interacting with colleagues in person can help combat feelings of isolation and boost your overall well-being.
Increased Energy: While it’s easy to think more free time will allow us to get more done, we actually tend to feel more motivated, energized, and productive when we’re busier. In other words, the extra steps it takes to go into the office may not be a waste of time. Rather, they may help you use it more wisely.
Take Heart!
If you're feeling frustrated about heading back to the office, know that you're not alone. By shifting your mindset and developing the right strategies, you can navigate this transition in a way that benefits both your professional and personal growth. The key is to find ways to make the experience work for you—whether that’s by setting boundaries, making the most of in-office opportunities, or simply finding small joys in the day-to-day routine.
If you’re struggling with this transition and want more personalized strategies, reach out—I’m here to help!
