5 Steps to Establishing a New Routine for Returning to the Office

It's recently been reported that more UK companies are asking their employees to return to the office. Whether you've been impacted by this or have chosen to switch from a fully remote role to a more in-person position, this change can take some adjusting. As you navigate a new daily routine, we've put together some tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Prepare the Night Before

Having an in-person role often means less time in the mornings and evenings. But this is a great opportunity to get organised the night before, making your mornings less rushed and more enjoyable.
Try preparing as much as possible the evening before. This could mean cooking enough dinner for two nights so you're not cooking every evening, setting up your child's school bag (if relevant), or laying out your clothes for the next day.
If you're commuting by car or public transport, check for any potential roadworks or train delays that could impact your journey. Planning ahead helps you avoid unexpected hold-ups and start your day smoothly.

2. Create a Morning Routine

Working from home often allows for a slower start, but fitting everything in when heading to the office can be a challenge. Establishing a morning routine can make all the difference.
Consider delegating tasks where possible. Could your teenager walk the dog? Could your child help by taking out the bins? If your partner is home during the day, maybe they could help with household chores you'd typically do in the morning.

3.Make the Most of Your Commute

Commutes vary for everyone, but whether your journey takes ten minutes or two hours, there are ways to turn this time into something valuable. By making a few adjustments, you can transform your commute into a productive and enjoyable part of your day.
If you can, consider walking or cycling to work. Regular exercise has plenty of benefits, including better physical health, improved mental wellbeing, and more energy. Starting the day with some physical activity can help you feel more alert and ready for the day ahead.
For those who use public transport, think about how to make the most of that time. You might read a book, listen to an audiobook, or practise meditation or mindfulness to start the day feeling relaxed. You could also set goals, plan your tasks, or catch up on emails. This time is yours, so take advantage of it and make it a positive part of your routine.

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging with the demands of daily life, and commuting can make it even harder due to less available time. However, staying hydrated and eating well can support your return-to-office routine.

Treating yourself occasionally is perfectly fine, but relying too much on fast food and unplanned meals can negatively impact your physical and mental wellbeing. Additionally, working in the office can quickly become expensive. The cost of a morning coffee, lunch out, and snacks from the nearby food van can add up.

To maintain a healthier lifestyle and manage your expenses, consider packing your lunch for a few days each week and allowing yourself to eat out on the remaining days. This balance helps you enjoy the social aspect of lunch with colleagues while also ensuring you have nutritious meals.

Staying hydrated is also crucial, but it can feel more inconvenient when you're not at home with access to your own kitchen. Try packing a reusable water bottle and keeping it at your desk. Setting reminders to drink water throughout the day can also help you stay hydrated.

5. Minimise Office Distractions

The office environment can be noisy, which can be a big change if you're used to working from home alone. Initially, you might find it difficult to maintain focus with the various distractions. However, setting clear boundaries can help you manage this transition.

For example, you could book a separate room for meetings or when you need some quiet time to concentrate. Wearing headphones can also be an effective way to block out background noise and signal to others that you don't want to be disturbed.

To minimise workplace distractions further, it's important to establish and communicate these boundaries clearly. Our previous article offers valuable tips on how to set these boundaries.

* 16 UK Companies Making Staff Return To The Office In 2024 (startups.co.uk).