Some tips for returning to the office can help employees who have been working from home for more than a year. It’s understandable that some may feel nervous about rejoining colleagues in the same space.
As a leader, you should also think about productivity, as the shift from home to the office may come with some challenges.
Before the pandemic, there were problems with distractions in the workplace. You may remember a study from Future Workplace that found that three quarters of open office floorpan workers were regularly distracted. The survey of 5,000 office workers also revealed that 36% said noise causes a loss of an hour of work every day. The biggest complaints included:
- Loud-talking co-workers on the phone;
- Phone rings or alerts;
- Office celebrations;
- Nearby group meetings.
While the home environment has its own distractions, coming back to the workplace may bring back some old challenges. Consider these productivity tips for returning to the office:
Loud Talking
While working from home, people may have gotten used to speaking in a louder voice, on the phone, in order to overcome competing noises. And have you found yourself talking louder in virtual meetings either due to a poor computer microphone, weak Internet connection, or the fact that people seemed further away?
While it may seem strange to have to train your team how to speak on the phone, keep in mind what it’s like to be on a call, where the other person is too loud. It’s a turnoff. And for those trying to concentrate, a nearby loud phone talker will distract you.
Don’t forget to discuss ringtone levels. See how far away you can hear a loud ring and decide if that level of alert is needed. What worked more than a year ago, may seem too loud today.
Create Quiet Areas
Many businesses have a conference room that sits unused for parts of the day. Perhaps during those times, the room can be a refuge for those who may need a more quiet place to work.
Think of it like a school study hall, where silence is demanded of students and they have to focus on homework. That’s the kind of environment you want to create for those who are struggling with noise levels.
Did Equipment Get More Noisy?
There are certain noisy pieces of equipment, like copy machines, that you don’t have in a work from home environment. In the office, if they’re working well, they add to background noise.
But if they jam frequently, those near the copier will be distracted by drawers being pulled out and people trying to figure out how to get the machine working. People haven’t had to hear these things for a while.
Properly functioning equipment creates fewer distractions. Has it been a while since yours have been used or had a maintenance check? Consider replacing machines that need a lot of unscheduled maintenance.
Don’t Over Schedule Meetings
While it’s exciting to be able to have in-person meetings again, you don’t want to have too many meetings right away. Some sessions you may have put off for months but if people are in meetings all day, they won’t have as much time to get work done.
Think of what it’s like coming back to work after a vacation. You don’t want to feel overwhelmed, as soon as you walk in the door. Give people some readjustment time.
Consider Lessons Learned
During the days of working from home, people may have changed the way they do things. In some cases, the new method may work just as well, back in the office.
Don’t feel that just because you’re all working in the same place, you need to go back to all your best practices from early 2020.
Bonus: The Welcome Back Bag
One of the best tips for returning to the office sees you find a way to welcome people back to work in a fun manner. This can take the form of a welcome back bag.
This can include common items like hand sanitizer, stress balls, pens, and legal pads. These are functional items you may already have in the office.
You may also want to include something a little more memorable. This could include a coffee mug or a t-shirt with a fun message that celebrates the moment.
If noise in the workplace is a concern, then maybe you buy some noise cancelling headphones for everyone. While they represent an added expense, they will likely pay for themselves when compared to the loss of productivity due to a noisy workplace.
Whether it’s specialty coffee or pastries, food and drink can help improve office morale. Something special or unexpected can make going back to the office an easier transition. Even small gestures can make a big difference.
Let’s Create a Memorable Meeting
