Fears and Reservations About Returning to the Office - Part 2.5

[#1]

Today is the day!

As of this post being published I am in the office trying to get accustomed to the office I have only been at a handful of times over the past three years I have been employed here.

I'm putting together this article as requested by @Andy Gladstone  to share some of my efficiency tips and tricks when preparing to start working from the office.

It's worth noting that with the exception of the last tip, all of these are things that my wife and I did regularly before the pandemic happened.

#1 - Prepare meals for the week on the weekend

For anyone that is on a budget and unable to buy lunch on a daily basis, we have found that preparing meals on Sunday afternoon can make the routine during the week a bit easier. On the flip side, if you are able to go out regularly, get familiar with the local restaurants near your office.

#2 - Consider finding/listening to a podcast (or two)

If you have a lengthy commute, this is a great way to help pass the time. Personally, I'd recommend The Jira Life & Monday Coffee by Appfire. If you have to drive (like me) this can be a great way to have something you are interested in other than the radio on. If you are a passenger, you might want to consider trying your hand at writing an article or two. This article was drafted while we were driving to visit family on the holidays.

#3 - Do some trial days in the office

Before things were mandatory, this was really helpful for me to start to build the routine. I was able to make sure my desk has everything I needed to be as efficient as I could be. I also scoped out meeting rooms for my reoccurring meetings since I expect them to go as fast as toilet paper in March of 2020.

So, how are things going?

I'm planning to give things a couple of weeks to let the dust settle as everyone tries to get acquainted with the new working arrangements, but do check back for the finale as I share how things are working out with thus hybrid work approach.

Have a great week everyone!

[Amanda Barber]

Hope today went well, @Jimmy Seddon!

 

[briggity-wells]

Thank you for the information. I'm not a big radio person while commuting. Never thought about podcasts but will be sure to give it a go next time I drive in.

[Jimmy Seddon]

@Amanda Barber that hit a little close to home when it was first announced ;)

@briggity-wells I wasn't either until my previous car came with a free 12 month subscription to Sirius/XM.  I didn't renew it, but I have enjoyed using my phone to play some specific podcasts I follow.

[Andy Gladstone]

A bit backed up on my reading due to the New Year's Flu-Vid. Just got to this one, thanks for the shoutout @Jimmy Seddon.

I really needed to read this one:  

#1 - Prepare meals for the week on the weekend

I know that when I don't do this I make much less healthy choices with what I grab and eat. Preparing the food means I'll be much more intentional about what I eat and when I eat and will provide me the nutrition needed to stay alert throughout the day rather than suffering from the peaks and valleys of junk food and caffeine.

[Dan Breyen]

Thanks for sharing this Jimmy!  I'm back in the office Full Time after Working From Home for 5+ years.  Certainly a different experience, especially when the weather is bad.  I used to be able to watch the snow fly and not care, but now I'm driving in it.