If anything, the past two years have been a roller coaster for our “normal” ways of life. And, of course, that includes work. Thanks to the pandemic, many workers have not stepped foot in an office since March 2020. But as the pandemic is here to stay, and we must change our “normal” to live with it, many are heading back to work this spring and summer. As a result, the Great Re-Entry will look different for workers and employers alike.

As it’s been coined, the Great Re-Entry will have employees heading back to the office for the first time in over two years. If you have been hired since March of 2020, it may be the first time meeting your coworker’s face to face. Schools have already been back in session, and for many students, it’s their first time in the classroom or at a new school. Re-entering “normal” life after not having one for so long may feel unnatural and chaotic.

But although it may feel strange to leave your house for 8 hours a day, it is nothing we aren’t capable of. So here is how to plan for the Great Re-Entry for employees and employers alike (students too!):

Be Patient with Yourself and Others

Implementing a new routine is difficult. And when it has to stick, it can feel daunting. Know that it takes at least 30 days to get into a new habit. So if you are struggling with waking up early, leaving the house, and having a full day of work plus activities, know that it will take some time to get used to it all. And if you are an employer, give yourself and your employees some grace as they settle into their new routines.

Plan Ahead

Working full time often doesn’t leave time for much else on weekdays. And if you are a parent, it can be even more challenging to juggle all of your family’s responsibilities. So take some time to plan ahead to make your transition easier. This can mean setting up a new childcare or carpool system. Or it can mean making time on Sundays to meal prep for the week. It can also mean pausing a gym membership for a month while you settle into the swing of things. Whatever you need to thrive, start thinking about it now. Then create a plan and act on it as soon as possible. 

Listen to What is Wanted and Needed

If you are an employer, this one is especially important. The world and our ideas about work have changed radically over the past two years. And it is important to be sympathetic towards the fact that many people may have gotten a taste for different work styles. Listening to what employees want and need in the workplace is important as everyone transitions back into full or hybrid office time.

The Great Re-Entry is a good thing for many of us and a potentially tricky thing for all of us. However, going in with a positive mindset and a little preparedness will help you transition back into your new office routine with ease. And as always, don’t hesitate to ask for help!