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How to Mentally Prepare for Going Back to the Office

Jamie Florio • Jan 17, 2022

Working from home has so many perks that you will have to mentally prepare for going back to the office. For starters, you get to wake up later. Also, there is no commuting, other than from your bed to your laptop, which undeniably beats traffic jams and the time lost doing practically nothing. Unless you have a meeting, you don't have to bother putting your clothes on. You can comfortably stay in your pajamas and sip a cup of coffee while handling your regular daily duties. Even if you have a meeting, well, you can only throw something presentable on your top half. And don't forget to brush your hair!

We can joke, but some things are true. Working from home is convenient, despite potential difficulties turning your living space into a home office. Some people are so used to it that they don't ever want to go back to the old ways. On the other hand, others are excited about returning to the office and long the water cooler chats and the social aspect of going to work.

What both of these groups have in common is the anxiety they feel about going back to the office. The truth is, the transition will not be easy. Due to a long period of isolation, facing financial uncertainty, and considerable changes to work patterns, the Covid-19 crisis has had a massive impact on everyone's mental health. Therefore, it is, in fact, critical to mentally prepare for going back to the office. We have prepared a few tips to help you do that.

Have compassion - for yourself and others

The stay-at-home order happened instantaneously, and all of a sudden, anyone who didn't have to go to work started working from home. There was no time to prepare; there was no talking about it. Moreover, this drastic change in people's everyday routines brought about the loss of connection with others, lockdowns constrained our freedom. Also, since many lost their jobs immediately, others feared the same. Change is the hardest thing to get used to. According to evlmoving.com, even events as routine as relocations take time to process and accept.

Then for, a long time, there were many canceled holidays, birthdays were celebrated over Zoom, families couldn't reunite, hug, or kiss for months. We had no one to pat on the shoulder, say good morning to, or smile at while passing by for months. We had to adjust to new routines.

Now, relatively suddenly again, we are expected to go back to the office and be around people. We may remember what our lives used to look like, but that is a far cry from what they are like now. It may be hard to go back to normal. Therefore, it is crucial to have compassion for yourself and others. Understanding that we all may have difficulties adapting to people again, especially after months of losses and grief, will help ease back into the old routine or something that resembles it.

Take care of yourself so you can care for others

Taking good care of yourself has always been necessary. Now, we finally see the importance of it. It is essential to look after yourself physically and mentally. That way, you can be in a better place to support people around you - your family, friends, colleagues, and community.

If your schedule hasn't been very strict for a while, not it's high time you established a regular sleep routine. Moreover, it is crucial to set clear boundaries regarding the time when you work and the time when you don't. Health and nutrition are so intertwined that it's impossible to speak about one without the other. And make time for something you enjoy and helps you relax. It can be yoga, reading, gardening, jogging, etc.

Be an advocate for improvements in the workplace

Company leaders should create a welcoming and accepting environment where everyone can voice their ideas. Going back to the office after a year of turmoil is an opportunity for a fresh better start.

Some companies have decided to downsize their office space because many employees will remain in remote positions. So, it truly is a fresh start in a new environment. If that is the case in your workplace, make sure you start on a positive note. For example, office relocations are not easy, so if a moving crew has done an excellent job, give praise where praise is due. Make sure you write a moving review online and give them feedback; it will confirm they are doing something right and help other companies when they need a reliable crew to relocate their business.

Consider all the pros and cons of the time you spent working from home and how you feel about returning to the office. Your opinion matters and you should feel free to voice it and share ideas on making the transitions easier. Leaders should facilitate this, but employees can discuss among themselves all that pertains to the new routine. After all, it's employees who make a company and create an atmosphere of acceptance, growth, and progress.

Such conversations will also raise morale and make it easier to transition back into the office. Open and compassionate communication is critical in times like this. Engaging in it with your colleagues, bosses, or employees (whatever your role is) will help you mentally prepare for going back to the office.

Be realistic about your expectations

You only have a finite supply of energy and time during the day. Think carefully about how you want to distribute it. You can't be everywhere and everything. So, try to prioritize projects, activities, and people. The transition period will demand that from you because anything else would be an additional source of stress and anxiety.

Also, you may be going back to the office, but it would be realistic to expect that things will be the same. Different companies take different approaches, and there will undoubtedly be some limitations regarding how you interact with your coworkers. There may not be lunch rooms and meeting rooms anymore, or they may take on a different shape. You will also be likely to follow a set of safety measures.

Mentally prepare for going back to the office by visualizing the situation

One thing that can help you mentally prepare for going back to the office is to visualize what the workplace will look like and how it would feel. You will get some guidelines on how to behave and what rules to follow, so play out different scenarios in your head. It will not feel so new and unfamiliar when you are finally in that situation. And remember, we are all going through the same. Compassion, understanding, and open communication will be crucial for adjusting to the "new old."

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Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go

By Jamie Florio • 02 May, 2024

Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go If you want to maintain your work efficiency anywhere, portable office essentials for working on the go are required! These compact yet powerful tools are designed to keep you efficient and organized, whether traveling for business or working remotely from a coffee shop. From lightweight laptops to noise-canceling headphones, there are plenty of things to pick up! Choosing the right bag Bags are one of the most important portable office essentials for working on the go. They are the cornerstone of your mobile workspace, accommodating all your essential tools and gear while offering convenience and comfort. Here’s what to look for: Versatility stands out as a primary consideration, so look for a bag that seamlessly transitions between various environments and occasions, be it a bustling airport terminal or a crowded coffee shop. Ample storage space and organizational features are non-negotiables since they ensure your laptop, tablet, documents, and peripherals can be neatly stowed away and easily accessed when needed. Durability is another critical factor, as your bag must withstand the wear and tear of daily commutes and frequent travel. Robust materials, reinforced stitching, and quality construction contribute to a bag's longevity and reliability. Comfort plays a role, too, particularly if you anticipate long hours of wear. Lightweight laptop or tablet Opting for a lightweight laptop or tablet is great for maximizing productivity on the go, allowing you to take full advantage of virtual offices . These portable devices offer flexibility and convenience, enabling seamless transitions between different work environments. Whether catching up on emails during your commute or participating in virtual meetings from a coffee shop, a lightweight laptop or tablet provides the versatility to stay connected and productive. With long battery life and powerful processing capabilities, these devices empower you to tackle tasks efficiently and effectively, no matter where you are. Besides, their compact size makes them easy to carry around, enhancing your mobility and flexibility. Portable chargers and power banks Portable chargers and power banks are indispensable accessories for modern professionals on the move, providing uninterrupted productivity wherever you go. These compact devices provide a reliable power source for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With them, you never have to worry about running out of battery during crucial moments! With fast-charging capabilities and high-capacity batteries, portable chargers and power banks offer quick and efficient charging solutions. Finally, their lightweight and portable design makes them easy to carry in your bag or pocket, making them ideal companions for travel, outdoor adventures, or simply navigating a busy day. Wireless mouse and keyboard Wireless mouse and keyboard setups offer convenience and flexibility for remote workers and digital nomads alike. With no cables to tether you to your device, you can enjoy freedom of movement and decluttered workspaces. These ergonomic peripherals also provide a comfortable typing and navigation experience, reducing strain on your wrists and fingers. Besides being compatible with various devices and easily connected via Bluetooth or USB receivers, wireless mice and keyboards seamlessly integrate into workflow, allowing seamless transitions between tasks! Noise-canceling headphones With advanced technology that actively reduces ambient noise, noise-canceling headphones create a serene and immersive listening experience, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks without interruption. Whether working in a bustling office, noisy cafe, or on a crowded plane, noise-canceling headphones provide a sanctuary of tranquility, enabling you to escape into your work with clarity and precision. Likewise, many models offer superior sound quality, delivering crisp audio and deep bass for an enjoyable listening experience. Of course, comfort is also key, with soft padding and adjustable headbands guaranteeing long-term wearability without discomfort. Portable Wi-Fi hotspot With a portable hotspot, you can avoid the stress of hunting down a solid internet connection! This way, you can maintain seamless productivity no matter your location. These compact devices also create a secure Wi-Fi network you can connect to with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. That can be particularly valuable if you’re handling important documents and don’t want to take risks! Multiport USB hub A multiport USB hub is a must-have accessory for expanding your device connectivity options and simplifying your portable office setup. You can connect devices like external hard drives, flash drives, and peripherals like mice and keyboards with USB ports. This versatile hub eliminates the need for constantly swapping cables and allows you to keep all your devices connected simultaneously! Naturally, this will eliminate hassle and boost your productivity and efficiency. Travel-friendly desk accessories Travel-friendly desk accessories are great for enhancing your portable office setup and improving your workspace efficiency. These compact and versatile accessories include cable organizers, laptop stands, and portable desk lamps. Obviously, they’re all designed to optimize your workspace for productivity on the go! Cable organizers keep your cables neatly organized and tangle-free, preventing clutter and confusion. A portable laptop stand provides ergonomic support, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders during long work sessions. Meanwhile, a portable desk lamp offers adjustable lighting options, providing optimal visibility and reducing eye strain in any environment. So, equip yourself with these essential accessories and take your portable office setup to the next level! Cloud storage solutions With cloud storage, you can easily access your files from any device with an internet connection! These platforms also offer robust security features to protect your data from unauthorized access, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. Similarly, cloud storage solutions provide seamless collaboration capabilities, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. They even track changes in real time! Lastly, with scalable storage options and flexible pricing plans, you can customize your cloud storage solution to meet your budget. Portable scanner or scanner app A portable scanner or scanner app is incredibly useful for digitizing documents and streamlining your workflow on the go. These handy tools allow you to quickly and easily scan documents, receipts, and business cards. With a scanner app, you can transform your phone into a powerful scanning tool, eliminating the need for bulky equipment. Of course, specialized scanners offer additional features such as automatic document feeding and high-resolution scanning capabilities, improving scan quality and accuracy. Still, whether you're digitizing important paperwork while traveling or capturing meeting notes on the fly, a portable scanner or scanner app provides the flexibility and convenience you need to stay organized and productive! Flexible storage solutions If you’re constantly on the move and change locations every few months, you need flexible storage solutions. After all, you can’t carry too much with you by plane or train. In this case, working with PortaBox Storage Seattle is a great idea. This moving and storage company can deliver a portable storage unit at your current location and then hold on to it for you until you reach your destination. Finally, they ship the unit to your new location. How convenient is that? Taking advantage of portable office essentials for working on the go With our list of portable office essentials for working on the go, you can improve your daily life. By equipping yourself with tools like compact laptops, noise-canceling headphones, and portable chargers, you'll be well-prepared to tackle tasks from anywhere! Whether you're a digital nomad or a remote worker, these essentials ensure will help you stay productive and efficient no matter where your adventures take you!