As many businesses prepare to bring people back to the office this fall, a flexible work environment seems to be a favorable option for both employers and their employees. While those working remotely may have finally gotten accustomed to their home office, it is now time to get used to a new challenge—working from two or more different places and adjusting to a commute. With materials like notes and electronic devices having to travel–it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle and for you to ultimately wind up stressed and unprepared for your workday. So, what are some ways to better manage your new flexible work schedule? Here are three pieces of advice:
Make sure expectations are clear
Before jumping into your flexible work schedule, set clear expectations with your manager and yourself. If you’ve been working from home for over a year now, regularly getting back to the office could be challenging. While you may have been able to run errands, get to work early, or stay late while working from home, you may not be able to do that on days you’re heading into the office. Remember to sit down with your manager and discuss the expectations of your flexible work schedule–including hours, remote days, and what flexibility truly means to you. This will ultimately leave you less stressed and hard on yourself when easing back into things.
Digitize everything!
It’s natural to want to write things down, whether on a post-it or in a notebook, but having different notes in different places can hinder your productivity. With cloud technology allowing us to access our documents from anywhere, utilizing it is the perfect digital solution for taking meeting notes, jotting down ideas, or creating a to-do list—especially when your work location is constantly changing. If your company is adopting a flexible work environment or hybrid office, it is likely they already have or are working on agreements for implementing these types of solutions across the business—and you should take advantage. However, if that is not the case and you feel like you need additional support, you should ask your manager. In the meantime, consider getting free accounts of the following:
Be organized
The transition into a hybrid workplace will require organization and scheduling. Try to arrange set days with your manager, team, and anyone you work closely with for when you’ll be in and out of the office. This will keep you mentally more prepared to take on each week and schedule your meetings accordingly. In order to make the transition easier, consider consecutive days in the office. By arranging back-to-back days in one location, you won’t always feel like you’re on the move, and the transition will come more naturally.
Pro tip: Attach a virtual invite to your meetings to account for anyone working remotely.
