The return-to-office (RTO) mandate has taken many of us from the comfort of our home offices back to the structured routines of the physical workplace. For many, this shift is challenging and even anxiety-inducing. Whether it’s the commute, office dynamics, or just the jarring change in daily rhythms, navigating this transition requires more than just showing up at a physical desk. Here’s how to cope with this shift in a way that promotes mental well-being, productivity, and perhaps even a renewed sense of purpose at work.
1. Understand the Reasons Behind the Mandate
Companies are mandating office returns for a range of reasons, and understanding the “why” might help you approach it with a bit more perspective. Some employers believe that collaboration thrives in person, while others are concerned with the long-term impact on company culture. Still, others simply have office leases to honor.
Actionable Tip: Instead of seeing RTO as a random command, take the opportunity to ask management about the goals behind the decision. Many companies appreciate direct questions and might even offer more context than what they initially shared. If you know the rationale, it can make the shift feel less arbitrary and maybe even inspire some empathy for the position leadership is in.
2. Acknowledge (and Accept) the Grief Over Lost Flexibility
Working from home offered a lifestyle flexibility that’s hard to let go of. The freedom to manage your own time, work in a personalized space, and escape the daily commute was a taste of autonomy that many of us don’t want to give up. So, if you’re feeling resentment or frustration, recognize that you’re grieving a real loss.
Actionable Tip: Give yourself time to process this. Talk to a friend, journal about it, or even voice it to your manager if you feel comfortable doing so. Normalize these feelings instead of forcing yourself to get over them immediately. Acceptance can come only when you’ve given yourself the space to truly feel and understand your emotions.
3. Build a Routine That Works for You
Returning to the office means a shift in routine, and that shift can either work for you or against you. Take control by designing a routine that fits your needs and goals as much as possible. If you miss a relaxed morning, try waking up a bit earlier to have a few moments of calm before your commute. If your evenings used to be productive, adjust your schedule to maintain that productivity.
Actionable Tip: Reevaluate your daily schedule and start by shifting small elements rather than overhauling everything at once. For example, if you used to start work at 8 a.m. from home, try leaving the house earlier to grab a coffee near the office and ease into your day. Look for ways to make the commute and office environment work in your favor, whether that means listening to a favorite podcast, setting up a rewarding post-work routine, or even adding some exercise to your day.
4. Reframe the Commute as ‘Me Time’
Commuting can be a huge source of stress, especially if you’ve grown used to rolling out of bed and starting work within minutes. But instead of dreading this transition time, try reframing it as “me time” where you can prepare for the day, unwind, or even learn something new.
Actionable Tip: Use commute time intentionally—download an audiobook or start a series of podcasts that you’ve wanted to explore. If you drive, see if you can take a scenic route or play music that puts you in a good mood. If you take public transport, you could use that time for meditation, catching up on reading, or even doing light work that doesn’t require intense focus.
5. Take Control of Your Workspace
One of the hardest parts about returning to the office is losing the comfort and control we had over our home workspaces. But don’t fall into a passive acceptance of a drab or uncomfortable cubicle! Offices often allow more personalization than people assume.
Actionable Tip: Bring a few small items that remind you of home or add comfort—a plant, a photo, a favorite mug. Try to replicate the sensory aspects of your home workspace that you enjoyed, such as wearing comfortable shoes or using noise-canceling headphones if the office noise is distracting. These small adjustments can go a long way in making your workspace feel more “yours.”
6. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Well-Being
Just because you’re in the office doesn’t mean you have to abandon the boundaries you set while working from home. Many people found that remote work improved their ability to set boundaries, and you can carry that skill back to the office.
Actionable Tip: Schedule focused work times, create blocks for breaks, and respect your quitting time as much as possible. You can even communicate these boundaries with your team, helping everyone to foster a more balanced work environment. Additionally, check in regularly with yourself on stress levels. Take breaks to step outside, stretch, or chat with a coworker to keep energy levels high throughout the day.
7. Leverage In-Person Collaboration to Build Stronger Connections
Returning to the office isn’t just about following a mandate; it’s also an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues in a way that’s more challenging over Zoom. Consider this a time to build or renew relationships that can boost your support network at work.
Actionable Tip: Take advantage of face-to-face interactions for the types of conversations that are easier in person, like brainstorming, collaborating, or even giving feedback. It can also be beneficial to share the challenges of this transition with coworkers who might be feeling the same way. Building that camaraderie can actually make the RTO experience feel more worthwhile and manageable.
8. Reevaluate Long-Term Career Goals
If the return-to-office mandate is something you truly cannot get on board with, perhaps it’s time to reflect on your long-term career goals and consider if this organization aligns with them. The shift could signal a moment to explore roles with flexible work options or industries where remote work is more integrated into company culture.
Actionable Tip: Use this opportunity to network, research, and identify companies that are offering the flexibility you need. This doesn’t mean you have to quit immediately, but it could set you on a path toward a work-life setup that better matches your values.
9. Talk to Management About Flexibility
While many companies have mandated a return, some are open to negotiating hybrid solutions, especially if it becomes clear that productivity hasn’t taken a hit. If a hybrid arrangement would make a real difference for you, it might be worth raising the topic with your manager.
Actionable Tip: Prepare a case that highlights how hybrid work supports productivity, well-being, and possibly even retention. Explain your own experience, supported by examples or data from your performance while working remotely. Being proactive can often lead to a compromise that’s beneficial for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning back to the office after working from home isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s a lifestyle adjustment that involves patience, adaptability, and self-care. By taking small steps to reframe your routine, personalize your workspace, and advocate for your needs, you can make this change feel less daunting and, potentially, more fulfilling. Remember, while this adjustment may take time, the resilience you build through it can set a positive foundation for future growth and adaptability in your career.
