6 ways to navigate a return to in-person classes or work, according to experts
As COVID-19 restrictions ease on a state-by-state level, people are returning to in-person work or school. While some feel ready to take this step, others may be more hesitant to re-engage in onsite working or learning, especially as the number of cases in the U.S. is constantly in flux.
These transitions are happening quickly and often without input from employees or students. A whopping 50% of employers are pushing for five in-person workdays a week, according to a recent study by Microsoft, while nearly 90% of colleges reinstated onsite classes as of January 2022.
If you’re heading back to in-person work or school, whether of your own accord or by pressure from your employer or place of learning, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition. Being efficient at work or school, feeling safe and comfortable and keeping anxiety low are all of utmost importance, so if the environment offered by your work or school just isn’t cutting it, there are steps you can take to address your concerns.
Here are six ways to help you navigate a return to in-person work or school, according to the experts.
Talk to your employer or adviser
People have different approaches and feelings about returning to work or school. Although this can be difficult to deal with when it comes to your peers, colleagues and employers, there are ways to communicate your point of view or needs in a constructive way. You can also discuss how you feel about being in person or any concerns that may prompt you to ask to remain remote. “People may now have different comfort levels when it comes to communicating than they did pre-COVID-19,” explains Tyler Keith, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks in North Carolina.
Some, Keith says, may prefer to continue with online communication, while others might push for in-person communication with (or without) mandatory masks. Asking your colleagues or peers how they want to communicate can help show an understanding of their needs. “Knowing the preferred form of communication empowers you by allowing you to set your interactions up for success,” Keith continues. “Then, flip the script and make sure you tell people how you prefer to interact.” He explains that being upfront with these preferences can help reduce feelings of stress, which can also improve comfort levels and boost focus on work or school.
Invest in organizational tools
Working or learning remotely means you’ve likely been online at home, a coffee shop or a coworking space. Returning to a primary onsite setting can feel overwhelming because it changes your schedule and introduces new tasks after two years of being remote. But there are ways to feel more organized and in control.
“Buying a planner is a great way to reestablish your former routine and get a clearer picture of not only what you have to do but also where you need to be and when,” Keith suggests. “Having a clearer picture of your schedule will also help you set boundaries with friends, family and your employer, as it gives you a more complete picture of your capacity.”
Re-establish what’s expected of you
Returning to onsite work or school might involve a crash course in re-establishing expectations, and Keith says that’s okay. “Ask your boss if they require you to be in person every day or if you can access a more flexible work model,” he recommends. “If you’re in college, you can ask your professor about the changes that may come from transitioning back to face-to-face.”
For example, you may want to brush up on the grading model, how participation points work and even how group projects are organized. It may also be helpful to look over your job description again and have a meeting with your manager about any quotas you may have and what’s expected of you in terms of output. Being upfront and proactive about expectations can allow for a smoother transition, Keith explains.
Integrate at your own pace
Even if your employer or school requires a mandatory return to onsite work or school, there are still steps you can take to integrate at your own pace. First, it’s important to understand your communication style and needs. Some people may feel more comfortable working or learning at home, while others look forward to seeing colleagues or classmates in person. You may also have your own circumstances that affect how the ongoing pandemic impacts your physical or mental health or your ability to focus.
Sarah Epstein, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Texas, says giving yourself time to adapt to changes is crucial. “You haven't been in-person in a long time and that means re-learning lots of things that used to feel easy,” she explains. “This includes switching from private to public settings, casual conversations and making time for commuting.” To adapt, Epstein suggests checking in with yourself daily. “Do you need more time alone on days when you're out and about? More food on the go? How is it to be back in person? These check-ins can alert you when something feels off.”
Build or maintain a community and support system
Let’s face it: Changes to our surroundings can be tough. Having a strong support network at your side can help make in-person transitions easier. You can join a support group (virtual or in person) or participate in work or school events, which can help you connect with others around you. “A transition back to in-person learning or work is made smoother by having a strong community both at home or in the office or college,” Keith says. “These communities should be safe spaces to discuss any struggles you’re having.”
Be easy on yourself
Oftentimes, we’re our toughest critics. Yet navigating a pandemic is (relatively) new for everyone, so it’s important to cut yourself some slack. “Don't expect the same things of yourself on days when you're onsite as when you're at home,” Epstein says. “If you managed to meal prep, work out and engage in hobbies while working [or learning] from home and suddenly those are hard to fit in, there's a reason. Being onsite, for all its benefits, requires more time. It may be time to re-calibrate expectations [for yourself].”
Epstein says it’s also important to remember that just about everyone is going through changes in their routine. If you’re returning to onsite work or school, chances are, you’re not the only one feeling overwhelmed. “It might look like everybody else has it figured out, but that is never true,” she advises. “Everybody is going through their own process to reintegrate at their own pace and in their own way.”
At the end of the day, if returning to onsite work or school might jeopardize your physical or mental health and your employer or school isn’t willing to negotiate, it’s okay to make changes. You may want to consider seeking out different employment or a school that allows for hybrid or fully remote working or learning. Remember, you’re your No. 1 priority.
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