If you’ve been working remotely during lockdown, you may find yourself heading back to the office with the implementation of Lockdown Level 4. Whether you’re excited about getting back to your desk or you’re feeling anxious about getting back out there again, here are a few pointers to ease the transition from your home space to your work space.

1. Embrace the commute
While getting to the ‘office’ may have been quick and easy over the past few weeks, there’s something to be said for commuting to work. Not only does it give you time to yourself (something you may be craving if you’ve been locked down with family), but it also creates space for you to think, listen to a podcast or favourite playlist, catch up on the news and prepare yourself mentally for the day ahead. Similarly, as you head home at the end of the day, it gives you a chance to leave business behind and arrive home ready to relax and recharge.

2. Enjoy the structure
Working remotely, especially under such exceptional circumstances, can make it difficult to stay focused for extended periods of time. Returning to the office means you’ll once again have a schedule to work to, and some structure to your day. And, if you’re not feeling especially productive, there will be others present to encourage and motivate you – plus you won’t be side-tracked by the laundry or housework!

3. Engage with co-workers (from a distance)
For the first time in weeks, you’ll be able to chat to your work colleagues face-to-face – as long as you’re standing two metres apart – instead of in Zoom meeting. Remember however that as lovely as it is to check in with everyone, you’ve more than likely missed out on a fair number of working hours during lockdown, so keep your catch-ups short and sweet and focus on completing tasks that may not have been possible to finish while you were working remotely.

Finally, don’t forget to put your safety first. Make sure that you’re wearing a mask at all times (one that fits your face without leaving gaps), always have a spare one on hand and follow the correct protocols when putting it on and removing it.

• Sanitise your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser before putting the mask over your mouth and nose.
• Try not to touch the mask while it’s on your face – if you do, re-sanitise your hands.
• Don’t touch the front of your mask as you remove it from your face and sanitise your hands once you’re done.
• Never use a disposable mask more than once – throw it in a closed bin as soon as you’ve removed it.
• If you’re using a cloth mask, wash it with soap and water (no chemicals) as soon as you arrive home, then iron it or dry it in the sun.

It’s also advisable when returning home to leave your shoes outside and to change into clean clothes immediately. And wherever you are during the day, keep practising social distancing and washing your hands regularly to #stopthespread.