While chaos, layoffs and agency restructuring have dominated the headlines for months, there is a new day-to-day reality for many federal workers: the return to the office. It’s a reversal of the remote work schedule so many of us had become accustomed to. Where we once established a greater work/life balance, enjoyed a more flexible schedule and often had better focus, we’re now dealing with long commutes, cramped workspaces and shaky internet. It’s been a challenging time for so many and an upheaval in our routines and schedules. What are some of the biggest challenges that workers are experiencing? Here’s a look at some of the top areas:

• Challenges for working mothers: According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 60% of women say job flexibility is a deciding factor in accepting employment. For many working mothers, the ability to work remotely at least a few days a week isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential. If flexibility is taken off the table, many women will choose to resign or look elsewhere for organizations that offer a better work/life balance. Federal data shows that women account for about 45% of the government workforce, far below the public sector’s 58%. The federal government could see a mass exit of experienced female professionals if this lack of flexibility continues.
• Challenges With Technology: A lot of remote workers felt their set up at home was better than what they had in the office. And many wonder why they need to be onsite for the same virtual meetings they were having at home, only with a more challenging internet connection. Remote work forced the widespread adoption of digital tools and technology to make communication, collaboration and productivity easier. Returning to the office can be challenging for employees who have become used to remote-friendly workflow and technology, particularly if they were onboarded as remote workers.
• Challenges With Office Culture: For some employees, going back to the office means a return to traditional office culture, stricter schedules and less autonomy. This may be a big shift from the more relaxed culture enjoyed during remote work.
• Challenges With Expenses: Working remotely saved many employees a lot of money, whether it was saving on commuting expenses to not having to spend as much money on lunches and a work wardrobe. Childcare and caregiving costs for aging parents can also be incredibly costly and a major source of stress for many workers.

At least some of these challenges probably sound familiar. And, unfortunately, many of them can’t be controlled. We can’t change the traffic on the Beltway or the crowds on the Metro. What we can do is focus on what we can control: how we react to situations, how we take care of ourselves and establishing new routines. We’ll cover that a little more in our next article.

It’s easy to write about these challenges. It’s harder to figure out how to handle them – either individually or as a group. If you’re struggling with the challenges of returning to the office full time and the stresses of life in general right now, working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates, can help. Coaching can provide a fresh perspective, goal setting and strategies to move from merely surviving to thriving. And not only can we help with coaching but we can also provide tailored workshops to help team members adjust to their new norm. Give us a call.

To learn more, call us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

The transition back to in-office work brings a unique set of challenges, especially for those who experienced a long period of remote work. The shift to an in-person work environment can feel overwhelming, whether it’s adjusting to new routines, balancing work with life or dealing with the emotional impact of change. The first step in managing this stress is acknowledging how you’re feeling. Maybe you’re angry and resentful or maybe you feel a sense of sadness each morning. Identifying your emotions can help you better understand and address the sources of stress. Let’s look at 3 other practical ways to help manage the challenges of returning onsite:

• Create a Healthy Work-Life Balance: One of the biggest stressors of returning to in-office work is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A few ways to help include: setting clear boundaries for when your workday starts and ends; resisting the urge to check emails or work after hours; and making time for family, hobbies and relaxation a priority that’s non-negotiable. The return to commuting can also really eat into your time, but try your best to use your commute to decompress. Use this time to listen to music, a podcast or reach out to a friend or loved one.
• Reframe the Transition as an Opportunity: Instead of focusing completely on the challenges, try to view your return to the office as chance for growth and new opportunities. Reframing the situation can help shift your mindset, making the transition feel less stressful. Think about how reconnecting with co-workers can offer a sense of camaraderie and collaboration opportunities that might have been missing during remote work. Many people find they are more productive in an office environment, with fewer distractions. Also, being physically present in the office may offer more professional opportunities, enabling you to take part in impromptu discussions and engage with leadership in a way that might be harder virtually.
• Focus on What You Can Control: Returning to the office may have come with a slew of new guidelines and expectations. Some of these changes may be beyond your control. However, focusing on the aspects of your workday that you can control helps reduce stress. For example, be honest with your manager about your needs and concerns. Open communication can help you navigate any adjustments and get the support you need. Now is also the time to stay organized and maintain a schedule to track to-do lists, deadlines and meetings. It’s an effective and simple way to feel more in control of your day.

Returning to the office full time is a big change and it’s natural to feel stressed, sad or even angry. However, with the right mindset and tools, you can ease the transition and manage the challenges that come with it. Leah M Joppy and Associates can work with you to face these challenges head-on. We can help you focus on building a new routine, maintain balance and take care of your mental and physical health. We can also provide tailored workshops to help team members adjust to their new norm. Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.