As the world seems to be getting back to normal, you may discover there is a new adjustment you face as many organizations turn to a hybrid work model. COVID-19 has taught everyone to be adaptable. Yet, going from working from home (WFH) to working from anywhere (WFA) means readjusting to this new normal.
Kensington has been on the front lines with working professionals to help them adapt to the ever-changing developments brought on by this worldwide pandemic. Not only have they provided the best solutions for mobilizing a workforce, but they have also provided expert insight on helping you stay productive at a time when so much uncertainty leaves you wondering what will happen next.
You are not alone, and Kensington is here to ensure that you have the tools you need as conversations of returning to the office, at least part-time, become a reality.
Adjusting from Work From Home to a Return to the Office
When most of the workforce was sent home at the dawn of the pandemic and began setting up home offices for a WFH business model, companies and employees had to adjust quickly. There was little to no time to prepare. One day, everyone was standing around the watercooler, the next day, people were scrambling to find that extra HDMI cable they know they packed away for future use.
Now, as companies talk about retaining a WFH environment for many employees and a WFA model for those who still need to come into the office a few days a week, they discover that over 70% of workers want the flexibility of working remotely. But the question is, are you ready?
5 Tips to Help You Adjust to the Hybrid Work Style
Research analytics estimate that 25-30% of employees in America will still work from home a few days a week by the end of this year. However, many employees have gotten out of the habit of going into the office every day.
Returning to the office part-time means adjustments must occur before making this transition. How do you adapt your routine effectively? Here are some tips on adjusting to WFH and transition back to the office with a WFA hybrid work style.
1. Get Mobile with Portable Equipment
When you adjust to the WFA work style, you need to ensure that you have the equipment to create an ergonomic workstation, even if you choose to work outside the home or office. You want to have desktop accessories that you can take with you wherever you go.
Kensington offers their SmartFit® Easy Riser™ Go Adjustable Ergonomic Riser. With a maximum of a 7" lift, you can ensure that your screen is at the optimal level to reduce eye strain, and create a comfortable workstation, even if you choose to work in a cafe or coffee shop.
Also, to optimize ease and comfort, when using a laptop riser, you must then use an external keyboard and mouse with your SmartFit® Riser. Kensington offers extremely portable solutions with their Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard and the SureTrack™ Dual Wireless Mouse.
2. Keep Your Same Routine
It is crucial that you maintain the same routine when you are adjusting to a new work model. You spent months establishing new habits to work from home, but now that you will return to the office a few days, your new methods will need a bit of tweaking once again. However, it is essential that you maintain your routine, as best you can, when at work or away from home to prevent hiccups in productivity.
3. Retain Open Lines of Communication
The fact that 68% of executives believe that employees should be in the office at least three days a week to maintain a company culture, means that managers worry that these new models will adversely affect their organizations and overall company morale.
Retaining open lines of communication with your managers will ensure that you stay informed of any changes and maintain a feeling of being part of the office culture. It will also give you an avenue to talk with your boss to determine where and when you will work. Establish a schedule with your manager to keep open lines of communication and clarify what your role in remote work will entail.
4. Lay Out Your Outfit the Night Before
Just like when you were in school and got ready the night before for the first day back to school, you can prepare your outfit the night before. Many people have gotten into the habit of wearing loungewear while working. Your comfy attire won't be an option when you return to the office.
Preparing your outfit isn't the only thing you can get ready the night before. Kensington's line of laptop and tablet backpacks will make transporting everything you need for a productive workday outside of the house. These bags can conveniently carry all of your Kensington accessories, like their SmartFit® laptop riser, Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard, or Pro Fit® Ergo Wireless Mouse.
5. Be Optimistic
Lastly, during this transition from WFH to WFA, it is essential to be optimistic. Change can be difficult sometimes, but if you can go into it with a positive attitude, it will make it easier to embrace change in a positive way.
Some tips for making the transition to working from home include taking microbreaks, getting out of your chair, and stretching occasionally. Be sure to communicate with your boss if you have concerns about how this new transition is going. They may be unaware of specific issues that could arise. Having feedback will help make sure that both the company and its employees are successful.
Kensington Offers the Best Solutions for Your Hybrid Office Space
When you work from home, many distractions pull you away from getting work done. Working anywhere is more flexible and allows you to stay focused in the office or on the go. Yet, it can be challenging to adjust when you return to the office.
At Kensington, we have developed a line of products tailored to work in a WFA post-pandemic atmosphere. No matter where you are working.
At Kensington, we understand that adjusting to a hybrid work model is a tough transition. Check out our latest solutions for a WFA workforce.