5 Best Practices for Returning to Working in an Office

Written by Sue-Ming Frauenhofer

Sue-Ming is a double gator graduate (B.S., Psychology and M.S., Management) and the marketing manager at The Selling Factory. Through her creative and methodical vision, she engages both students and entrepreneurs to help them find their version of success.

Photo by Content Pixie from Pexels

As we make the shift back to in-person activities, we may feel eager to get back to life “as we know it.” We might be excited to return to the gym, eat at restaurants, and not have to remember that dang mask! And while it’s exciting to be able to reconnect with people and build a routine for working in an office again, it’s also understandable to feel the stress of re-entering.

We’re dumping the work-from-home routines that we worked so hard to create and maintain over the last year and attempting to return to a traditional setting. But, we’re not exactly going back to the same world we left last March: society has largely changed—so we’re entering new ground.

Why In-person Work Is Important

There are both pros and cons of working from home. It’s true, with remote work we get to skip our commute and the in-between interactions that an in-person office allows for.

But working from home remotely also presents many challenges, including distractions, inconvenient home office setups, and feelings of work isolation. While a remote setting can help us meet more people on a surface level, face-to-face engagement allows us to connect with people more and build meaningful relationships.

Making the transition back to in-person work might feel unnerving, but it also provides teams the necessary tools to learn and communicate more effectively. The point: teams with better cohesion are much more productive and engaged.

So: here are 5 tips that we can use as we prepare to make the transition:

The 5 Best Practices to Ease the Transition Back to Working in an Office

#1: Reflect

For many, this transition may feel abrupt and you may feel hesitant to want to go back to the office. These feelings are completely valid! But ask yourself, what exactly are my fears about returning to work?

Spend time reflecting on what it was like going to your work environment pre-pandemic as opposed to what it might look like now. Identify how to reduce stress at work and address the issues appropriately.

While you may not be able to avoid the negative feelings of returning to the office, an inability to reflect and regulate negative emotions can harm your mental and physical health over time. Reflecting allows you to not only distract your mind but gain self-insight and be able to plan better for the next time those feelings arise.

#2: Establish Boundaries

Ensuring mental wellbeing is a key aspect of transitioning back to in-person work. The social distancing requirement has given us a new sense of boundaries, both physical and mental. So what does this look like for you?

Maybe it’s setting a specific time you’ll leave a work function (like when you’re feeling tired or would rather be alone). Maybe this means turning off work-related notifications after a certain time. Or maybe you can speak up to leadership about topics that make you uncomfortable while working in the office—or things that you would want to speak about more.

#3: Talk With Others

It’s okay, you are not alone!

One thing you can do at work is step outside your comfort zone and get to know the people around you and their interests. After all, you could be sharing your favorite band or food with the co-worker next to you and you wouldn’t even know!

After a year of keeping our distance and seeing faces on screens, many are feeling nervous about the transition in some capacity. Ask people how they are feeling about it and cultivate bonds that will help you (and your coworkers) get through the workday.

#4: Take It Day-by-Day

Transitioning from remote work back to working in an office is a huge change. Try to ease your back way into the space, making small promises to yourself each step of the way to build trust and comfort.

This could mean inquiring about working 1–2 days remotely per week before transitioning fully. It could also mean waking up earlier than usual so that you can mentally prepare and do a few things that bring you joy before you leave the house for your workday.

#5: Find Ways To Refresh

Find ways to re-energize and invest in your health consistently. Meditating and stretching is always a great mechanism to calm your mind and become present in the moment. Reciting affirmations hidden in your agenda for the day is also a helpful tool.

Using creative and healthy outlets like exercising, journaling, or practicing something you want to get better at to channel out any negative energy can make a big difference for your mental wellbeing and daily outlook.

Some positive affirmations might include: “I am worth more than my productivity and output”, “My body and mind require rest and refreshment”, and “I am creating an environment where my boundaries are clear and I am protecting my spirit.”

Baby Steps Back to Working in an Office

It’s understandable if you don’t feel fully ready to go back to working in an office. But if you’re struggling with the mental and physical toll that it takes to return to an in-person work setting, remember to implement these practices to ease your transition.

We are the best employees when we can be our healthy and full selves. View this transition not as a bummer, but as an opportunity to recreate your idea of the workplace and be aware of your mental health as you take on your day.

Victoria Zamitalo

Campaign Manager

Victoria received a BA in History and Economics from the University of Florida in May 2023. She is a driven sales professional with over 5 years combined experience in customer service, consumer relations and outbound sales, and is deeply passionate about fostering close relationships between consumers and sellers. She aims to train the next generation of sales professionals in not only the tricks of the trade, but also interpersonal skills that make sales the exciting and ever-changing industry that it is.

victoria@thesellingfactory.com

Mia Semel

Campaign Manager

Before graduating with a B.A. in Sustainability Studies, Mia took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, recruiting, and leading campaigns. She is an active listener and effective communicator, specializing in fostering genuine connections and finding common ground among differing perspectives. She aims to find practical, creative solutions regarding sustainable development, biodiversity and the climate crisis.

mia.semel@thesellingfactory.com

Kira Grieve

Senior Campaign Manager

Kira graduated from the University of Florida and received her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about helping businesses grow and connecting with new people. Some of her hobbies include traveling and hiking. She hopes to visit all of the National Parks one day!

kira@thesellingfactory.com

Jared Glosser

Vice President

After graduating from UF in 2014 with a B.A. in history, Jared started his professional career Fundraising for a non-partisan political lobby in South Florida. In 2016, Jared moved back to Gainesville to work for a non-profit, recruit students for international travel opportunities, and pursue his MBA at UF. Jared has been with The Selling Factory since 2019 focusing on operations, client onboarding, and client success.

jared@thesellingfactory.com

Ian Massenburg

Chief Operating Officer

A graduate of University of Florida (B.A. 2001), Ian Massenburg brings over 18 years of sales executive and sales management experience to The Selling Factory. Before coming on-board, Ian worked alongside Brad at Infinite Energy, and then spent his next 3 years as VP of Partnerships selling SaaS products B2B. Ian brings his vast knowledge and experience to the team and to our partner companies served.

ian@thesellingfactory.com

Damien Paulk

Campaign Manager

Damien is a University of Florida graduate that recently joined the team full time after working as a Sales Development Intern for one year. As a Campaign Manager, Damien looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of The Selling Factory. When Damien is not at work he enjoys exploring Gainesville with his girlfriend and dog or watching the Gators dominate college football.

damien@thesellingfactory.com

Brendan Viehman

Campaign Manager

Brendan graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Project Management. For the past 5 years, he has enjoyed working with blockchain technology and cryptocurrency development. In his free time, he surfs and makes personal finance videos for his YouTube channel.

brendan@thesellingfactory.com

Savannah Howard

Campaign Manager

A graduate from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Savannah obtained her Bachelor of Science in public relations with a concentration in French. After almost two years as a sales development intern for The Selling Factory, she joined the leadership team in 2021 taking on the role of Campaign Manager. In her free time, Savannah enjoys going to concerts and festivals and cooking for her friends and family.

savannah@thesellingfactory.com

Zack Kampf

Campaign Manager

Zack is a creative technologist with experience in advertising, event planning, and game design. He started as an SDR in 2018 and has been with TSF ever since. Upon graduating UF in 2019 he became a campaign manager and is currently seeking a master's degree from NYU. In his spare time, you can find him at the intersection of Art & Technology!

zack@thesellingfactory.com

Josiah Blakemore

Growth Manager

Josiah has over 10 years of sales experience, worked with Brad and Ian at Infinite Energy, and also spent time selling SaaS as Director of Partnerships at SharpSpring. He’s always been very competitive and has a love for sports and games. He enjoys solving problems and coaching team members to do the same!

josiah@thesellingfactory.com

Sue-Ming Frauenhofer

Marketing Manager

Sue-Ming received both her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Management from The University of Florida. As a student, she took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, marketing, and recruiting, eventually leading to her current role as Marketing Manager. She enjoys refining her taste in music and visual art, engaging in mindfulness and meditative practices, and frolicking outside with her sidekick pup.

sueming@thesellingfactory.com

Adam Grossman

Chief Development Officer

Adam is an ordained rabbi, who has founded multiple ventures focused on workforce development. Hired as CEO by a failing non-profit, in over 5 years, his ingenuity saved the organization, which led Slingshotfund.org to recognize it as one of North America’s most innovative Jewish non-profits. His expertise to identify, cultivate, and on-board talent ensures our student teams meet our partners’ needs.

adam@thesellingfactory.com

Brad Gamble

Chief Executive Officer

After graduating from UF in 1999 with a B.S.B.A, Brad Gamble has dedicated himself to sales management, branding, coaching, and building companies. He served as the VP of Sales & Marketing for Infinite Energy until 2014, when he founded The Selling Factory. He has dedicated himself to teaching critical skills to tomorrow’s leaders, and helping companies achieve sales success and revenue growth.

brad@thesellingfactory.com