As more employers call teams back to the office, transitioning from remote work to in-person can feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset, habits, and support, it’s also a chance to reconnect, collaborate more effectively, and grow professionally. Keep reading for practical tips on managing the return, from creating a solid morning routine to dressing with confidence, improving communication, and advocating for a work style that helps you thrive.
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President
Now that many of us have adapted to the challenges of — and even grown to love — working remotely, many employers are inviting staff back into the office. It’s an opportunity to reconnect in person, collaborate more closely and strengthen workplace culture. But the transition can be stressful and requires wise time management, effective in-person communication skills, a more polished appearance, and a positive and introspective mindset. Take these steps to help ensure a smoother transition back to the office.
Establish a Morning Routine
Rise early enough so you not only arrive at work on time but can also invest in your mental and physical health. “Establish a structured morning routine that works for you and starts your day on the right foot,” writes Joyce Marter, LCPC in 13 Tips for Transitioning Back to the Office. “Also carve out time for yourself in the morning for self-care — even five or 10 minutes can set you up for success. Practice a morning meditation, journal, stretch or set intentions for the day.” For decades, my earlymorning walks with a friend several days a week kept me fit and reduced my stress level despite the conflicts and challenges I knew awaited me at the office. My accountability to my walking buddy launched me out of my bed many a morning, no matter the weather.
Dress for Success
Chances are, you can’t show up to the office in your work-at-home wardrobe of sweats and slides. But use this opportunity to choose clothes in which you’ll look your best. “Take time to put yourself together in the morning. This can improve your mood, confidence and feelings of self-esteem,” writes Marter. Your industry, particular job and office work culture may determine the standards for your attire, but why not aim higher than the norm? Consider the impression you want to make on your peers, supervisors and customers, especially if you have a leadership role or seek one. In Dress for Success: Why Leaders’ Appearance Still Matters in 2025, Jillian Hayes II writes, “Your posture, facial expressions and attire leave lasting impressions on those who instinctively evaluate your capabilities and professionalism. While you don’t need to look like you’re stepping into a fashion photoshoot, presenting yourself well sends a clear message: You’re serious, prepared and intentional.”
Crush Your Commute
Commutes, some quite long, are inevitable for office workers. Find ways to enjoy your trip by listening to music, audiobooks and podcasts, or carpool withfriends. Or consider riding your bike or walking to work, turning your commute into a morning workout. If public transportation is available, leave driving to others and use the time to invest in yourself. My years of commuting by vanpool during 45-minute one-way trips inspired me to use this otherwise idle time to educate myself about new technology and other trends affecting my industry.
Improve Communication, Collaboration
Anyone who’s worked remotely understands the myriad challenges of connecting with coworkers via technology. It’s difficult to read facial expressions and body language on Zoom. And interpreting the tone and intention of some chat or email messages can be nearly impossible. When working from home during the pandemic, I found it especially challenging to solve problems or brainstorm creative projects collaboratively with co-workers. Technology hinders the natural back-and-forth synergy that happens when you’re sitting across the table from your colleagues. One of the biggest benefits of returning to the office is that it should improve your ability to communicate. “Remote working platforms like Zoom are great, but they simply can’t replace the energy and unique, visceral power of spontaneous interactions and brainstorming sessions in physical workplaces,” writes The Robin Team in the Surprising Truth about In-Person Work.
Support Your Style
Are you a morning person, or do you kick into high gear after lunch? Do you produce your best work in collaboration with others or while your nose is buried in your computer? Examine the times and situations in which you work best and intentionally create an environment to support yourself. Maybe that means you start work at 7 a.m. when the office is quiet and you can focus. Or that you ensure you’re available to participate in all project team meetings, where you believe the real work gets done. Determine what you need to foster your success and ask your supervisor for support. For some, this might mean seeking a hybrid work arrangement of in-office and remote work. According to Henry O’Loughlin in the Fortune 500 Return to Office Tracker, of the 57% of Fortune 500 companies that have a publicly stated workplace policy, 87% operate on a hybrid work schedule. If you’re considering taking a new job, hybrid work might be a point of negotiation as part of your benefits package. By understanding your work style, you can explain how working from home a few days a week will boost your productivity and support the company’s goals. Moving back into the office after working remotely can come loaded with stressful changes and challenges, but they’re not insurmountable. “Gratitude is a choice and it can help positively reframe negative situations, so focus on the positives. Let go of that which you can’t control (your employer’s policies), and control what you can (your attitude, preparation and choice to access support from others through the process),” writes Marter. Employers’ call to return to the office eliminates some of the freedoms you had while working at home. It’s a given you’ll have more constraints on your time, and restrictions on how you dress and how you’re expected to communicate with coworkers. But constraints often foster creativity. Know yourself, adjust your attitude and creatively address these challenges to make the most of the new normal. Need help adjusting, or in a position to lead the transition back to the office? No matter your job title or career level, further support your leadership goals with the Leadership Academy Certification at UT’s Center for Professional Education (CPE) and its courses that cover coaching others, business improv and workplace resilience. Maybe the thought of real, face-to-face interaction, either one-on-one or in a group, intimidates you. Or you feel the need to polish your public speaking, writing and strategic communication skills. The courses in UT CPE’s Communication Skills for Professionals Certificate program can help.
Liz Carmack is an award-winning writer, editor and author of two nonfiction books published by Texas A&M University Press. She has worked as a communications professional for almost four decades.
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