Many legal firms are transitioning into hybrid workplaces, bringing new challenges and changes. Many lawyers and staff may have not been in the office for a long time and miss the benefits of working alongside colleagues. On the other hand, switching back and forth between working from home and the office can present challenges.
Stress can be a problem with these changes, and bad behaviors could form. There are many ways to reduce stress at work and at home. Recognize the stress of returning to work and learn how to make this transition easier.
Stress relief when returning to (law) offices
Working with others is stressful for many, especially after months of working remotely. You are not alone in your worries about returning to work, but it is essential to deal with these concerns appropriately.
Psychologists suggest that changing your mindset can help relieve stress. Focus on the positives of office work rather than the negatives. Positives include:
Working in the office can help you better understand your organization’s culture. Working with other people who reinforce the behaviors related to your organization’s mission can be motivating.
CollaborationA great deal of information can be shared in short, informal chats around the water cooler. These informal conversations can be the perfect opportunity to ask questions or find creative solutions.
Productivity The office can provide fewer distractions than working at home. You can better distinguish between your personal and work priorities.
Consider how to reduce the stress of switching between work environments often.
Work-Life Balance Tips and Techniques
Hybrid working means that you can work both from home and at the office. This creates frequent changes to your working environment. Lawyers are expected to remain productive and efficient, no matter where they work. This new work style and the expectations that come with it can be stressful.
Prepare for the environment where you will work to reduce stress and regain your work-life balance.
For both environments:
Set realistic goals: Completing tasks makes us feel accomplished and gives us a feeling of control. Create a list of tasks to complete so that you can stay focused.
Manage time: Delegate the time needed to accomplish each goal. You will be more productive throughout the day.
Take breaks. We often feel we must work continuously, but taking a break improves productivity.
Home:
Eat healthy: You can prepare some meals at home rather than in the microwave. Make a delicious lunch in your kitchen that will fuel your body so you can get things done.
Unplug: Maintain the same routine as you do when in the office. Close your computer every day at the same time to prevent burnout.
Designate a space for work: Many lawyers have done this already but continue to separate the two. It is possible to create boundaries by simulating an actual office. You will feel like your workday is complete once you leave the “office.”
The office:
Get ready for the office. Planning your outfits and meal prep and packing your bag can make you feel better prepared.
Ask questions when needed: Doing so in person is sometimes easier. Preparing in advance for what you will need help with can reduce some stress in a person.
Schedule social time. Even though you may be less eager to return to the office, Face-to-face interaction improves our well-being. Grab a cup of coffee with coworkers or a group to ease back into human contact.
It takes work to switch jobs frequently, especially if you are expected to perform your best in each environment. You can gain more control of your personal and professional life by preparing for every situation.
Hybrid working models can bring new challenges and stress. Work-life balance can be improved by reducing the stress of working in an office and changing work environments. Read our whitepaper to learn more about how to implement work-life integration at your firm: Finding the right balance between home and work.
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