Hybrid-ing

For many of us, our corporate offices have called us back.

In most instances, it is a hybrid arrangement where we can split our week between the office and home. As appealing as this is from a work-life balance perspective, I've started to learn that moving between two work stations it is not without its challenges. Chief one is the pure logistics of ensuring not one but two functional work set ups. Related to this is the organizational challenge of having to get ready and go into the office again. Third is the relational and work aspects as we go to the office and often find that no one is there…

Based on a month of hybrid-ing, this week's newsletter is a set of tips and tricks to navigating the 'new normal.'

Artwork: why not spruce up your office after two years absence with some recent artwork from your children? Clyde recently did a super clever drawing with dyed pasta glued on as butterflies. It really gave me a boost to come in and see this recent piece of his hanging on my wall.

Bags: Whereas before COVID, your 'to work' bag might have had to accommodate lunch and possibly gym clothes, you now might need to squeeze in your laptop, chargers, masks and sanitizers. Check out the Strategist's recent review of some super fab work bags, categorized by price range. They include backpacks for biking and walking to work as well. I am eyeing the Dagne Dover and Cuyana totes as they offer structure and sturdy handles. I love that the Cuyana totes include this functional inserts with lots of pockets. Until I really settle on a new routine though, I continue to use my two favorites from home: my Lancaster briefcase and my weekend getaway bag from Philip Lim.

Face-to-face meetings: the first few times I came to the office I caught myself asking, “Why am I here?” I was often the only one in my area with no colleagues to be found. I spent my day taking video calls with colleagues spread across the world. I've wised up a bit and started to book face-to-face meetings with other colleagues I know are in the office the same day as me so at least I can benefit from human interactions. Perhaps you work fairly regularly with a small team and you could agree to all be in the office the same day(s) so you can brainstorm more efficiently together. Point being: try to get off the video calls: I've found it reducing eyestrain and headaches while also improving my posture!

Lunches: a main motivation for returning to the office is being able to go out to lunch with people! I'm trying to set up lunches for my in-office days with old friends and close colleagues. It's a nice treat once a week not have to make yourself lunch. It is also often in those informal conversations with friends or colleagues that you can learn so much.

Make a list: it's been hard to get back into the routine of going to the office. The first few times I forgot at least one of the following: water bottle, reading glasses, computer and phone chargers, gas for the car, work badge, wallet, snacks, masks, etc. I now have a list ready-made in our bathroom that I check the night before. This is linked to the tip below on packing.

Pack the night before: if you are the one doing kids' lunches the night before, why don't you also make your own and kill two birds with one stone? Or if you help your kids get their backpack and clothes organized the night before, do yours too? You could even make it an activity you do together. Being organized the night before will significantly reduce the stress brought on by that out-of-door-crunch moment we otherwise experience in the morning.

Podcasts: It's been a while since I've found myself with a chunk of time to actually listen to a full podcast episode. I now realise that with some of my pre-COVID favorites, I am years behind. Having those commute periods is a great chance to catch up on some of your favorite programs or perhaps to venture out and find some new ones. Kimberly Wilson's Tranquility du Jour has always been inspirational for creativity and well-being. The Harvard Business School's Women at Work is an excellent one for exploring gendered workplace issues. I admit I am behind so send please do send me some recommendations on other ones if you have some good ones.

Scent: if you need a little aromatherapy pick me up in your office, why not try a diffuser? I had one pre-COVID and admit that when I got back into my office the other month, I went straight for it again. It helps to set the mood for me in the morning, and when the lull of the afternoon sets in, I can switch up the scents for a little perk up.

Sightsee: if you are more of a lunch-at-the-desk person, why not consider using your lunch break to catch that art exhibit you wouldn't normally be able to see? Or visit that special park or monument? Now that we are outside of DC, I realise there are many exhibits I can try to squeeze in over lunch. Perfect opportunity to enjoy the city again.

I'd love to hear how your return to work is going!