I’m reposting this article from October… Looks like we are finally going back to the office this month (as are many of you.) I’ve updated some of my recommendations based on my preparations over the past couple of weeks. It’s a big transition and I’m doing my best to make it as easy and stress-free as possible!
Much to my dismay, I’ll be heading back to the office in the next few months. But luckily, I’ll be working from home at least 2-3 days a week. So as I start to get ready for RTO (return to office), I’m being thoughtful about what I can do now for my future hybrid life. Like most things in life, doing a bit in advance can really lower your stress.
I’ll steer around the question of whether it really makes sense for many of us to return to the office after almost two years at home. I know it’s controversial. But I think we can all agree that a lot of talk about the value of collaboration in an office is a lot of b.s. from senior leaders. There, I said it! But it is what it is. And I’ve decided that instead of pretending it’s not coming, I’m going to get ready for RTO now, so it’s a bit less painful in a few months. Here are four things that I’m doing this Fall.
Rethinking my morning routine
I’ve adopted a pretty extensive morning routine since I’ve been working from home. It involves the Peloton, morning pages, my beloved coffeemaker, and a lot of French practice. This isn’t going to fly when I add a 45 minute commute (and traffic!) to the morning schedule. So while I’ll keep my routine the same on those days that I work from home, I need to rethink what works when I head into the office.
First off, exercise… I will be heading back to the gym. I’ve been swimming there once a week for a while, but it’s time to reacquaint myself with the treadmills and weight rack. And maybe this will be a nice change from months of Peloton. Update from March 2022: I will probably continue working out from home before driving to the office, unless I want to use the treadmill or heavier weights. I think it’s just more efficient!
Second, I’ll be taking some of my morning routines into the office. There’s no reason I can’t practice French or write morning pages when I get a chance or at lunch.
Third, I am grateful that I am not a coffee snob! I’ll be back to the Keurig in the office. But what I can do is bring some real milk from home, so I’m not stuck using those little creamer pods. Is that stuff really half & half??
Re-evaluate your “work” clothes
I have a sneaking suspicion that work attire is about to get much more casual, for most of us, forever. I don’t think people can go for two years wearing stretchy fabrics and go back to heels, ties, dresses, etc. And frankly, I think a lot of the old office clothes may not fit anymore. So time to get everything out of your closet and drawers and give it a hard look.
- Does it fit? Pretty important first question. If the answer is “no”, out it goes.
- Is it ratty looking? Going back to the office will be traumatic enough. You don’t need to feel like a frump when you show up! Not only does this apply to shoes, tee shirts, sweaters, but also all those undergarments. No underwear with holes! No stretched out bras! It’s time for a refresh
- Are you really going to wear it to the office, ever again? I had this terrific Marni necklace once upon a time (it looked a bit like this). It was super stylish, and I felt terrific wearing it. But can I imagine ever wearing it again? Nope. Not only have styles changed in the past few years, but it’s not going to work with my “hybrid” uniform. Glad I sold it on TheRealReal when I did!
- What’s your uniform for our future hybrid lives? For me, the uniform must be comfortable, mix and match, and appropriate for working at home and the office, with maybe a couple of little tweaks. In practice, it means stretchy Lululemon “trousers” (Kate and I both have a version of these and they are excellent!), nice tee shirts, lots of cashmere sweaters, and new slip-on sneakers. I can substitute a fleece for the sweater when I’m at home, and add a bit of jewelry when I’m in the office. Efficiency, people!
These Ugg slip-on sneakers are comfortable and look great with my Lulu trousers.
And now is the time to go through your closet. With all the shortages right now, I don’t think any of us can expect to be too picky when the sales start in December.
Update from March 2022: I’m preparing for my Spring/Summer closet switch over and I’m planning on reselling and donating a number of things that I definitely won’t be wearing (all those sheath dresses!) I’ll share my luck with reselling on The RealReal in a future post.
Go through your toiletries and makeup
I pillaged my gym bag for all the good stuff around June 2020. And after an effort to make myself more presentable for Zoom calls, I stopped buying makeup. So things are looking a bit stale and depleted at this point.
I’m starting simple (see a theme here?) with the basics like sunscreen and some body lotion. A refresh on the shampoo and conditioner. Maybe a new hairbrush. As for makeup, I may revisit my notes on the Bobbi Brown Masterclass and scale it way back. There will be no contouring in my hybrid lifestyle! 🙂
And speaking of makeup, I’m counting on being required to wear masks for the foreseeable future at the office. So no point in doing much other than some concealer and mascara. Makes things very easy! Speaking of masks, it might be a good idea to pick up a few new ones for work. Those ones I bought from Athleta back in July 2020 are looking pretty sad!
Update from March 2022: Wow, I was surprised at how much of my makeup had expired in the 2 years- so I replaced a number of things like foundation. And I won’t be wearing a mask, so I splurged on a bright red lipstick to cheer myself up while I do Zoom calls from the office. It really is fun to wear!
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Dragon Girl
Packing your work bag
You know I’ve got the work notebook and pens covered as I prepare for RTO! But I am taking a pass through my entire tote and re-evaluating everything. Do I need another phone charger, a new lip balm, is my office badge still in its spot? And this might be an opportunity to pick up a new tote. I actually bought this terrific Dagne Dover tote right before the first pandemic. It seemed perfect for all the traveling I was anticipating for 2020! Ha! How innocent I was. But at least it is unused and ready to go as I prepare for RTO.
If you need a new tote, I highly recommend taking a look at TheRealReal. And check out my post on how to score a deal. If you are like me, having a new tote will pep you up as you make your way into the office after two years.
Going back to the office is going to be difficult, I won’t sugarcoat it. If we do a little bit here and there to prepare for RTO, I do think it won’t be quite as much of a shock to the system as it might be. And honestly, with the shipping delays and shortages, you will be grateful that you took care of your shopping earlier rather than later.
Workers of the world unite! (in WFH forever…)
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