How can employees manage the ‘Call to the Office’: Key takeaways from going back to the office in 2023

Since COVID-19 changed our work habits, employees have gotten used to working from home—no long drives to work, better balance between job and personal life, and the chance to work in comfy clothes. But now, many firms are pushing back to the office, and to be frank, not everyone likes this idea. The switch hasn’t gone well for many leaving workers asking: How can we deal with this change without going crazy?

The truth about coming back to the office

Companies insist on bringing staff back to the office stressing teamwork, company spirit, and supervision. While some workers look forward to meeting face-to-face again, others find it hard to adjust to this sudden shift. Heading back to the office means old habits come back—waking up, getting stuck in traffic, and dealing with workplace drama. It’s a lot to handle for people who did well working from home. Being around office sounds, things that take your attention away, and set schedules all of a sudden can be too much. For those who thrived in remote settings, pushing back to the office can feel disruptive.  But companies aren’t changing their minds—they want people back in the office, and workers need to get used to it.  The office world will look completely different in 2025. Companies now want their employees back at their desks. Last year, only 35% of workers showed up at the office. Today, that number has jumped to 68%. The consumer and retail sectors paint an even more striking picture – their in-person attendance shot up from 33% to 87%. Pushing back to the office brings its share of hurdles. One in two employees won’t accept long commutes as part of their daily routine. Many workers now spend up to 30% of their salary just to reach their workplace. Yet with 90% of companies expecting staff to show up, we need smart ways to adapt to this new reality. 

Let us walk you through some tested ways to handle this workplace transformation. You’ll learn to set up new daily schedules, create an ideal workspace, and keep your work life in perfect balance. These steps will help make your return to office life smoother and more productive.

Common company policies

Companies now take a more structured approach to office attendance. While employees must adjust, companies also need to approach pushing back to the office carefully. Structured hybrid setups that require minimum office days have jumped from 20% to 43% since early 2023. Flexible work options have dropped from 31% to 25%. Companies now set specific attendance rules instead of offering complete flexibility. Companies asking for four or fewer office days see better compliance at 80%. All the same, 40% of managers don’t enforce strict return policies when employees perform well. CEOs feel optimistic – 83% expect everyone back in office within three years. Reality proves more challenging as companies lose talent over strict return mandates. The numbers speak for themselves – 8 in 10 employers have lost staff after implementing return-to-office policies.

Easing the office return

If your company is pushing back to the office, you can take steps to make it less tough. Instead of resisting, finding a middle ground between what you need and what the company wants can help lower your stress. The key is to approach pushing back to the office with a plan—set clear expectations, communicate with your team, and create routines that help you transition smoothly.

• Create a new routine

One of the toughest parts of returning to the office is getting used to a fixed workday again. You can’t just get out of bed right before a video call anymore. The best way to handle this change? Set up a solid routine. Adjusting your daily routine helps make pushing back to the office feel less overwhelming.

• Get up at the same time each day to avoid morning chaos.
• Pack your work stuff the night before to cut down on last-minute panic.
• Figure out your commute to make it as smooth as possible.

Going back to the office doesn’t have to be awful. A bit of structure can help.

• Making the physical transition

The return to office life brings new challenges. Creating a productive workspace and dealing with daily commutes are vital parts of this transition. As companies continue pushing back to the office, employees need practical ways to make this shift smoother.  Let’s look at some practical ways to make your return to office life easier and more efficient.

• Setting up your workspace

Your desk’s organization sets the foundation for a productive day. Place your monitor at eye level to protect your neck and back. A proper setup means your elbows should rest at 90 degrees on the desk surface. Natural light makes a big difference too. Research shows that 47% of workers feel tired without enough natural light at their desks. A cozy workspace can make pushing back to the office more enjoyable and productive. These organizational tips will help you stay focused:

• Keep your most-used items within easy reach
• Stack documents upward with vertical storage
• Use cable organizers to tame messy wires
• Clear your desk before heading home

 

• Managing commute time

Smart commuting choices can substantially cut down stress and boost your workday productivity. Shifting your travel time by just 30 minutes earlier or later often saves time and reduces road stress. Public transport riders can turn travel time into something useful. Try downloading learning materials or meditation apps made for commuters. As companies focus on pushing back to the office, managing commute time effectively becomes crucial for reducing stress and maintaining productivity. A relaxing playlist might help you unwind on your journey. Deep breathing works wonders during your commute.  Drivers should look for different routes to dodge traffic hotspots. Getting enough sleep helps too, since tired driving makes stress worse. Sharing rides with coworkers not only eases individual stress but creates chances to connect with your team.

• Creating daily schedules

Time blocking is a vital strategy for managing your workday well. Most people’s energy peaks in the morning. Break your day into focused work chunks—52 minutes of deep work followed by 17-minute breaks works best. As companies continue pushing back to the office, structuring daily schedules effectively helps employees stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

• Balancing team meetings

Executives now spend almost 23 hours each week in meetings – this is the biggest problem. Here are ways to curb meeting overload:

• Keep meetings to 20 or 45 minutes to allow breaks between them
• Set aside specific days to focus on work – “meeting-free Wednesdays” works well
• Bundle similar tasks to optimize your time

• Maintaining work-life balance

Employees adapting to office-based work face a big challenge – finding the right balance between work and personal life. Research shows that 72% of employees rank work-life balance as their most valuable job benefit. As companies focus on pushing back to the office, ensuring employees maintain a solid work-life balance is key to long-term success and job satisfaction.

• Setting clear boundaries

A good work-life balance starts with fixed work hours. You should set specific start and end times for your workday and let your colleagues and supervisors know about them. Make sure you don’t check emails or take work calls outside these hours. Your physical workspace matters just as much. Having a dedicated work area helps your brain switch between work mode and personal time. This becomes even more important since 81% of employees value flexible work arrangements. As companies focus on pushing back to the office, employees must set boundaries that protect their time while adapting to new workplace expectations.

These boundaries work best when you:

• Block-focused work time on your calendar
• Switch off work notifications after hours
• Let team members know when you’re available
• Take breaks throughout your day

As organizations continue pushing back to the office, setting clear boundaries ensures employees maintain a balance that supports both productivity and personal well-being.

• Managing personal commitments

Smart planning helps you handle both work and personal responsibilities. Companies that help employees with personal needs like flexible schedules and backup childcare see better employee retention rates. Your well-being needs attention to avoid burnout. Recent data shows burnout affects 36% of remote workers, 35% of in-person employees, and 28% of hybrid workers. A “fake commute” – a quick walk or drive before and after work – can help create that mental divide between work and personal life. Caregivers should talk openly with their supervisors about flexible arrangements. More organizations now understand this need and offer support through parental leave and childcare help. Work-life integration looks more like a Venn diagram than a perfect balance. The key is building green practices that support both your career growth and personal life. Take time to check your boundaries and adjust them as your needs change while pushing back to the office in a way that ensures both work and personal harmony.

• Add some home comforts to your workspace

Do you miss your snug home setup? You’re not the only one. Going back to the office means giving up some conveniences, but bringing small reminders of home can help.

•  Make your workspace your own with pictures or greenery.
• Stock up on your favorite munchies, coffee, or tea.
• Use headphones that block noise if the office buzz gets too loud.

Heading back to the office doesn’t mean you have to abandon everything you enjoyed about working from home. It’s about adjusting in a way that suits you while pushing back to the office in a way that works best for you.

• Mental wellbeing and returning to the office

The stress of going back to the office is genuine. If you did well while working from home, this change can be draining. The reality is, that pushing back to the office is happening whether employees like it or not. The key is finding ways to make it work for both sides. If it’s wearing you down, try these ideas:

• Take quick breaks to clear your head.
• Practice being present or do some deep breathing.
• Chat with a colleague or get professional help if you need it.

Companies that are bringing employees back should also step up their game in offering mental health support. If they’re not, don’t be shy about asking for help. 

• Employers need to step up, too

While employees need to adjust, companies also have a responsibility to make pushing back to the office smoother. Employers should:

• Offer hybrid options for better flexibility.
• Keep communication open and listen to employee concerns.
• Provide resources to help employees transition back.

A rigid approach to pushing back to the office will only lead to unhappy, unmotivated employees. Businesses that prioritize their people will see better engagement and productivity.

Finding the sweet spot in the workplace

Change-making folks head back to the office isn’t something bosses can just decide—it’s a big deal that can change how employees live their lives. The trick is to tweak things so no one loses the good stuff that comes with working from home. Workers gotta make new habits, know when to set limits, and look after their mental wellness. And bosses? They’ve gotta shape a place that gives a nod to what their people need. This move back to office life is one scene in the ongoing story of how our workplaces are transforming. Embrace the right attitude and get the support you need, and there’s a chance to keep everyone on board.

UNLEASH dives into the whole pushing back to the office chaos, breaking down how HR can make it less of a headache. From flexible work setups to keeping employees sane, they’ve got the inside scoop on making this shift work for everyone!