Office Like A Pro

Life back in the office these days can be daunting and unusual - for some it's been a long time, for others it's their the first time. Here's how to settle back in if it's been a while, or you are newly entering the world of work.

 

In person, not online. 

Use your office days for conversations, make connections and say hello to people you may only have spoken to online. Don't try and emulate your working from home day. Get up, move around, plan group lunches and catch ups in person. For conversations that need to be recorded, follow up with an email with points from the chat, so that all are aware.

Office attire 

Unless you have a specific uniform, I am a firm believer in bringing your true self to work, so please wear what you like. There may be guidance around office casual - if you are unsure, just check what everyone else wears in the department you work in. I've worked in environments that my attire is specified in advance (Steel toe cap boots for rigging stages, all black for shiny floor studio shows and very smart for film shoot in Lambeth Palace).

There are some unwritten rules - I would avoid t-shirts that might frighten a small child, or teach them a few words they would get detention for at school. Unless there is a specific health and safety issue or a dress code in your work policy, for the most part you are good to go.

If you feel someone is discriminating you for how you wear your hair, or making inappropriate comments about how you are dressed then make your line manager aware. 

Reply promptly to your emails and messages 

It's a sign of respect that you acknowledge someone's request via email or text or call.  If you're head down in a complex task, it's okay to put an out of office on when you'll be getting back to messages or who/how they can contact if it's urgent.

Respect everyone's flow and the room energy

Whilst you may be dying to tell someone what you watched last night, look and listen around the room and check what others are doing or the person you are about to engage - is someone in the midst of a task, are they on a call, do they look busy, is everyone else sharing their stories from the night before? Do a vibe check and if you're not sure save it for when there is a natural break.

Friendships

There is nothing better than finding a friend at work, someone you can share your day and lunch breaks with. Don't feel pressured to join in with all work events, but take the time to widen your network and don't be afraid of arranging group activities outside of work. Just remember in the UK if you are at a work event, you are still at work, so need keep it professional. 

Within work there may be a few people who have close relationships outside of work. It's not appropriate to treat them as their minder or diary assistant within work. Respect their boundaries, check first and don't assume. 

If it's broke - fix it. 

There is nothing more frustrating than an out of paper photocopier, but what do you do - fill it up or walk away? Take ownership for what is not working and effecting your day. Log issues with IT or the facilities management when they happen. Flag complex issues with your line manager. Don't assume others will notice or care.