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Getting Back to the Office After Working from Home
By 2021 the working from home was becoming second nature
Working from home- What a novelty this used to be… until Covid! I remember the days when ‘working from home’ was quite rare- The only time we would work from home here at Alyssa Smith Jewellery (and I’m sure many other places too!) was when childcare issues played a part, adverse weather showed up (snow day!) or when the boiler/heating engineer was paying a visit! But once Covid came along, the shortened phrase ‘WFH’ suddenly became something we all used on a regular basis!
After nearly 2 years of turning our personal home spaces into makeshift offices on command, we’re now gradually easing ourselves back into the ‘real’ workplace. As in- we’re actually GOING to work again! Hopefully the days of using kitchen tables as work desks or sofas to house our online meeting are starting to be behind us, but with this transition, we face a whole load of new challenges.
Getting back into the workplace can feel a bit alien after so long in the ‘safe spaces’ we call home where we have been spending most of our work AND free time over the last few years, surrounded by all of our familiar things- and so many of us are suffering with anxiety and worrying about easing back into real places of work. Here at Sparkle Towers, we’ve been making our ‘safe spaces’ at work (our desks and areas around our desks) as happy as we can so that coming back into work every day and this transitional period is as stress free as it can be, and I thought it would be lovely to share with you some of the things we have been doing to make our work spaces ‘our own’ so that we can feel happy and productive at work.
It may not be the same for everyone but if you are ‘desk based’ for your job and you have your own desk to call home (as opposed to hot desking) these handy little tips may help you settle back into the swing of things in no time-
1. It's always about the crystals!
Our gorgeous Rose Aura Quartz tumblestones!
Popping a couple of crystals on your desk at work can really help with a positive mental attitude, productivity, motivation and even anxiety. I always have an Amethyst crystal on my desk because it helps to calm and sooth irritability and stress- and sometimes running a business can be incredibly stressful. Those zoom meetings, face to face meetings and busy schedules can get on top of us at times especially when we’re just easing back into things, so having one close to you is always useful. As I am in a creative job, I like to keep a Carnelian close to me because this wonderful stone really helps with motivation and productivity. Fluorite is also great for those needing to project manage and hit deadlines, whilst Rose Quartz can help to bring love and happiness, as well as an open mind to your day. I love to feel the energy of my crystals around me whilst I am working and I would recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their day and help keep good energy around them. Why not have a look at all of my gorgeous crystals which you can surround yourself with- there is a perfect crystal out there for everyone, and you will find the healing benefits of each crystal in our collection when you read more about each product.
‘’I always say if you’re drawn to a particular crystal, then it is the one you need to surround yourself with at that moment in time. The crystal chooses you- not the other way round!’’ – Alyssa x
2. Bring a desk buddy from home!
The surprise Alyssa left on operation manager Danielle’s desk!
This could be anything from a little plant, succulent or cactus that’s been keeping you company whilst you work from home, or a good luck charm such as a little teddy or toy. If you’ve had this particular item on your ‘work desk’ at home, then why not take it into work with you now. This sense of familiarity will make the change from home to office feel less overwhelming – I love to be surrounded by my little comforts, I even have lego on my desk at work! Plus, you will know this already but having a plant on your desk really is good for helping keep the air flowing.
3. Bring your favourite mug in!
Yes, really! That favourite mug you have been using every day at home since ‘WFH’ became a thing? Bring it into work! These little creature comforts can really help with getting back to work nerves and can help to make all the difference when you are settling back in.
4. Remember to socialise!
Alyssa’s rather untidy home office during the 2020 second lockdown
One of the biggest things about the switch from working from home to getting back to the office is the prospect of seeing people again! Whether that’s on your commute or actually at work with the people you work with and remember that so many people have started new jobs during the pandemic, so it might even be the first time you have met your colleagues (or vice versa!) After spending so much time working alone from home and conducting meetings via zoom only, getting back to face to face chatting can cause anxiety for some, but remember that we are all in the same position and having a 5 minute catch up in the canteen, on a break or in the kitchen really can add a positive spin to your day.
You will be back to the chit chat of the office in no time, but remember it is SO normal to feel nervous or apprehensive at first. During the pandemic, Alyssa Smith Jewellery have welcomed 6 new members of staff – some of whom solely worked from home for the first few months of their jobs. When they came into work for the first time it was really lovely to see the team members getting to know each other face to face (at a Covid safe distance!) and the ‘first day’ nerves were soon overcome.
Customer orders made and fulfilled at home, overspilling into the house
5. Ditch the paperwork!
I will put my hands up when I say I’m a lover of making notes and using post-it notes. Inspiration and things I need to do can strike at any time for me, so ripping off a postit note to write something new on is really handy. UNTIL you realise you have abuout 50 postit notes and don’t know where to start! I would recommend trying to write digital lists on your computer or tablet, which can easily be amended or the order of importance switched. Seeing everything on one list which is easy to change is SO much less stressful than bits of paper cluttering up your desk and stressing you out. It looks like so much more when it’s all on random lists and added bits of paper and can cause anxiety and a lack of productivity even just by looking at it. I have recently ditched the overwhelming bits of paper notes and reverted to an online list instead- it makes me feel so much more organised and less stressed… Give it a go! Plus- It’s better for the environment!
6. Set boundaries
Alyssa likes to work at home and from the office and inspiration can strike any time of day or night
Lastly, now you’re back at work it’s time to re-set and remember to separate work and home life. Working from home has been so hard for all of us- the lines have been blurred for nearly everyone and spare time ends up as ‘work’ time because it’s so easy to just pick up the laptop, pile of work etc etc when you’re living in the same space you are working. But now you are back at work it’s time to reset and separate your work life from your home life to get that balance back.
When I was working from home during lockdown, I remember starting work at around 6am, finishing about 7pm and then picking my laptop up to carry on about 9pm until midnight some nights- because it was there in front of me. I did get a lot done but I got quite unwell and burned myself out several times (I never learn!) so if I could pass on some tips to anyone else, it really would be to try to get more balance of work-home life into your day. If you are still working from home (or always have done) then why not try to keep your work in one room and not all over the house. Once you are finished work for the day, close the door behind you so you can’t see you work. That way it is less tempting to go back to it later that evening!
Ironically, I am writing this post whilst working from home. It’s about 9pm and I am catching up with the latest season of A Discovery of Witches – I’d love to say I have the balance perfect but as I really enjoy working, I do love to write a little blog or two when inspiration strikes, such as now! I’m learning to get the balance back in my life and going back into the office on a more regular basis really is helping with that along with my productivity, but as a creative person I do like to work ‘when inspiration strikes’ and sometimes that is in the middle of the night!
I really hope that if you are going back into the workplace and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, these tips have helped a bit. I know they have helped myself and our team at Sparkle Towers and please do remember if you need any help or guidance from us, particularly picking your own crystals for your work desk then we’re always here to help!
Love and light
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ALYSSA ( Sparkle Queen ) SMITH
Founder, Director and Jewellery Chief Elf Designer Maker · Alyssa Smith Jewellery
ALYSSAS DIARY
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