What kinds of things make working in an office 5 days a week most most manageable?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been fully remote for nearly 5 years but will now be going in 5 days a week. I feel like I’m a little rusty. For those who have been going into the office in recent years, what kinds of things do you do to make commuting and working in an office most manageable? I’m talking about ways to pass the time during a long commute (I’ll be traveling about an hour each way, but on metro so that will help), easy lunches to pack, etc.

No snarky comments please! I know I’ve been extremely privileged to work remotely but that doesn’t mean it’s not a big adjustment to my day to day life, and I’d love some ideas for how to make the transition as easy as possible.

[Anonymous]

I used to take my commute to enjoy audiobooks or call a different friend to catch up

[Anonymous]

I like having a nice selection of teas at work. They bring me a little joy.

[Anonymous]

Reminder: Leave back up chargers at your desk so that you do not need to worry about phone / headsets etc.
Depending on your office location - a lot of food places have closed. Bring you lunch / coffee to make it easy.
Don't forget to have your commuting shoes and your work shoes. I leave a pair of black low heels at my desk.

[Anonymous]

Listening to podcasts during the commute.

[Anonymous]

I liked reading when I had a long metro commute. Or you can find some other skill you can kind of do on the train... maybe writing, knitting, learning a new language....

[Anonymous]

First thing to find out- will you have a dedicated desk/cube and/or storage? If you have to take all you need with you like a turtle, strategies will be different.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been going in 2-3 days a week since 2022. I read, answer personal emails, sign my kids up for various school activities, camps, doctor appointments, etc.

As far as being in the office, I keep a collection of shoes there so I don’t have to lug shoes in and out, I make my lunch and pack my work bag the night before. I use the gym in the office before my TOD, so I keep toiletries, hair dryer, shower shoes, etc. at my desk. Every other Friday I take home my towel and bring in a fresh one the next Monday. I also pack my gym bag at night so all I have to do in the morning is move my lunch from the fridge to my work bag, put ton my coat and get out the door.

[Anonymous]

I used to do like a PP replied, leaving some work shoes at the office. And wearing sneakers in.

If you’ll have access to a freezer and microwave, I’ve always found frozen meals to be easiest. Pop one in my bag every morning and stick it in the freezer that morning. Might need to label with your name. But once a week I treat myself to lunch outside the office, fortunately I have a lot of options nearby.

When the weather is nice I like to get out and walk at lunch. Get away from the stress and noise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First thing to find out- will you have a dedicated desk/cube and/or storage? If you have to take all you need with you like a turtle, strategies will be different.

LOL to taking things with me like a turtle.
Luckily I will have my own cube.

Thanks all. These are helpful suggestions.

[Anonymous]

I'm in the private sector but have a long commute via car each day.

I have Audible for Audiobooks, subscribe to Podcasts and use Spotify heavily.

I put small snacks in my car for the ride home.

I have extra chargers at work.

I wear crocs or snow boots to drive and have dress shoes in my car to change as I leave the car at my office.

Airpods for work or lunch break.

I know not everyone in the Federal sector will have a dedicated workspace (my husband won't) but I have cough drops, gum and mint in my desk along with a bottle of Advil. It's nice to have a few handy items that if needed are quick to grab and then you don't have to stop or go out to get them when in need.

[Anonymous]

Poop on company time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Poop on company time.

Agree but I would go beyond this and make efforts to scout out the best bathroom facilities. Sometimes different parts of the building have higher quality bathrooms than others or bathrooms that get less traffic and are quieter/cleaner.

[Anonymous]

I have office shoes in my desk drawer and change into them. I wear running shoes on my commute.
Figure out when you will do floor washing, vacuuming, grocery and pharmacy shopping, pickup, delivery and other things you did in breaks while WFH.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I'm looking forward to about RTO is dedicated reading time on the train and time to unwind before I get home.
I agree about having special treats, coffees and teas in the office as well. A favorite mug and water bottle, too.