Returning to working as a professional after a career break is a challenge. Not just would the industry have evolved, but there would also be that slight degree of rustiness in your skills. Many working professionals take such career breaks due to personal reasons or are often forced to due to lay-offs in the industry (this is particularly applicable in the Covid-19 times). One of the most significant changes over the past two years is the hybrid work culture (a privilege until 2019) becoming nearly ubiquitous in companies across most sectors. In a BCG survey of over 12,000 employees across the US, Germany, and India, it was found that 79% of employees who were satisfied with social connectivity (whether online or offline), mental and physical health, and workplace tools were above improvedto better their productivity despite having to work remotely. And therefore, the hybrid work model is here to stay. While companies work towards developing tools that enable their employees to deliver satisfactory work productivity while working remotely, it is essential for someone on a career break to up their game when it comes to performance in a hybrid environment.
Here are some of the things that such people can do to get accustomed to the change:
Planning your Week Differently
Make plans for when and where you want to work on different days and times of the week. This will ensure that you do not just have a fixed schedule to work around but will also not get bogged down in the monotony of working in an isolated environment. Thus, on the days when you work remotely and thus end up saving your commuting time, your work efficiency would be at its highest.
Set up the necessary work systems
Working from home means that you need to have the necessary digital infrastructure to be able to work effectively. If you do not have the same, you could inform your employer about your work requirements. Employers have been more than ready to help their employees with the best possible at-home systems, so long as the employers can deliver on expectations.
Learn the necessary tools
Working in remote teams entails having to collaborate over online platforms. And therefore, you must bring yourself up to speed on the necessary level of tech-savviness. Getting conversant with the workflow platforms and remote communication tools that employees in your organization use, such as Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Trello, is an absolute must.
Ensure that you visit the office whenever possible
While we have increasingly sophisticated digital communication technology, nothing beats in-person communication when it comes to team bonding. And therefore, as far as possible, do try to be in the office whenever you need to be, whether it is for routine work, meetings, any events at the office, or just catching up with your colleagues. Apart from helping you gel well with the team, workplace visibility is essential to gaining an appreciation for your work contribution.
Following the above points will ensure that you can effectively develop the necessary confidence to succeed in a hybrid work setting.