8 tips for returning to the office full-time

Over the past five years, many of us have become accustomed to remote and hybrid working. But is it time for professionals to prepare for a return to the office five days a week?

As shared on on workplace trends for 2025, 83% of CEOs expect a full return to the office in the next three years. Although this sentiment hasn't resulted in significant action yet, productivity and company culture outside the office are being closely examined.

Is your employer leaning toward everybody “coming in” again? If you've been away from the office for a while — or have never experienced, it — returning to a full-time in-office role can feel overwhelming. But there are several ways you can make it work for you.

How to get ready to return to the office

The first step is to consider what you liked (and didn’t like) about flexible working.

Yes, working from home allows greater flexibility. But this working pattern also blurs the distinction between your work and personal life.

Did you miss having office space? Do you prefer in-person meetings to Zoom calls? Then you may be ready for your new workday routine.

And it’s important to remember that no matter which side you fall on in the remote vs office debate, you’re not alone. In fact, opinions are split almost down the middle. Bamboo HR’s 2024 Return to the Office report showed that two out of five (39%) prefer to be office-based. Around half of workers (52%) choose remote.

If you prefer to work remotely, there are various steps you can take to make an office more comfortable for you. With big name companies such as Amazon setting the tone with return-to-work mandates, employees may need to get used to a new work environment. If you’re in this situation, here are eight top tips for returning to the office full-time.

1. Rethink your sleeping schedule

Are you used to rolling out of bed and getting straight on your computer? To maintain a healthy lifestyle while getting up early to get ready and commute, you’ll have to find a sleep routine that involves getting to bed earlier to get enough hours of sleep. A healthy sleep pattern is crucial to your personal well-being and work performance.

2. Create a solid morning routine

Once you know when you’ll be waking up, you can start to build a new routine. Think about everything you need to do in the morning. Is breakfast something you prepare at home, or on the go? If you exercise, do you have time to get to the gym, or do you need to find somewhere nearer your office? Perhaps some home equipment is the answer.

Next, plan your commute. If you already work in the office a few days each week, you should be familiar with this already. However, bear in mind that, as more people return to the office full-time, the roads and public transport will be busier. There’ll probably be a longer queue at your regular coffee shop, too. It’s worth setting out a little earlier, if possible, since rushing to make it to your desk every morning will only make things more jarring.

Building a regular routine is difficult, but deciding it and sticking to it will make the transition easier.

3. Have a plan for concentrating in the office

One of the biggest perks of working at home is that you dictate the distractions. In an office, you might have less control over the atmosphere.

If you want to get your head down, take a pair of headphones when you return to the workplace and stay off your phone, especially social media, to avoid distractions. It may help to have a dedicated work bag where you keep things that help keep your concentration on track.

Another productive habit is to set hours where you fully concentrate. Use your calendar to block out ‘focus time’ and limit notifications.

4. Build your own workspace

Bring useful stationery or decorations to make your office feel like home. Small plants and pictures are a great way to get started. A few easily movable accessories will help you to feel more settled and like you’re in familiar surroundings.

5. Take advantage of face-to-face interactions

Whereas working remotely can lead you to feel disconnected from your peers, seeing colleagues in person is a great way to boost your mood. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for interactions – after all, employers often cite this as a primary reason for returning to the office. If you’ve got enough time and space to get your work done, there’s nothing wrong with having a chat.

Make the most of office life and embrace the chance for informal team conversations. Unscheduled conversations can also help you to come up with creative ideas for addressing work problems.

6. Look after your mental health

Being in an office full-time brings different challenges from home working. Remote workers might struggle with disconnection and switching off at night, but being in the office may lead to new anxieties about working in a busy workspace. Check in with yourself regularly to make sure your new environment allows you to prioritize your mental health.

7. Maintain a work-life balance

Working from home can often mean that people are inclined to stay online a little later, blurring the boundary between your job and your downtime. After returning to the office, make sure you’re not staying too late or sacrificing personal well-being. Stick to work schedules and try to switch off in the evening.

In fact, this is where office-based working arrangements can be helpful. You have a set time to end the day and leave work. Avoid checking emails or notifications once you exit the office and make your way home. Take this chance to transition from work to personal life and give your mind a rest.

8. Take regular breaks

Just because you’re back in the office, it doesn’t mean you should be working every single minute of the day. Taking regular pauses, getting up and moving makes you more productive when you are working. Remember, sitting at your desk all day impresses no one — it just makes you feel sluggish. Whether you’ve got assigned break times or a flexible routine, remember to take those chances to refresh your body and mind.

Thriving in an office environment

Returning to the office may be distinctly different from the remote work many have become used to. But with careful planning, the right environment, and self-care, you can make your office-based role a roaring success.