5 Ways To Maximize Your Impact On Hybrid Job In-Office Days

Hybrid work is becoming more common, and employers are summoning employees back to the office for periodic, purpose-driven in-office days. We recognize the emotional labor students face when returning to school. However, we should not overlook employees’ similar anxieties as they transition to in-person work. Employees need a plan to ease these transitions, too.

The Challenge Of Transitioning To In-Office Hybrid Work

A few weeks ago, my client Francisca’s manager informed her that the team must start coming into the office one day each month. Francisca had been working 100% remotely since joining her employer two years ago. Although this request seemed reasonable, she could not help but feel anxious since she had never met her manager or colleagues in person. Meanwhile, my client Dave had a similar concern, though he had worked face-to-face with his colleagues before the pandemic. He worried the ensuing three years of remote work would make reintroductions awkward.

Embrace The Opportunity For Career Growth

As a workplace psychologist with over a decade of experience studying remote and hybrid work models, I’ve observed that the most successful professionals view this transition not as a burden but as an opportunity to define or redefine their professional image and accelerate their career growth.

For example, Francisca approached her office debut with the precision of a military operation. She researched her colleagues’ backgrounds, prepared talking points about ongoing projects, and strategically chose a professional and memorable outfit. The result? Within weeks, she secured a spot on a high-profile project that might have otherwise passed her by. Dave focused on rekindling relationships and showcasing the new skills he built up during his time away from the team. His strategy paid off, putting him in the running for a team lead position.

Optimize Your Presence

This seems a bit calculated, but workplace interpersonal influence matters. These back-to-office situations allow you to control your professional image and align your authentic self with the image you want to project. Authenticity and strategic self-presentation are not mutually exclusive. In her book, Presence, social psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy argues that presence “stems from believing in and trusting yourself—your real, honest feelings, values, and abilities.”

So, set yourself up to be confident and influential as you adjust to in-person hybrid interactions by following these five strategies:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

Returning to the office can trigger various emotions; all are valid. Although you may be excited about connecting with colleagues, it would be natural if you also felt some awkwardness about these interactions because you haven’t had to use these skills for a long time or ever before. You may dread the anticipated social demands; the power dynamics may feel different in person than in the remote environment. And your colleagues will more clearly see one another’s personality quirks. And remember, these emotions and concerns are normal.

2. Connect Purposefully With Your Manager

Face-to-face office time is perfect for cementing your relationship with your manager. Before the return date, ask your manager if there is something you can do to help them prepare for the return. Ask for some one-on-one time, too (but don’t get upset if they can only allocate a few minutes- everyone else on the team may be asking for time, too). When meeting with your manager, discuss your recent achievements and how they align with team goals. Ask about upcoming projects and how you can contribute. And don’t forget to empathize with your manager; they are dealing with change, too.

3. Dress For Success

Pick clothing for the return that will create a favorable first impression. Go through your closet and pick out your best One-Day-Per-Month outfits. Try them on to ensure they fit, and then select from this curated collection for each in-office occasion. Since you will only need a few pieces, opt for the best quality you can afford. This could demonstrate your interest in career growth by dressing for the job you want, not just for the job you have.

4. Connect With Your Colleagues

If this is your first time meeting your colleagues in person, note one thing you like about each colleague and tell them about that when you meet. If you’re returning to a group that already knows you, show interest in their experiences since the last time you saw them. Don’t just focus on the colleagues with whom you have worked well. Also, target one or two people with whom you want better interactions in the future. Sitting with these colleagues at lunch or asking about their commute are safe topics to break the ice.

5. Maintain Productivity And Focus

In-office work can be more distracting than working alone in your home office. If you need quiet to focus, bring noise-canceling headphones. Consider taking short breaks to walk outside. At the end of that first in-office day, you may feel drained. Allow time for recuperative self-care, like a long bath or dinner with a loved one.

The transition back to the office is more than just a change of scenery; it’s an emotional transition. It’s also a chance to redefine your professional brand and accelerate your career. By approaching this transition strategically, you can turn the challenges of hybrid work into opportunities for growth and advancement. Make every interaction count.