Top Tips for Returning to the Office and Planning Company Events

Tips for Returning to the Office Post Covid

We can finally say we are just starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel in the Covid-19 pandemic. After a year of shifting to remote work, overcoming obstacles and finding our new normal, we are starting to see companies slowly and cautiously shift to pre-pandemic work routines. That means gradually welcoming employees back into the office, planning new styles of company events and increasing their communication to allow their employees to always to be informed. We aren't out of the woods yet, but we're looking forward to getting back into our routines, in person! If your company is starting to make the transition back to the office and company events, check out these tips to make sure you make the process as safe and effortless as possible.

1. Communicate New Guidelines & Regulations

One thing to keep in mind is that over communicating is never a bad idea, especially when it revolves around the health and safety of your employees. Your company has most likely defined new guidelines around travel, PPE usage, and sanitation, so make sure you are sending out regular updates and reminders to your team. Send out new office guidelines and regulations about two weeks prior to your employees coming back so they can prepare for the new processes and discuss any concerns or questions with you.

2. Create a Plan

The process of returning to the office is not going to be an "all at once" shift. Take the time to evaluate the employees that have the largest need to be back in the office due to their role and responsibilities, and start from there. Create an efficient, safe plan to avoid any confusion and keep your employees safe. Easing back into the office life is the best way to develop your new routines and see what will and what won't work for your company.

3. Allow Flexibility

Your employees have proved that they can successfully work remote the past year, and some may not be fully ready to head back to the office. There may be new changes and schedules that will need to be rearranged in order for those who have children to switch back to going to the office every day. Allow your employees to have the time they need to figure these plans out, and let them know you are available for conversations to help them do this. Letting your employees figure out what works best for them and letting them gradually transition will show them you value their personal lives as well as their career. 

4. Refresh Your Office Space

Keep in mind that your employees have most likely not seen your office in months! Coming back to the office is exciting and refreshing to most, so take advantage of the opportunity for a little revamp of your space. Desks and furniture may need to be rearranged for safe distance anyways, so incorporating some new decor, some new amenities and even some new supplies will make your employees feel welcomed back with open arms. This is a great way to get your team refocused and ready to work together again!

 

5. Create Signage

Along with developing your new policies and procedures comes making sure your employees are always aware of them! Creating some new materials to post around your office or at your company event will ensure that your employees always know what is expected of them, and also gives them peace of mind that others are following the same precautions. Signage that will be helpful includes sanitization suggestions, mask reminders, hand sanitizer station signs, and maximum capacity rules.

 

6. Give a Welcome Back Gift

This is where we are able to help you out the most! Gift your employees something small to show your enthusiasm and gratitude for their work the past year, and for their return to the office. Many people had to overcome challenges to adapt to working from home, but stuck through it to succeed in their roles. By giving your employees a welcome back gift, they can feel your appreciation for their dedication to your company. Try custom drinkware, a custom tote bag, or even new custom apparel. You can also provide new custom PPE essentials, like masks, to your employees as they return.

 

 

7. Utilize Outdoor Space

Utilizing outdoor space comes in handy for both events and daily office use! If you are able, try taking a meeting outside for a breath of fresh air and a safe way to meet. There will most likely be full calendars of meetings while everyone tries to get back on track for office life, so finding some new meeting spots will be beneficial. If you are planning a company event, hosting it outdoors is the safest option and can allow a larger group of people to be safely spread out. Try contacting a local park or pavilion if your office does not have adequate outdoor space. There are often many local outdoor spaces that allow company events in your community!

8. Create Individual Servings & Party Favors

Instead of a typical buffet style that is usually found at work events, try switching to single servings and pre-packaged goods to keep everything sanitary and limit the spread of germs. Although this may sound like a lot to tackle, there are actually many options when it comes to individual servings from a catering perspective. Throughout the past year, many restaurants and catering services have developed new offerings to assist with this style of events. You can also create custom gift boxes to add to your event for a party favor, since the event may not be as expensive as past years. Check out our MerchBox services for some inspiration!

 

Next Steps:

• Check out our Safe Spring Event Ideas
• Check out our PPE Essentials Collection
• Check out our collection of Event Planning Guides

Contact Us

Contact us at Merchology for more Welcome Back gifts! Shop corporate apparel, custom drinkware, branded self-care items, and much more!