Returning to the office after working remotely can feel like a big adjustment. Many employees enjoyed the flexibility of remote work, but as companies continue to mandate a return, maintaining a work-life balance is more important than ever. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal time can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can transition smoothly.
Why work-life balance matters
With return-to-office mandates back in force, work-life balance has never been more crucial. After years of remote and versions of hybrid working, many employees now face long commutes, stricter schedules, and less flexibility. But when work spills into personal time, stress rises, burnout increases, and job satisfaction drops. People don’t just want balance – they need it to stay happy, healthy, and productive.
Companies that get this enjoy more engaged, loyal teams. Forcing a full office return without flexibility risks frustration, disengagement, and high turnover. The solution? Defined hybrid work, flexible hours, and trust. Happy employees don’t just work harder – they work smarter.
Return to office might be better for a lot of us
Let’s be honest — working from home has its perks. Rolling out of bed five minutes before a meeting? Been there. Wearing sweatpants all day? Loved it. But if we’re really talking about work-life balance, heading back to the office might actually make things better.
Think about it — when your office is also your living room (or kitchen table), it’s way too easy for work and life to blur together. You check one last email at 10PM, Slack messages creep into dinner time, and before you know it, you’re always “on.” Going back to the office helps set some much-needed boundaries. When you physically leave work at the end of the day, you actually leave work — no more checking emails from the couch or finishing up tasks during family time. It’s a mental reset that helps you enjoy your personal life without work constantly creeping in.
And let’s talk about productivity. Ever spent half your remote workday battling distractions? The laundry pile, the Amazon deliveries, the never-ending snack breaks? The office cuts out a lot of those little distractions, helping you get things done during work hours — so you’re not stuck playing catch-up late at night. Plus, chatting with coworkers face-to-face makes work more social and collaborative, meaning fewer back-and-forth emails and endless Zoom calls.
If you’ve been struggling to juggle work and personal life after returning to the office, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore 6 effective ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance while adapting to the new, (old?), normal.
1. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life
One of the biggest challenges of returning to the office is re-establishing clear boundaries between work and home life. Without proper boundaries, work can easily spill into personal time, leading to stress and burnout.
How to set boundaries effectively:
- Define your working hours: set a strict start and end time for your workday. Avoid staying late unless absolutely necessary.
- Avoid after-hours work emails: resist the temptation to check or respond to work emails outside of your working hours. If necessary, set an out-of-office response after work.
- Communicate expectations: let your colleagues and family know your work schedule so they respect your personal time.
- Create a transition ritual: establish a habit that signals the end of your workday, such as going for a walk or changing into comfortable clothes when you get home.
By setting clear boundaries, you can prevent work from taking over your personal life and ensure you have time to unwind. With a single workplace app that consolidates all the different aspects of your workday, it’s much easier to set a notification window so that you’re not being bombarded outside of your work hours by updates and requests.
2. Optimise your commute for productivity or relaxation
Commuting can feel like wasted time, but with the right approach, it can be an opportunity to relax or be productive.
Ways to make Your commute more enjoyable:
- Listen to audiobooks or podcasts: whether it’s a motivational book, a self-improvement podcast, or a light-hearted show, listening to something engaging can make your commute more enjoyable.
- Use public transport for relaxation: if you take the train or bus, use the time to read, meditate, or catch up on a hobby.
- Practise mindfulness: instead of dreading the commute, use it as a time to reflect, focus on breathing, or simply enjoy the journey.
A well-optimised commute can set a positive tone for the workday and help you de-stress on the way home.
3. Prioritise health and well-being
Your physical and mental health should always be a priority. Work-related stress can take a toll on your well-being, but there are ways to stay healthy even with a busy schedule.
Tips for maintaining health and well-being:
- Exercise regularly: even a short workout can improve energy levels and reduce stress. Consider walking or cycling to work if possible.
- Eat nutritious meals: avoid skipping meals or relying on unhealthy snacks. Pack healthy lunches and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Practise stress management: Engage in mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to manage stress.
- Get enough sleep: prioritise 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay focused and productive.
Taking care of your body and mind ensures that you bring your best self to both work and personal life.
4. Leverage flexible working arrangements
If your company offers flexible working options, take advantage of them to create a better work-life balance.
How to use flexibility to your advantage:
- Negotiate hybrid working: if possible, work from home on certain days to reduce commuting stress and increase productivity.
- Optimise your office hours: if you have flexible scheduling, start and end your day at times that best suit your personal life.
- Create a structured routine: whether working remotely or in the office, maintain a schedule to stay productive and organised.
Flexible working arrangements can help bridge the gap between office life and personal well-being. Our smart desk booking system means you can manage your entire working arrangements, from the palm of your hand and before you even get out of bed.
5. Make time for personal interests and hobbies
Work should not consume all your time – personal hobbies and interests are essential for relaxation and creativity.
Why hobbies matter:
- They reduce stress: engaging in activities you enjoy can lower stress levels and boost happiness.
- They improve work performance: taking breaks to pursue hobbies can enhance focus and creativity at work.
- They strengthen personal identity: your job is just one part of who you are – having hobbies keeps you well-rounded.
Whether it’s painting, sports, music, or reading, dedicating time to hobbies can significantly improve your work-life balance.
6. Foster a positive workplace culture
A supportive work environment makes it easier to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life.
Ways to improve workplace culture:
- Build strong relationships with colleagues: a positive workplace with supportive co-workers can make work more enjoyable.
- Encourage open communication: express concerns about workload or stress levels to management when needed.
- Promote work-life balance initiatives: if your company doesn’t already have wellness programmes, consider advocating for them.
A positive and balanced work environment leads to happier, more productive employees.
Returning to the office doesn’t mean sacrificing your work-life balance. By setting boundaries, optimising your commute, prioritising health, leveraging flexibility, making time for hobbies, and fostering a supportive work culture, you can successfully maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Remember, your well-being matters just as much as your career.
