As employees make their way back to offices after months or even years of working from home, they may find that the transition is not as easy as they had hoped. With so much time spent away from the traditional work environment, many people have lost touch with the unspoken rules of office etiquette that governed interactions with colleagues, clients, and superiors. The result is a work culture that can feel confusing and even hostile to some employees.

After months of having complete control over their working environments, many people are now finding that the distractions, noise, and social interactions that come with working in an office can be overwhelming. Additionally, some employees may be feeling anxious about the new expectations for face-to-face interactions and socializing with colleagues, which were once second nature. While it’s normal for employees to feel a bit out of their element as they adjust to being back in the office, experts say that things will improve as we gradually become accustomed to being in a professional environment again. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that the office environment has changed significantly since the pandemic began, and many companies are now using offices in new ways, such as through remote and hybrid work.

In the end, it will be important for employees to be mindful of office etiquette and respectful of their colleagues and the professional environment. With a little patience, understanding, and communication, people will get back into the work rhythm, and the office will eventually feel like the second home it used to be.