Going back to the office after a fortnight’s annual leave used to be tricky enough (and that’s when we could console ourselves with Duty-free Toblerone and parading The Tan). So how will we cope after more than a year OOO? Muddy to the rescue.

DO prep ahead

The getting ready lark is going to take some getting used to. If WFH meant putting on a jazzy top and a ring light at 8.57am, making yourself presentable for your colleagues/boss/clients/hot man on reception and travelling somewhere – all before 9am – will require a tad more thought. Do yourself a favour and pre-plan outfits involving bottoms (non-stretch) and proper shoes (remember those?). It might also be an idea to rifle through your Drawer of Doom for that long lost security pass too.

DON’T get too giddy around the free coffee.

You’ll be excited enough just to be out of the house – not to mention catching up with your work besties and a year’s worth of gossip – so best pace yourself on the caffeine. After all, you don’t want to crash by 2.30. Your boss might expect you to keep going til 5.

DO leave the dog at home.

He sleeps all day anyway, so probably won’t even notice you’ve gone.

DON’T bankrupt yourself in your lunchhour.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever popped out for a sandwich and come back with a new skirt. Lockdown was our chance to understand the definition of ‘essential’ retail.

DO practise the facial expressions required to ease the wheels of office life.

From competitive colleagues to arsy bosses, by way of people about to ‘surprise’ you with birthday cake, it’s time to resurrect your repertoire.

DON’T scroll through Instagram in dull meetings.

Perfectly acceptable for Zoom but far trickier to get away with IRL. Nor should you be tempted to watch daytime TV on the iPlayer. Cash in the Attic will have to wait

DO start as you mean to go on.

If you read any books in the last year with titles such as Escape the Rat Race/Show your Boss Who’s Boss/No Bonus No Way now’s your chance to make your career work for you.

DON’T be tempted to do a quick razz round with the Hoover.

You’ll be putting someone else out of a job.

Back in the office? We’re here to help!

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