FACING FACE-TO-FACE FULL TIME AGAIN
29 June 2022

With the recent lifting of COVID-19 restrictions it seems likely that South African employers will start to require a return to office-based work – if they haven’t already. For many of us, this means transitioning out of blended work where, even if you’re in the office, your colleagues aren’t (which still means mostly Zoom or MS Teams interactions) into a more formalized hybrid model with full-on face-to-face again.

 

 

In chatting to clients who are returning to face-to-face engagement, this can take some adjustment.

 

Over the past 2 years, we’ve become very used to being behind a screen. When emotions run high or we get annoyed, it’s easy to mute ourselves or the speaker on a call and take a quick time out to reframe – which is impossible in face-to-face interactions. It’s normal that, as a result, our usual coping mechanisms and social skills have dwindled. In the interests of our mental health, self-actualisation and career development (and for the success of our companies), we will need to make a conscious effort to redevelop the interpersonal and social skills that, for the most part, came naturally before the pandemic.

 

While some may be raring to get back into the office after months of being isolated at home (with limited people interaction), it’s important to acknowledge that others may not feel this way.

Your colleagues may be feeling anxious, nervous or even dreading the prospect of returning to (even part-time) in-person work again. And, even if you’re keen to be back on site, you may have mixed feelings about giving up some of the benefits of working from home – like saving commuting time and costs or spending more time with your children.

 

So, how do we all survive the ‘Great Return’?

A good start is to view your return to the office as a fresh start – remember how you felt when you started your first job! It’s a good idea to keep the following in mind too:

 

GO EASY ON YOURSELF (& OTHERS)

Pandemic stress is real and won’t magically disappear when we all return to the office.

Understanding that tempers may be frayed, and emotions run high (more so more than usual) is key to the transition. Try not to take too much personally or harbour a grudge if you find yourself on the receiving end of a short-fused colleague. Don’t allow petty squabbles or annoyances to fester. Allow yourself and others grace and understand that this is a period of adaptation and transition for everyone – including yourself.

 

MAKE AN EFFORT TO COMMUNICATE

Make an effort to communicate with your colleagues, even if it feels forced initially. It’s going to take a little time to get to know each other again, especially if you didn’t interact much during the WFH phase. Communicating is a muscle that must be exercised to develop. The old ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ adage comes to mind, so try to find some touchpoints between yourself and colleagues every day. It also helps to remember that being in-person can spark renewed creativity. ‘Shooting the breeze’ is often where new and fresh ideas arrive and is hard to replicate in online meetings.


SORT OUT YOUR STRESSORS

Ahead of your return on-site, speak to your line manager about your concerns and discuss how you can handle the logistics of your move back. Most managers are very aware of the challenges facing employees and will welcome open and honest conversation and suggestions about ways to improve working.


BE STRATEGIC IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING MOVING ON

If your return to the office does confirm to you that you are no longer in the right place or role, don’t immediately turn in your resignation (or worse, burn bridges on your way out). Rather start by looking at how you can leverage your current skills, your existing network and the experience you have built up with your current employer and see if there is a possibility of a move internally (which is usually easier than making a move outside the company).


Perhaps the most important thing to remember now is the importance of looking after your physical and mental health. If we’ve learned any lessons during the pandemic, it’s the importance of health. Your company has probably put in place support services that didn’t exist before, so if you find yourself battling, it is worth seeking out additional support and assistance. And if you haven’t yet started taking care of your physical health, now is the time to do so.


20 March 2025
As businesses face pressure to innovate quickly, the demand for specialised IT skills is higher than ever. However, hiring full-time employees for every need isn't always the most effective approach. If you need to be agile, but highly effective in your hiring, contractors offer a unique advantage, enabling you to access the expertise you need, exactly when you need it, without the constraints of permanent hiring processes. This means that you can unlock a powerful, already experienced resource to drive innovation, streamline operations, and tackle IT projects with speed and precision. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most in-demand IT contractor roles and how you can make the most of this growing pool of contracting talent. 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How IT Managers Help : Aligning IT with Business Goals : They ensure IT strategies support overall business objectives. Optimising Infrastructure : IT managers streamline systems, ensuring efficiency and scalability. Cybersecurity and Risk Management : They implement the systems that safeguard businesses from potential threats and ensure robust cybersecurity practices. Business Analysts Acting as the link between technical teams and business stakeholders, analysts help organisations implement efficient processes, drive digital transformation, and enhance overall performance. How Business Analysts Drive Success Optimising Workflows – By evaluating current operations, Business Analysts identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce costs. Software and ERP Implementation – They facilitate the seamless integration of new technologies, ensuring that software solutions meet business needs and deliver maximum value. Enhancing Project Execution – Business Analysts improve communication between IT and business teams, ensuring project goals are met on time and within budget. Their strategic input helps organisations navigate change with minimal disruption. How to Find and Hire the Right IT Contractors To find the best IT contractors, you should focus on these strategies: Where to Find IT Contractors : Partner with Network Contracting Solutions, to gain access to a curated pool of highly skilled IT professionals. Key Considerations When Hiring : Technical Expertise : Ensure contractors possess the specific skills needed for your project. Industry Experience : Contractors with a background in your sector will better understand your challenges. Proven Track Record : Look for candidates with a successful history of completing similar projects. How IT Contracting Improves Business Efficiency By engaging contractors, you’ll see immediate improvements in efficiency and productivity: Reduced Downtime : With skilled contractors on board, businesses can minimise disruptions and maintain smooth operations. Increased Speed : Contractors’ specialised expertise leads to quicker project completions, allowing businesses to stay ahead of competitors. Benefits of Contracting through Network Contracting Solutions: Vetted Professionals : We ensure that all contractors are thoroughly screened for expertise and reliability. Tailored Solutions : We customise our recruitment to meet your unique business needs. Seamless Integration : We ensure that our contractors integrate quickly into existing teams, ensuring minimal disruption. Contact Network Contracting Solutions for Top-Tier IT Contractors IT contracting in South Africa is more than just a cost-effective solution; it’s a smart business strategy. Whether you need a data analyst, IT manager, or business analyst, contractors provide the flexibility, expertise, and speed required to drive success, without the constraints and lengthy commitment of permanent hiring. Get in touch with us today to access the best IT contractors for your business needs.
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