I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I think my social skills have essentially been erased by the pandemic. My company went back to the office a couple of weeks ago and I feel like it’s my first day at a new school or something. How am I supposed to get anything done? Anyone else somehow come out of this thing even more awkward than they already were?

You’re not alone!! I started a job at a new company and got anxious the first time with meeting with my colleagues over video chat (no one used cameras the first few months I joined) and then meeting up with teammates in the office. But it was easy to break the ice and quickly felt natural since a lot of colleagues were in the same boat.

The hybrid model has helped a lot with connecting and building a network with teammates.

When I was in office after the pandemic, I would just go to my office and work, and go home. People thought I was isolating myself on purpose… which was true, because if they would start talking to me they wouldn’t stop lol, but also I am awkward now, when in the past I was usually pretty laid back and good with people.

Now I’m back at home 100% remote thank goodness!

I'll be honest, reading this made me feel WAY less alone. I really feel like I have developed some sort of social anxiety and it causes me to be SO awkward. I almost feel like I am becoming a recluse.

I think there's going to be an adjustment period for most people when they return to an office setting. Don't beat yourself up and give yourself time to re-integrate. Try to get lunch and/or coffee with your coworkers to catch up before you jump into work mode.

Definitely feel this. My friend actually told me today he is absolutely exhausted after socializing with a group now haha.

Yup. I have lost my filter and inability to tolerate incompetence. I mean... I'm still respectful and mindful of others. I just cannot stand office bullies anymore.

Same w kids. Our school system said they are seeing many 6th graders with the social skills of 4th graders.

SAME! But I am taking action as we move to hybrid culture. I’ve hired a self image coach, and also signed up for toastmasters

Same! I just embrace the awkwardness, it's who I am now LOL

Tbh I feel as if I’ve become a lot more direct with my social skills and idgaf if people think I lack social skills, soft skills, or whatever you wanna call it. My boundaries to stay sane are more important to me than peoples perceptions at this point.

I have a core small group and I’m okay with it being small. It fluctuates, grows, shrinks, but I’m okay with it.

Do not feel embarrassed. Many people feel this way.

I don’t think anyone is paying as much attention as they normally would have since we all went through the pandemic. Look at it as a bit of an equalizer and you get to recreate your work persona 😊

I SO relate to this. It’s a scary feeling. I think we just have to socialize more and push through the uncomfortable time. Maybe go back to picturing your co-workers naked? 🤷🏼‍♀️

You’re not alone in this. It’s going to take a lot of adjustment for all of us. It’s been two years and so much has changed.

I’m heading back next week and in the two years we’ve been away. We’ve had two acquisitions, 2-3 VPs of Sales and CROs. We just finished with a new re-org New building etc. it’s basically like starting at a new job all over again.

My friends at work, some no longer work here. Some moved away, people got promoted, etc. I have to give it time to get into a groove of going from start up culture to corporate culture seeing that we went public a few months before the pandemic.

Thank you for bringing this topic up a lot of us are going to go through this.

Same

i’ve been working from home for 6 years bucko, welcome to the club

This is exactly how I feel but I'm still remote and we barely have meetings so when we do, it is awkward.

It’s an adjustment. Give yourself and everyone else a little time to get back into the rhythm.

Don't be too hard on yourself!! You're not alone. It's an adjustment to re-learn in-person social skills.

Yes! We had a company outing back in January. I honestly try not to think about all of the awkwardness I pushed through.

Get drunk with your colleagues ?