Exhausted being back in office

[BonneMaman15]

We've just started going back into the office this week and I'm shocked at how exhausted I am and worried that I won't be able to cope. All I can manage is feeding DC, showering and collapsing on my bed. I can barely interact with DC . Prior to lockdown, I had an occupational health assessment as I have a chronic condition which causes fatigue (which then causes flare up of symptoms) which recommended part time wfh, so I'll be doing Mon & Tues in office and Thurs & Fri from home going forwards, but I can't seem to manage even the 2 days! Is this expected/normal after 19 months at home and it's just a matter of getting re-conditioned?
On my wfh days, I don't dress/do make up, and work mostly from my bed/sofa and occasionally nap during my lunch break.
I'm a single mum, so on office days, I have to do school run for breakfast club, then commute to office.
So disappointed about not being able to cope. 😒 Not sure whether to go be it some more time (it's only been 2 days), or ask for reduced hours (& reduced pay) - not sure this will be granted.

I’d definitely give it more time, you’ve only done two days! We’re all out of shape in terms of commuting and interacting with others, it does take it out if you - I feel a bit the same and that’s without any underlying fatigue issues. Give it until the new year to see if you’ve become ‘match fit’ before taking any cut in hours and salary.

Have your symptoms got worse over the last couple of years some the OH assessment? Just wondering if you were to be reassessed, would they suggest more working from home.

We’ve just gone back to the office and I do find that office days are much more of a rush that home days, which makes them tiring. I think I’m going to have to start preparing dinner for week nights at the weekend and other things to get organised so my office days are a bit easier.

Could you do mon/Thursday in the office? Split the days up see if that help?
Is there anything about the office that could be made easier - chair set etc which would help the fatigue?

Definitely give it more time - I think everyone feels this way when starting to do things again after this extraordinary period in all our lives, and it’s just a question of getting ‘match fit’ again. I find even spending more time with people is exhausting now, but things are getting easier! Keep at it and see how you are in a few months, before making any decisions.

I’d definitely give it a bit more time, my first day back in the office I fell asleep on the sofa at 8pm. I also agree with the idea of splitting the days up if possible, my usual non working day is Wednesday and if I have to change that I’m always knackered by the third or fourth day.

I’m not a parent yet so I appreciate it isn’t as tiring by any means, but I found when returning to the office after WFH that I was utterly exhausted at the end of each day. But after a few weeks, my body had adjusted and I was a lot better. Give it time, I think.

I think this is normal at first, but if you're still finding yourself exhausted after a few weeks then you might need to make adjustments. Are the company reasonably flexible with regards to how many days you do in the office?

Husband has gone back two days a week and I'm finding it hard because I've come home from work usually and then when it's time to do dinner he's 'here'. Now he is getting back again about 7pm but it's not same time each day and I've got to get back to pre Covid dinner times again and looking on find friends to see if he's left office and how far away he is. Hoping settles down.