You’ve worked from home for over a year and you’ve become accustomed to attending meetings in your pajamas, sending emails from your couch, and adjusting to flexible work hours outside the office. However, that’s all about to change after you see in your inbox that your department will be required to transition from remote to in-person working conditions. This causes your anxiety to spike through the roof. If this sounds strangely accurate, you’re not alone.
Many employees are mentally struggling with reintegrating back into the workplace let alone feeling confident to actively progress in their career. Whether it’s stress in response to Covid-19, shifting schedules, traveling for work, or interacting with coworkers, It’s important to look at this issue from both an employee and employer perspective in reducing the anxiety around this transition.
As an employee make sure that you communicate your needs and concerns regarding returning to the office, because you are the most effective when your attention is oriented on your work and not preoccupied by outside anxiety. Stand firm in setting boundaries about Covid-19 protocols and your comfort levels with your employer or human resource representative. Additionally, be empathetic to the anxiety that coworkers or employers may be experiencing throughout this time of transition.
If you are an administrator or leader in your organization don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers just yet as there’s no handbook to maintaining a flawless business plan throughout a global pandemic. However, there are things you can do to make this transitions more seamless for you and your subordinates. It’s essential to create a healthy safety climate in your workplace by genuinely listening to your employees' concerns and creating new protocols to help them feel more comfortable. Consider implementing weekly reflection meetings that gauge employee’s mental health in relation to their work proficiency. Providing opportunities for flexible work hours is also a great way to be accommodating for your employees during this difficult time.