Returning to Work After Covid

Abigail Noel • Mar 05, 2021

The transition back may cause a range of challenges, reactions, and emotions.

  • Establish a sense of control. Doing what you can to protect yourself and others from getting sick can ease anxiety. While many of us are suffering from “pandemic fatigue” and are tired of hearing about and taking safety precautions, this is not the time to push them aside! Taking these steps will help you feel more in control while helping to prevent the spread.
  • Embrace the return to structure. Lack of routine can be a driving force for anxiety or other mental health issues. If you can, try to get into your work routine at home before physically returning. Wake up, shower and get dressed as you normally would, and match your work schedule as much as you can.
  • Be respectful and considerate. People will return to work with different levels of fear and anxiety. Recognize differences in comfort levels, give people space and respect your coworkers’ new boundaries. Fear and tension may be running high, especially in the first few weeks after returning.
  • Be positive and grateful. All of us are dealing with unknowns right now. All we can do is make the best decisions we can with the information we have. And we all know how quickly information changes. Instead of finding fault, show support, be positive and bring out the positive, even in stressful situations. Being grateful will help you be positive.
  • Take care of yourself. Get good sleep, eat healthy and exercise. Practicing self-care will reduce stress and build your immune system, among other benefits.
  • Listen to yourself and others. It’s natural to feel frustrated during a time like this. If you do, take a break, breathe deeply and try to keep things in perspective. And know that your coworkers may be feeling the same. Offer a listening ear if you sense they need it. They’ll likely do the same for you.
https://www.bestcareeap.org/whats-happening/180/
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