Return-to-work announcements can elicit a range of feelings. You might be happy to see your team members again but concerned about your safety – even though most restrictions have been eased. There are many other things to consider, things you probably haven’t thought about in two years, such as where to go, what to wear, and the quickest route to get to the office. Or how this could impact your family life.
Some organisations are requesting employees to return to the office. Fulltime. And then there’s the hybrid solution, where employees work two days from home and three days at the office, which seems to be a popular option.
After the pandemic, many of us have (at long last!) adopted to the work-whilst-being-at-home reality. We have invested time, effort and money into organising our home offices and sorting out the connectivity issues (if there isn’t loadshedding!).
We have learnt about virtual etiquette and started using online collaboration tools. AND we are productive, meeting the agreed outputs and delivery as agreed by our team members. In some cases, team members are more productive at home than in a busy office.
Another reality that is impacting the enthusiasm, is the spiking fuel prices. And the idea of being stuck in traffic or a long commute cause some to worry. This could mean you will probably pick up your children later from school, and that has a snowball effect – late homework, dinner, and less quality time with your family members.
As humans, we crave connection. So, where does this feeling of anxiety originate? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Firstly, know you are not alone.
In a research study in 2021, Adecco Group surveyed 14 800 knowledge-workers across 25 countries. The survey was to get a clear insight into working practices, behaviours and attitudes towards work. This is what they found:
- 49% of leaders and 42% of non-managers said they have felt, or are feeling, anxiety about returning to the office.
- Australia reported the highest levels of anxiety around returning to the office (53%), followed closely by the U.S. (52%); Germany and Belgium reported the lowest levels of anxiety (31%).
Any change can be stressful, and the adjustment or change can cause feelings of loss and uncertainty. Even a change that we have chosen ourselves, for example, falling pregnant and expanding your family or moving out of your parent’s home and getting an apartment together can be an adjustment.
It is predictable to have a drop in performance when going through a period of change.
Here are a few tips if you feel anxious about returning to the office:
- Plan ahead
Anxiety is an uneasiness or worry about something with an uncertain outcome. To gain a sense of control you can focus on aspects that you can control.
- What workplace habits can you put back in place?
- What habits have served you during your work whilst being at home?
- How can you maintain these whilst transitioning back to work?
- Who have you missed, and can you reach out to for a coffee break?
Consider making a list of the positives when it comes to returning to the office.
You want to make sure that you have everything you need to make yourself comfortable and feel completely ready, especially for that first day back.
- Lower your expectations
We are often disappointed or irritated when our expectations are not met. We have a clear picture of what the first week/month back at the office should look like.
Our brain wired itself to find a reward and this can lead to the anxiety of misleading expectations. Realistic expectations are the key. If the expected and actual expectations are somewhat close, your brain releases some dopamine and moves on.
- Acknowledge your feelings
Emotional agility is about “a process that enables us to navigate life’s twists and turns with self-acceptance, clear-sightedness, and an open mind”. It starts by being aware and acknowledging the emotion you are feeling. To be mindfully present, is to be clear on what are you observing, thinking, feeling and wanting in the moment.
It helps to say, “I’m feeling worried” instead of just “I’m worried”. Always be kind to yourself and allow some patience as you navigate into being fulltime back in the office.
- Schedule in some joy
We are wired to pay more attention to the negative – so, be intentional about ‘scheduling’ some joy. We all have different needs; explore what is driving you and ensure you are intentional about that.
Some of us are driven by curiosity; ensure that you get involved in a new project so that you can learn something new. For others it may be to bring some cupcakes to work as your need for celebrating with food is important. The ones driven by family can bring a picture of the kids to work to keep them close.
Whatever works for you, ensure that you do schedule some joy.
- Voice what you can tolerate
In a survey done by Crucial Learning they found that returning to work is one of the top three topics the respondents have identified they feel reluctant to address.
Be courageous and share your concerns. Compare your views with what the business proposes and co-create an alternative or workable solution. This is key and such an important conversation to have.
Crucial Learning’s tip is to prepare for the first 30 seconds of the conversation. They call it the “hazardous half minute”. They recommend preparing a short script to share your good intentions with the manager. Make it clear that you care about their needs and concerns and that you respect them.
In closing
Whether you are on the team of “just want to work from home” or “yeah, we are going back to the office”, be kind to yourself and others. For some, it may be a bigger adjustment than you would think
