As quarantine restrictions loosen and companies now wanting their employees back to the office premises, fears still loom high about the new variants of the COVID-19 virus across the world. With Omicron doing the rounds, employees are still weary of returning back to office and working normally like before. However, businesses need to survive and they are asking workers to re-join office especially after successful vaccination drives have been completed. If you have been asked to return to office and still have fears about COVID-19 and its impact on your health, today’s post is just for you. It will help you with some effective stress-free ways to return to office and focus on your work without the post-pandemic fears about your health.
Remember, you need to keep the stress at bay so keep in mind the following points-
1. Monitor your anxiety
There might be an immense pressure for you to conceal or even suppress your anxiety when you get back to office. If you feel really overwhelmed, talk to your boss or HR about how you honestly feel about coming back to work. Alternately, you can also consult a therapist or a life coach to help you with this transition smoothly. In case, you ignore this anxiety, it will lead to unhealthy repercussions like stress eating, panic attacks or even insomnia. This will take a toll on your health so pay close attention to your anxiety and do not ignore it.
2. Stay patient and be flexible
Protocols are shifting frequently in your company due to the changing nature of the pandemic. Manage your expectations wisely as often you might get irritated or even react to the changing rules and regulations. It is important for you to be flexible and adaptable as today, this is the need of the hour.
3. Manage your expectations without assumptions
Most people form assumptions about situations and people that have ambiguity. These assumptions are resorted to ease discomfort and to get a sense of entitlement. It happens often in the workplace and the current pandemic is triggering it off a lot. Check this urge of forming assumptions and in case you need to speak up, go to your boss and talk. You can self-advocate what you feel in an honest and respectful manner.
In case, you feel unsafe when it comes to your health, speak up but do not be demanding. Your concerns should be projected to the authority in a considerate way over a demanding manner. In case, you are leading others, ensure you have all the answers to the questions they might ask you. Learn to give them honest responses and stay informed for them. The goal here is to manage their expectations along with yours.
4. Being a source of inspiration and joy
Having a positive attitude towards complicated transition is vital at the workplace and the same holds true for those planning to return to office after COVID. If you are a team leader, initiate conversations that are light-hearted and joyful with your team.
Find ways to laugh so that you can combat the pangs of frustration easily and keep stress at bay. In case, you do not have a team that is close, use this transition to create camaraderie and trust. Doing these small things might not completely eliminate the stress of surviving during the Pandemic but it will surely make the fight against it less intimidating as you bring in joy to yourself and others.
5. Stay focused on the bigger goals
The transition to the new normal is challenging however, supporting yourself with the goals of others is surely a great boost to remove stress. Everyone is on the same boat and you are not alone in the battle for survival. It is true that highs and lows are not the same for everyone however, when we support others in the process, we are also supporting ourselves to get the hope and strength needed for survival.
6. Workplace safety
Be considerate towards others and yourself. Maintain social distancing and always wear face masks. Hand sanitizers are a must and ensure you keep check of your health and temperature. If you feel unwell, inform your boss and stay away from the office premise. Today, most offices have embraced a hybrid work practice so ensure you stay and work from home if the need arises.
Embracing the new normal and return to office after COVID might be challenging however, when you keep the above tips in mind, you will eradicate stress to a large extent. Stay positive and safe. Make sure you follow all workplace safety protocols and be adaptable to change as and when it arises – all the best!
