In addition to specific concerns regarding increased infection, employees also reported worry regarding how returning to the office might impact established work-life routines. People tend to dislike uncertainty, change, and ambiguity, and these are frequently reported to cause discomfort. However, for some this negative emotional arousal can be extremely stressful and impede daily routines and activities. Research highlights that concerns regarding changes to work-life routines were rated highest by female employees with dependent children who, in additional to organising their own return to the workplace, must also make suitable arrangements for day-care or schooling of their dependent children.4,10 These additional burdens, combined with delays and inconsistent re-opening of schools, can further exacerbate these concerns. Dealing with this uncertainty can be extremely taxing, and further decrease employee morale and productivity.
Employees experiencing heightened distress regarding their return to the workplace are advised to consider the following steps:
- Raise these issues with your employer. In addition to negatively impacting individual productivity, employee concerns can affect co-worker morale and the organisations culture more broadly. Because of these negative effects, it is in both parties’ interests to find a solution which accommodates these concerns and enables an effective and healthy workforce. You may alternatively consider engaging your company’s HR or EAP support programs as well.
- Explore adjustments to working arrangements. Compared to pre-pandemic work standards, organisations have become far more flexible and open to employees working remotely. As workplaces reopen, exploring potential arrangements to continue remote work or reduce the number of days where concerned or at-risk employees commute into the workplace may be beneficial and help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Maintain self-care routines. Unfortunately, during times of heightened stress and anxiety our self-care routines and coping strategies can be ignored to focus on more immediate threats. During these times it becomes more important to protect and encourage self-care behaviours. Simple steps like maintaining a healthy diet, scheduling time to exercise and engaging with hobbies and other leisure activities can help alleviate stress and improve mental resilience.
- Employ positive coping techniques. Various techniques have been developed to deal with acute stress and anxious symptoms. For example, breathing and psychological grounding techniques be used help to induce relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, taking things slowly, setting realistic expectations, reframing negative events as personal challenges, and becoming more comfortable with uncertainty can help alleviate anxious concerns, whilst maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., use of drugs or alcohol to assist with coping) should be avoided.
- Stay informed of public health advice. Remaining up-to-date with current guidelines, health advice and mandates will ensure you can make an informed decision regarding returning to work.