Returning to work after a time of isolation can be difficult for everyone. Numerous remote work settings have caused a great deal of anxiety among new employees who are apprehensive about returning to the office.Â
Given that many employees already suffer from multiple anxiety disorders and other mental health issues that impair their ability to perform at work, these circumstances have simply made the situation worse. It is even more challenging to return to work because of the social stigma and lack of understanding in the workforce that has produced an uneasy workplace. Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial to providing employees with the right help they need– as well as increasing their productivity and retention. With the right steps taken, employees can transition back into their workplace with ease.
These five steps by speaker, business adviser and coach by Daryl Woodhouse, are designed to make it easier than it might appear to get back into the workforce.
Identify the difficulties
Mental health affects every single person differently. What may affect one employee may be completely different than another. Knowing and acknowledging what parts of the job make it harder for the employee to produce their best work is the first step to stepping back in. These difficulties do not necessarily have to be specific to the job but can also be mental difficulties throughout everyday life– such as social anxiety or personal insecurities. Finding out what these are is crucial to understanding what next steps to take and how to fully combat those feelings.Â
Talking to the manager
Easing back into the workplace can be a difficult task if communication between the employees and management is overlooked. Employees who need adjustments or simply someone to speak to should be able to reach out to someone who can provide them with more help. This can be through asking for flexible hours or any kind of extra training that can get them through the process. Having 1-1 interactions with a manager will also create a personal, but professional relationship for employees.
Confiding in colleagues
While talking to the manager is crucial for any accommodations needed, it is also important to have someone who is available regularly to help with any issues. They may also have very similar anxieties which might help other employees feel less isolated. Having a friend at work also assists in getting any questions answered and allows employees to talk about what is on their minds.
Having a safe space at work
Sometimes employees are not used to the sudden fast paced environment that they were used to. This can cause them to feel out of place when being put back into these circumstances. It is crucial that employees understand to prioritize themselves first before quickly taking on the needs of their job. Through having a calm, relaxing place that is accessible at times of stress, employees can take a breath of fresh air when feeling overwhelmed. This can be through having a quiet place in the work environment or asking for a desk that is more isolated. Making sure to take small breaks throughout the day will also allow employees to collect their thoughts and feel recharged enough to continue working. Implementing short, frequent breaks stimulates the brain and increases productivity.
Developing a wellness action plan (WAP)
A wellness action plan is a worldwide system that is used to manage employee mental health. It is personal and helps employees identify what makes them unhappy or happy at work. Thinking about what makes the employee feel pressured, what impact it has on mental health, and the mental wellbeing needed to stabilize these pressures are the key first steps to producing a wellness action plan.Â
