Preparing to Return to the Workplace

After physical distancing and stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have mixed feelings about returning to your workplace. For some people the new scenery will be a welcome change, while others may have come to enjoy the convenience of working from home. No matter how you feel about reintegration, now is the perfect time to stop and think about what you have learned about yourself following this unusual experience.
 

What were the challenges?

For many people pre-existing pressure points were exacerbated as a result of lockdown. Difficulties that we were previously able to ignore or avoid dealing with were thrown into the spotlight. Conflict in unhappy relationships escalated; dissatisfaction in work increased; parenting challenges were highlighted. Stopping to think about what you found most difficult during this time can help you decide what goals you can focus on once things return to a more normal state. Using the lockdown to grow in this way can help you make personal meaning out of this time. 
 

What did you enjoy? 

Many people have been surprised at the things they have come to enjoy as a result of the change of routine brought about the lockdown. It has given us all an opportunity to try new ways of spending time and meeting our needs. Whether you have discovered a new love of cooking; running; reconnecting with more distant friends; or just a new show, acknowledging what you have gained from this time and making plans to incorporate these activities and awareness into ‘normal’ life can enrich you. 
 

What did you learn about your own habits or character? 

With less external distractions we can become more aware of ourselves and how we automatically respond to situations. Whether you found yourself more or less calm, more or less patient, more or less prone to boredom or procrastination, more or less reliant on social interaction... stopping to reflect on how you would describe yourself over this period can give you insights into any tendencies you may want to foster or change. 

Remember that, just as it was an adjustment for you not to go to the workplace, it might be an adjustment to return to the workplace. Be mindful about those around you who might also be struggling. Studies show that staff returning to work after a period of isolation can experience exhaustion, low mood and irritability. Try to re-engage gradually and take care of yourself during this process and, before long, you’ll all settle into a routine that will feel natural.