Page 12 - BOSS Today Issue 52

BOSS Today #52

MAKING

THE STEP

Anxious about going back to work? You’re not alone.

n our last issue, we covered the mental Be Patient With Yourself
Ihealth impacts of working from home Recognise that it’s normal to feel worried
and being cut off from employers and about this latest set of changes to our
colleagues. This time, when there is a lives. Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and the
possibility of restrictions being almost depth and pace of change since March
completely lifted, we face a new set of 2020 has often had us holding our breath.
challenges as we transition back to the For employers, being patient with staff is
workplace. crucial: realise your employees’ behaviour
According to CPD Online College’s may change or seem unusual while they
1,000-strong study, 60% of UK staff process this transition.
expressed concerns about returning to
the office before everyone is vaccinated. Talk To Employers/Employees And
Of these, 60% were worried about social Colleagues
distancing and 55% about workplace As we’ve seen above, many people are
cleanliness. 16% said that they were worried about going back to work, so the
concerned about being away from their concerns and questions you have are most
family, while other worries cited included likely also being shared by others around
leaving pets at home, lack of flexibility and you. Find ways to engage co-workers in
returning to workplace bullying and sexual dialogue about the realities of the situation
harassment. - what is known and what is not - and the
If you’re feeling apprehensive about path forward. Let people know what you
returning to the workplace for whatever need so that they can help.
reason, here are some ideas to help make Employers should find ways to create
things better. a safe space for people to process their

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