Top Challenges Returning to the Workplace After COVID
Employees faced significant challenges throughout the past year, and these changes have affected nearly everyone — regardless of occupation or workplace.
Many felt stress or anxiety about their job status — will my company survive the pandemic? Is my job safe?
Others had to deal with adjusting to new workspaces — at home, distanced from co-workers and transitioning areas normally reserved for relaxation into office space. Conference rooms were replaced with Zoom screens. Water cooler conversations became instant messages and texts.
None of this was easy. There was no real precedent for these enormous shifts to our work environments and to our work-life balance. And now, just as many employees have finally begun to adjust to their new workplace situations, we are seeing workplaces reopen and start to resume pre-pandemic activities.
This can also be stressful.
Maybe your children are still at home distance learning. Maybe you’ve grown accustomed to a commute down your hallway instead of off the highway. Maybe you just really enjoy attending team meetings in your sweatpants.
Change is always difficult and often stressful. If you find yourself struggling to adjust (and then re-adjust), you’re not alone. However, it’s important to recognize that you might need some support to help with these transitions.
Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) — a great way to help employees experiencing burnout. An EAP can include employees participating in stress-relief workshops, receiving counselling at a discounted price, or even attending work-mandated therapy sessions.
If your employer offers an EAP, it may be beneficial to take advantage of the opportunity to help reacclimate to your environment. Even if your employer does not offer an EAP, you may want to speak with a professional who can guide you as you seek to get back on track. Contact us today to make an appointment.