Just as we’ve all become used to the ‘new normal’ (working remotely, video meetings, no commuting), it’s going to change – again! Some have enjoyed working from home, others not so much as they struggled with social isolation and disconnection from their work colleagues and environment.

So, what does a successful return to work look like? In the first instance, organisations will implement some form of Recovery Plan, which outlines the process for returning to work. Recovery is unlikely to be an immediate return to business as usual but will be a staged process to assist in the implementation of whatever will be an organisation’s ‘new normal’.

Some of the benefits of this pandemic are that, supported by digital tools and communication, we have demonstrated that most business operations can be successfully undertaken anywhere (albeit with some tweaks), and that we don’t have to be tied to our work location to be effective and productive. It is also anticipated that for some, more flexible work arrangements will be a preferred option going forward. This is something that all organisations and their employees should be thinking about in terms of considering what is workable in the short, medium and long-term

For some there will be feelings of anxiety, fear and worry about returning work. Take comfort in the fact that these are normal reactions.

Some concerns around returning to work could be:

Being reliant on public transport and potential exposure to COVID-19
Needing to maintain social distancing in the workplace
Needing to be mindful of more hygiene safety in the workplace
Wondering what it will be like back in the office and how will individuals and teams respond when all back together – this is particularly likely if there were pre-existing concerns or conflicts within a workplace
Time spent with family, exercising, improving work/life balance will now have to go back to being allocated to time travelling to and from work

So, what can be done to help relieve some of these concerns?

Communicate, communicate, communicate – to your Manager, Team Leader, HR Specialists. Ask them what is in place to keep you safe and healthy? Let them know what support you may need physically (e.g., personal protective equipment) or emotionally/mentally (e.g., having input into your Return to Work Plan, flexibility, access to EAP).
Keep your stress busting toolkit handy – deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, mindfulness practice or helpful apps such as ‘smiling mind’.
Maintain good nutrition, exercise and sleep – this is a no brainer but isn’t always easy to do.
Seek support if needed – Your Employee Assistance Program (1800 099 444), GP, Peer Support Network, or resources such as BeyondBlue and Lifeline.

Remember that it is unlikely that the working world will return to the same pre-COVID-19 business as usual way. Change will remain a constant in our lives for a while to come as the world continues to grapple with the safest way forward. One trick to maintaining a positive outlook in the meantime, will be successfully embracing the new ways of doing things, while managing the anxiety that always comes with change.