By Loren Smalley, Career Coach at Jewish Community Services, an agency of The Associated
By Loren Smalley, Career Coach at Jewish Community Services, an agency of The Associated
As the pandemic gets more and more under control, employers are beginning to discuss what the return to a physical workplace might look like, how to use what was learned about work processes and employee engagement over the past year moving forward, and how to best transition their employees back to an in-person environment.
Employees, however, are feeling anxious and uncertain about returning to an office and getting “back to normal,” citing significant concerns about safety, hygiene, long commutes, caretaking responsibilities and more.
For most, the embracing of remote work due to physical distancing rules has eliminated commutes, freed up more time for family and self-care, and improved work-life balance overall. It has allowed for more schedule flexibility and resulted in higher productivity rates as people learned how to make better use of their time.
On the flip side, while many have enjoyed working from home – becoming more proficient in their work and gaining new skills – there are many others who have experienced dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The forced remote work has led to isolation, a surge of mental health issues, and an overwhelming number of responsibilities all occurring in the same space at the same time (home = work; work = home).
In addition, there are many that continue to find themselves extremely challenged by technology and connection with colleagues. This stress and anxiety can cause forgetfulness, inconsistency, lack of judgement, fatigue, health issues and decreased productivity.
As companies start to develop a plan for reopening, many are choosing to give up their expensive real estate and long commutes for employees for a more viable, efficient, sustainable and financially beneficial work model. Freeing up more funds to allocate to their staff’s compensation, learning and development opportunities. At the same time, employees are wondering how companies will make things comfortable and enjoyable for employees while maintaining productivity.
For those who will soon be transitioning to a hybrid or fully in-person workplace model, here are some ways to help you better adjust and calm any stress or anxiety that you may have:
We have worked in the office before and we will slowly re-adapt as society re-opens. Following these healthy tips to ease your stress and anxiety about going back to a hybrid or fully in-person workplace will help you adjust faster and more efficiently.
Whether you are new to the job market or a seasoned professional, the Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go further and get there faster. Our highly experienced Career Coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition. To learn more, visit ignitecareercenter.com or call 410-466-9200.
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing ListSign up for our newsletter
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List