After many months of being on furlough or working from home we will all be having different feelings and emotions about returning to the workplace.  Some will be excited about seeing people again and getting back to work but for others there may be a fear of leaving the house, mixing with others or a nervousness about your ability to do you job after months of not working.

However you are feeling about going back to work, it will still be a change, so here are some things to think about prior to starting work again:

Speak to your manager

If you are feeling worried, have a conversation with your manager, talk about how you are feeling and raise any questions that you have so you can feel more confident about returning and what is expected of you.

Connect with colleagues

Staying connected with others is so important for our wellbeing and it is likely that others will be feeling just as nervous.  Therefore reach out to colleagues and check in with those you work with, by chatting through how you are feeling can help us feel supported and less anxious.

Be prepared

Be prepared that work will be different – the workplace will feel different from how you last remember – recognise there will be changes and things will be different but these are to ensure your safety and that these will soon become normal.

Prepare the day before 

Take some time the day before to plan for your return, think about everything you need, plan what you are going to wear, check anything relating to public transport  or travel so that on the day of your return everything is prepared and planned which is one less thing to worry about.

Keep up the good habits

if you have built up good habits during lockdown, try to continue with these and build them into your daily routine.  Looking after our physical and mental health is so important and will help with supporting our mental wellbeing.

Be kind

These are new times for us all and there might be things you don’t agree with or colleague views that are different to yours, however everyone has their own pressures, stresses and worries, so be kind to others and support colleagues where ever you can.

Celebrate and reflect

At the end of your first day or week, celebrate this, especially if you were feeling particularly nervous.  Also reflect on how you felt, how you managed your worries and how you are feeling now.  By reflecting on how we get through difficult situations can help us when we face such situations again.