{"id":117018,"date":"2021-06-28T17:04:46","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T21:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/?p=117018"},"modified":"2021-06-29T13:16:41","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T17:16:41","slug":"6-steps-to-safely-return-to-the-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/index.php\/6-steps-to-safely-return-to-the-office\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps to Safely Return to the Office"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\"6<\/a>In the back of our minds, we had to know that it would end. After a year of working from home, employers have decided that the Covid-19 pandemic is over. Despite the increased productivity<\/a> WFH has created, the bosses want us to return to the office. Many employees do not want to return to the office. Being forced to return to the office<\/strong> is creating stress and anxiety<\/strong> among employees.<\/p>\r\n

\"uncomfortable<\/a>Many employees have lingering worries about the virus. A survey<\/a> released by the American Psychological Association found that 48% of vaccinated workers are uncomfortable<\/strong> with in-person interaction. Another return to the office concern is anti-vaxxer<\/a> co-workers<\/strong>. After all, only 45%<\/a> of U.S. residents have completed their vaccination \u00a0A Harvard Business School survey<\/a> found that 71% of workers would prefer to wait until everyone is fully vaccinated<\/strong> before returning to the office. More than half of those surveyed also still expect to social distance inside the office.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Return to the office angst\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n

For many, the return to the office angst is the result of potential pandemic-induced changes to our brains<\/strong>. Normally, the amygdala<\/strong> region of the brain<\/a> – that processes emotions, signals when a potential threat<\/strong> is present. Usually, the signal is tied to a negative emotion such as fear or anger, explained<\/a> Crystal Reeck, an assistant professor at Temple University\u2019s Fox School of Business. That triggers a fight-or-flight response<\/strong>. \u201cThink about it as an alarm system,<\/em>\u201d she said. \u201cIt helps draw your attention to a threat in the environment.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\r\n

\"During<\/a>Ms. Reeck warns, that during the lockdown, the amygdala may have gotten rewired. Your brain may classify events like a co-worker coughing<\/strong>, or standing closer than six feet<\/strong>, or not wearing a mask as a threat. She explained, \u201cThat\u2019s helped keep us safe when we were supposed to quarantine and maintain a social distance.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Return to work steps<\/h3>\r\n

To reduce your return to work angst, here are five tips to help you prepare physically and mentally for that psychologically jarring first week back at the office<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

1 -Adjust your sleep schedule<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Three weeks before returning to work, gradually adjust your sleep schedule. During the lockdown, many of us stayed up later to binge-watch the latest thing. No more binging, Go to bed earlier, so you can wake up earlier. We had the flexibility to roll out of bed five minutes before start time \u2026 no pants or shoes needed. Most workers have at least a 20-minute commute, plus a more appropriate grooming schedule, so leave yourself at least 40 minutes plus your commute time.<\/p>\r\n

\"adjust<\/a>Why three weeks? Experts say that a new habit takes a minimum of three weeks<\/strong> to form. So go to bed a few minutes earlier in the evening. Then get out of bed a couple of minutes earlier in the morning. Increase the time every few days until you are back on the office schedule.<\/p>\r\n

2 –<\/strong> Re-start your exercise routine<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Many people gained the infamous 19 pounds<\/a> during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restart your exercise routine at least three weeks you return to work. Don’t head back to the gym the first week back to the office. Week one is going to be traumatic enough. Healthcare professionals emphasize starting off slowly with moderate walking, swimming, or biking.<\/p>\r\n

3 –<\/strong> Pajamas aren\u2019t appropriate for the office, and you know it.<\/p>\r\n

Freshen up your business appropriate wardrobe<\/strong> before you return to work. Business appropriate attire matters for two reasons: First, one team member\u2019s sense of what\u2019s appropriate can be far from others\u2019 perception of the same. Second, studies over the years<\/a> have demonstrated that wearing business-appropriate clothing reminds you to work in a business-like manner\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

\"Wear<\/a>In the coming weeks, put on your work shoes<\/strong>. Many of us have been living in Chuckie T’s<\/a> or Crocs<\/a> – no more. Wear your work shoes around the house to get used to them. Give then a good polish<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Get a haircut<\/strong>. Feel like you\u2019re starting a new job.<\/p>\r\n

4 –<\/strong> Take control of your health. Don\u2019t expect your employer to care. Here\u2019s a short list of things to do:<\/p>\r\n