The return to the workplace and mental health – a personal story

With the restrictions now beginning to ease, many of my conversations have turned to returning to the office, whether it’s with clients, candidates, colleagues or friends. I’m hearing a lot of “Oh I can’t wait to get back to the office” and “Being in the office means things are back to normal”. I say normal schnormal. When I’m asked if I’m looking forward to going back to the office, my answer is no. Nope and the whole idea makes me nervous.

So, I’m going to share my fears and some potential solutions in the hope that it will be helpful to anyone reading this who feels the same (particularly if you feel like you are the only one who seems to be worried).

What’s socially acceptable?

I live alone so have spent the last 14 months completely by myself and (more recently) mixing with a maximum of 5 other humans. The idea of being in an office with more than that is daunting. I’m not saying I’ve called anything Wilson (Tom Hanks Cast Away reference – great movie) but I have found myself “responding” to the oven when the timer beeps, usually with a “I’m coming” or “No need to shout”. Basically, I think I need to be slowly re-introduced to society so I can remember how to behave around other humans.

Solution – I am going to return to the office early on some trial runs, where there will be much smaller numbers and this will hopefully be less daunting.

Commuting is expensive

Many of us will have been able to save a fair bit of money without the commute. I know I’ll certainly miss those extra pennies when I start commuting again, as will the delivery sites that I have been pouring my money into lately.

Solution – I’ve started putting aside that commuting money so that I won’t feel pain of missing it when I start travelling again. Added bonus: by the time you start commuting there will already be some extra money in the pot so you can treat yourself! Maybe to a stylish mask or new headphones to block out the drone of others on your commute!

I get stuff done

I genuinely do think I’ve worked harder whilst being at home with less distractions. However, I also have the time to get other stuff done whether that’s during a break or in that saved commuting time, such as washing clothes, attending appointments, accepting deliveries etc., and I don’t like the idea of cramming that all into the weekend again. Do you ever wonder how you managed to do things before?

Solution – organisation is the key. I can’t imagine many of us are going back to a Mon-Fri 9-5 office situation every day, so you just need to get organised and make those work-from-home days count. Reminder – we are ALL allowed our work breaks the same as we would in the office. So, use that time to do what you need to.

Dress to Impress

I’m slightly terrified at the idea of having to wear clothes that don’t include an elasticated waist. Having to do a face of makeup everyday too, just doesn’t feel fun anymore. The whole business dress thing in general feels uncomfortable after all this time off.

Solution – Talk to your manager about whether the dress code is likely to be the same. It may be something they have not considered and they may be open to a more casual version of attire when you’re not in meetings or such like. Also, if for whatever reason your old work clothes don’t fit (no judgement here!) go out and buy some new bits to make you feel comfortable. It’s a good job you have that commuting pot saved isn’t it!?

I’m Feeling Good

My last point is probably the most important and certainly sums up my overall feeling. I’m feeling good. 2020 gave me time to sleep more, eat more, rest and play more and I’m in a nice healthy routine. The idea of getting in after 7pm, where now I would have had a run (I do that now, thanks to Couch to 5k) had a shower and started dinner already, makes me feel sad. I’m mentally the strongest I have been and only had 1 day off with a migraine over the past year, compared to the 6 days the previous year and I don’t want to give that up. I don’t want to compromise any of this for nothing.

Solutions

1.    Talk to your manager

Try to explain how you are feeling about it all. People are not mind readers so unless you speak up, they will not know what’s bothering you.

2.    Discuss your options long term

Ideally what do you picture you commuter life being like and does that work for them? Then there are no surprises on either side.

3.    Short term fix

Rather than snapping back into it, can you return to the office slowly, starting with 1 day a week? Or more days but shorter hours? Anything to minimise the “shock” of it.

4.    Work buddies

Time your return to coincide with your work buddies, which will add a lovely energy and feeling to it all.

5.    Reassess and be honest

It’s going to feel weird, whether you are looking forward to it or not. You also might change your mind once you get going. So, reassess how you are feeling/coping and be as honest as you can with the people around you.

I hope that some of that was helpful, even if it was simply hearing someone’s view that was similar to yours. It’s going to be different for everyone, based on individual company guidelines and managers, so start those conversations now and work together to build the future of working that works for both of you.

Good luck out there and may the odds forever be in your favour.