We are now in the thick of it as employees return to their in-office work routines. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many people have had to adjust to working remotely.

For some, this has been a smooth transition; for others, it has been more difficult.

Returning to the office can bring on a range of emotions – from happiness and excitement to anxiety and sadness.

It is important for employers to be empathetic and understand what their employees are experiencing.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the issues that employees may face as they return to the office and offer advice on how employers can support them. 

Careers Coaching and Mental Health Intersecting

There are a lot of things to think about when returning to work after being remote for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be anxious about how you will cope with eight hours at your desk or interacting with people.

Commuting may also be a challenge. Employers can help by providing resources like flex time or working from home options, as well as mental health support.

CU Anschutz published a Q&A with advice from Lili Tenney, DrPH, MPH, on how to cope with these feelings.

Some tips from Tenney include taking breaks throughout the day, going outside for a walk, or spending time on personal hobbies.

Employers can help their employees by providing flexible break policies and encouraging them to take breaks when needed.

Additionally, employers can provide information about where to find mental health resources in the community. 

How Has Working From Home Affected Mental Health? 

Working from home has become the new normal for many people during the pandemic.

While there are some advantages to this arrangement, such as not having to commute and being able to take breaks whenever you want, it can also take a toll on your mental health.

One of the biggest challenges of working from home is dealing with isolation and loneliness. When you're used to going into an office every day and seeing other people, it can be hard to adjust to being by yourself all the time.

This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Another issue is that it can be difficult to establish boundaries between work and home life when you're in the same place all the time.

This can lead to burnout as you feel like you're always working and never really taking a break. If you're struggling with your mental health while working from home, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.

• Make sure you take breaks throughout the day and try to get outside for some fresh air.
• Set up a dedicated workspace in your home so you can physically separate work from leisure time.
• Stay connected with friends and family members through video calls or text messages so you don't feel completely isolated.

By taking these steps, you can help improve your mental health while working from home.

How Has Returning to the Office Affected Mental Health?

The pandemic has been hard on everyone. For the past year, we've been living in a state of constant uncertainty, and that has taken a toll on our mental health.

Now that some businesses are beginning to reopen, many of us are wondering what the return to the office will mean for our mental health.

Will it be a relief to get out of the house and interact with colleagues again?

Or will it be a source of stress and anxiety?

Only time will tell. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind as you adjust to working in the office again:

1. Take some time to reconnect with your colleagues.
2. Make sure you have a good work-life balance.
3. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed.
4. Be patient with yourself.

The pandemic has been hard on all of us, and it will take some time to adjust to this new normal.

FAQs

What are some tips for dealing with anxiety about returning to the office?

If you're feeling anxious about returning to the office, there are a few things you can do to ease your anxiety. Talk to your employer about your concerns and see if there are any accommodations that can be made. Take some time to ease into it by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in the office. Make sure you have a good support system in place.

What are some tips for dealing with depression about returning to the office?

If you're feeling depressed about returning to the office, there are a few things you can do to ease your depression. Talk to your employer about your concerns and see if there are any accommodations that can be made. Take some time to ease into it by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in the office.

What are some tips for dealing with isolation and loneliness?

If you're feeling isolated and lonely, there are a few things you can do to ease your isolation and loneliness.

• Make sure you take breaks throughout the day and try to get outside for some fresh air.
• Set up a dedicated workspace in your home so you can physically separate work from leisure time.
• Stay connected with friends and family members through video calls or text messages so you don't feel completely isolated. 

Overcomers Counseling is Available if Needed

Conclusion

The pandemic has been hard on all of us, and the return to the office can be a difficult transition. 

If you're struggling with your mental health, make sure you talk to your employer and see if there are any accommodations that can be made. 

Take some time to ease into it by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in the office.

Make sure you have a good support system in place. If you find that you are having a difficult time adjusting to your career, don't hesitate to reach out for help.