{"id":11675,"date":"2020-05-02T14:48:47","date_gmt":"2020-05-02T18:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/?p=11675"},"modified":"2020-05-02T14:49:35","modified_gmt":"2020-05-02T18:49:35","slug":"back-to-work-after-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ioadvisory.com\/blog\/back-to-work-after-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Going Back to Work Could be a Bumpy Ride"},"content":{"rendered":"

Going back to work after COVID-19 is different than other return-to-work<\/a> scenarios. Typically, it’s one person re-integrating into the workplace after parental leave, an accident or illness. This time almost ‘everyone’ is involved.<\/p>\n

\"man<\/a>After weeks of working from home, I know a lot of people are counting the days, however many are left, until they can go back to work and life can go back to some kind of normal.<\/p>\n

We miss structure. We miss our routine. Working with children and pets underfoot is incredibly challenging, and at the same time, it\u2019s lonely working from home.<\/p>\n

Getting everyone back to work after COVID-19 isn\u2019t as simple as it sounds. Up until now, an organization only dealt with one person re-integrating into work. Now, entire organizations are working remotely, and staff are eager for the green light to report to work.<\/p>\n

The Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rather than a tidal wave of employees flooding back to work after COVID-19, in many organizations, the return to work will happen in stages. Large organizations may \u2013 and probably should \u2013 opt to stagger the return to work.<\/p>\n

That means we\u2019ll see a situation in which some people are at work and some people are still at home. Workplace boundaries may become more blurred when some people work from home and others are reporting to the office. So many things are closed that it\u2019s easy to assume that everyone is always available. After all, where else could they be?<\/p>\n

You and your coworkers may be distracted due to serious personal problems that are fallout from the pandemic. Everyone has experienced some effect of this pandemic. Stress and the quarantine have brought on financial stress, marital breakdown<\/a>, increases in addictive behaviours<\/a>, and an increase in domestic violence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

People in leadership positions are dealing with their own issues and challenges, while they\u2019ve been trying to manage others during a huge change that most of us didn\u2019t plan for. When under pressure, many leaders become less effective<\/a>. Unfortunately, their skills are more important than ever. Allow your leadership as much patience as you can muster.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in a leadership position, you already know that morale may be low. Acknowledge employee concerns. Treat announcements regarding the new work environment with sensitivity. Think about and ask for ideas for ways to improve morale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Practical Tips: How to Cope<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Back<\/a>Things have changed, and realistically, our \u201cnew normal\u201d may go on for months.<\/p>\n

Your workplace will probably feel different. The physical environment may have changed. Workstations may have to be spaced apart, or barriers added. Some organizations may opt to rotate staff between working at home and work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a01. <\/strong>Set Boundaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Back<\/a>Remember, you get to define your boundaries as you engage with others \u2013 even if your home has become your workplace. Be kind to yourself and others as much as you can but you must protect yourself in the ways that you have control over.<\/p>\n