Steps to Ease You into the Post-COVID-19 Workplace
By Kate Lenehan, Staffing Manager
If you are reading this, you made it through one of the most unprecedented, challenging years ever! As everyone has experienced, no one could have predicted what unfolded in 2020 and onward.
As we start to find ourselves on the other side of this unbelievable pandemic, we see the workplace has changed since the dawn of the COVID-19 era, and we must pivot to meet the goals of our work organizations. The following seven steps will help you adapt to this new normal, benefitting you and the company you work at:
Stay healthy: Offices have made changes that are most likely here to stay, and many may now have precautions in place with social distancing in mind. But if, for any reason, you feel protocols or office setups may not be up to snuff and leave you and others susceptible to catching a virus, speak up. Communication is key to protecting yourself and your teammates.
Be flexible: This is one necessity spawned from the pandemic. As companies adjust to these new times, be as flexible and supportive as possible regarding different work schedules and remote/hybrid work environments and understand that colleagues have varying situations and priorities.
Make a fresh start: It is well documented that a clean, organized environment promotes an organized work ethic. This goes for both home and on-site offices. Bring in a new plant, clear the clutter, purge the things that no longer serve you in a positive way—then relax and enjoy the benefits!
Communicate: When in doubt, “over-communicate.” As with all remote communication, emails and texts can get lost in translation, so it is important to be as clear and detailed as possible, especially now that the volume of remote communication is higher than ever. When interacting with colleagues in person and virtually, be aware and improve where you can on you and your colleagues’ connection.
Be social: After all we have been through, it is more important than ever to make the extra effort to connect positively with your colleagues and office mates. A smile or quick hello can go a long way, as we never know what challenges they may be going through or be faced with.
Prioritize your mental health: Mental health self-awareness is a subject we have all become much more cognizant of since the pandemic. The importance of maintaining old and creating new connections with others, restful sleep, exercise, and optimal nutrition are all factors in your control to secure a foundation of good mental health. Surround yourself with positive and caring friends and family. If you need more support, learn more about the latest news and facts on mental health, and reach out for the right treatment for you.
Look to the future and embrace the changes: It cannot be said enough that the world has gone through a lot; however, there have been many silver linings amid this long, challenging journey of 2020. Focus on those glimpses of great things and believe there is more to come.