What behaviors to look out for to support your family, your employees and yourself
The prospect of returning to the classroom and office may seem daunting after working via video chats and emails. While it’s exciting once again to spend time in person with others, it’s also a huge adjustment emotionally and mentally. Many employees are choosing to resign rather than return to the office.
Here are several common emotional responses and how everyone can work to make the transition back as smooth as possible.
Concern
While offices and schools have begun to reopen, the pandemic is far from over. As cases rise, employees returning to work may feel a lot of trepidation about being somewhere with many others. Managers can help mitigate this worry by implementing safety procedures to reduce the risk of transmission and put employee’s minds at ease.
This article offers great tips to managers to reassure employees have are concerned with returning to the office.
Overwhelm
The presence of crowds and standing in lunch lines and crowded elevators may overwhelm students and workers alike. The need to wear masks indoors for long periods of time may be an added stressor. This kind of over-stimulation isn’t just emotionally taxing, but can also be a major roadblock to productivity. A hybrid schedule where employees gradually increase their time in the office can help bring everyone back without overwhelming anyone.
Confusion
For kids in particular, returning to school can be very confusing. Young children may have a difficult time remembering what the guidelines for their behavior are with regards to COVID safety. Similarly, return to in-person school may require a refresher of what appropriate classroom behavior is after a year of Zoom. Kids, who are otherwise thrilled to see their teachers and friends again, may be confused at how to behave. Parents and teachers can help ease the confusion through the following ways:
- Make clear, simple instructions for young kids
- Make gentle reminders to remember instructions
- Show empathy to children who may have struggled with school last year
Remember, COVID protocols can be confusing to adults. If your student or child has difficulty remembering to keep their mask on, show patience and gently correct them.
Family anxieties
For parents and kids alike, the past year has been both a blessing and a curse. Some families have had a rare opportunity to spend so much time together due to the pandemic. Return to work means a return to busy work schedules, extracurricular activities, and long commute times.
Spending less time with family may mean more stress, juggling conflicting schedules and coordinating family travel. Families should continue to prioritize family time to manage this transition. Ease into this by taking a stepped approach rather than filling up after school and weekend schedules as a return to normal.
Excitement
Parents and kids are excited to get back into the swing of things despite concerns that are brought up by a return to “normal”. The stress brought on by the pandemic is finally starting to lift. Seeing friends at school and meeting with colleagues in the office brings a feeling of calm and normalcy.
This article offers insightful strategies to help kids with social and emotional learning (SEL) for kids returning to the classroom.
In Conclusion
With adequate self care, people can manage the anxieties brought about by the return to schools and offices. Create a space where people feel safe in their environment. If you see these behaviors, show empathy and understand what’s driving that behavior. Everyone wants a return to pre-pandemic life where masks, testing and social distancing are no longer needed. Some people may need a helping hand and more time to get to that same place.
