Mental Health Tips for Employees Returning to the Workplace: What You Need to Know
Contents
- First Steps to Facing Your Return to Work Anxiety
- Tips for Facing Your Return to Work Anxiety
- 5 Ways to Help an Employee with Mental Health Issues Return to Work
- Returning to Office Life: Six Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health
- FAQs about: mental health tips for employees who are returning to the workplace
You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed or anxious about returning to the workplace. This article will provide you with mental health tips to help manage the transition and maintain your wellbeing during this time. With the right knowledge and support, you can confidently navigate the workplace.
Quick facts: Mental Health Tips For Employees Who Are Returning To The Workplace
- ✅ According to a 2020 study by the American Psychological Association, nearly half of all U.S. adults reported feeling anxious, stressed or fearful due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: American Psychological Association)
- ✅ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several strategies for maintaining mental health while returning to the workplace, including self-care and connecting with family and friends. (Source: CDC)
- ✅ A 2020 survey found that 50 percent of employees felt mental health had the greatest negative impact on their daily lives due to the pandemic. (Source: Mental Health America)
- ✅ The World Health Organization has identified returning to work as a key factor in improving mental health. (Source: World Health Organization)
- ✅ Research conducted in 2020 found that employers should focus on promoting flexible schedules, implementing mental health policies, and providing access to mental health resources to ensure positive mental health outcomes for returning employees. (Source: Health Affairs)
First Steps to Facing Your Return to Work Anxiety
Returning to the workplace after a prolonged period of absence can be a daunting experience – especially if you’re experiencing anxiety. Anxiety is a very common emotion that we all experience in different levels and forms. It is important to recognise that this feeling is normal and not something to be ashamed of.
The first step in addressing your return-to-work anxiety is to acknowledge your feelings, create an action plan, and practice self-care. Acknowledge your feelings by writing how you are feeling down on paper or talking about them with someone you trust. Create an action plan on how to address the situation, like what strategies can help you in managing it better? Finally, practice self-care by:
- Resting when needed
- Limiting news consumption and/or media exposure
- Taking short breaks as needed during the day
- Engaging in activities which bring joy
- Connecting with nature and getting outdoors
- Practising deep breathing exercises or guided meditation
- Seeking professional help if needed
Tips for Facing Your Return to Work Anxiety
The return to work after being away on leave can be a difficult and stressful transition. For many employees, the fear of returning to the workplace could cause a rise in anxiety levels. It is important to remember that these emotions are normal and that there are strategies one can use to reduce its impact.
Here are some strategies to help ease the transition back to work:
- Practice self-care by engaging in activities such as yoga or mindfulness exercises that bring comfort and stability.
- Take time throughout the day for yourself. This could include short breaks or incorporating a few moments of silent reflection into your day.
- Use breathing techniques to calm nerves when overwhelmed with emotion or stress.
- Be open about feelings with colleagues and supervisors; most organizations understand the difficulty in transitioning back into the workplace and should provide guidance when needed.
- Find support from trusted family and friends who can act as a sounding board for feelings encountered at work for further emotional well-being.
5 Ways to Help an Employee with Mental Health Issues Return to Work
It can be difficult for an employee with mental health issues to return to work. The stigma surrounding such conditions often makes reintegration into the workplace intimidating and stressful. Employers can help an employee return to work more smoothly by being mindful of their struggles and offering support.
- It is essential that employers create a culture of understanding and acceptance in the workplace. Employees with mental health issues should not feel ashamed or judged for having these issues; rather, they should feel comfortable discussing how their condition may impact their ability to work and how the organization can be accommodating.
- It is important for employers to provide resources if possible. This might include referral services, counseling sessions, or other forms of support that could help employees manage their symptoms while on the job.
- Employers must respect an employee’s time off if they need a break from work because of a mental health condition. This could be in the form of fewer hours or special accommodations such as flexible scheduling.
- Employers must ensure that employees have access to appropriate accommodation when returning back to work after taking leave due to mental health issues such as modified tasks or additional breaks when needed.
- It is important for employers to stay up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations regarding mental health in the workplace so that they are aware of any recent changes in legislation related to this issue and can provide necessary protections for affected employees accordingly.
Check they’re well enough to return
Ensuring that employees are well enough to return to the workplace is a vital part of maintaining mental health and promoting a healthy gaming environment. Employers should check in with their team members before they return and make sure they’re mentally prepared for re-entering the workspace.
This could include:
- Checking in with employees on how they’re feeling.
- Talking through any worries they may have.
- Addressing any concerns they may have.
- Considering whether an employee would feel more comfortable easing back into work slowly.
This can help build trust between employers and their team, enabling staff to feel listened to and empowered as they return. Employers should also be mindful of any other physical or mental health issues their team members might be experiencing that could impact their ability to work effectively.
Make reasonable adjustments
Making reasonable adjustments to your thought patterns, behavior, and environment can help you tune out the influence of social media on your mental health. These steps may include:
- Taking regular breaks during the day to get away from screens.
- Setting boundaries around when you are available to respond to messages or notifications.
- Turning off notifications that might be distracting.
- Limiting your exposure by choosing not to follow certain accounts or opting out of multiple messaging platforms.
Finally, don’t let yourself become consumed by news media or social media posts as this could lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety if you find yourself constantly exposed to stressful conversations or upsetting topics. Setting boundaries around how long you spend on social media each day can also help reduce levels of stress and distraction.
Ultimately, it is important to take time for yourself in order to maintain a healthy level of mental well-being while returning back into the workplace environment post-pandemic.
Talk regularly
One of the best things you can do for yourself when going through a divorce is to talk regularly with trusted friends and family members. Having an open, honest dialogue about your feelings will help you feel heard and supported. It’s important to remember that talking about your emotions does not make you weak or defective in any way; in fact, it’s a sign of strength.
Additionally, it can be helpful to seek professional support from a therapist as well. A therapist can provide resources, encourage self-care, and build tools that help manage difficult thoughts or behaviors stemming from the divorce process. With an understanding ear, a therapist can help you stay grounded while processing the changes in your life.
Tackle the stigma
Tackling the stigma around depression is key to helping employees returning to the workplace. When it comes to seeking help for this mental health disorder, many feel embarrassed or ashamed—but they shouldn’t be. It’s important to remember that depressed individuals are not weak—they are actually extremely strong and resilient.
The more we educate ourselves and the people around us about depression and its symptoms, the more comfortable those struggling with it will feel seeking professional help. This can be especially beneficial in a work setting, as organizations become better equipped to identify warning signs of depression and provide support before things get too serious. We need to create an environment where employees feel safe talking about their mental health issues, and getting professional help is encouraged rather than stigmatized.
The transition back to the workforce can be difficult, so it’s important for employees to find ways to prioritize their mental well-being. When it comes to mindfulness or meditation, many people simply assume that these practices involve quiet contemplation. While this can certainly be a part of mindfulness or meditation, these practices focus more on being aware of your current thoughts and emotions in order to prevent stress and anxiety from taking control.
When returning to work, it can be helpful to focus on work-related causes such as completing projects efficiently and effectively. Instead of worrying about the future, take a break and concentrate on the present moment. The goal here is not necessarily relaxation but instead focusing on reasonable objectives that will benefit your career in the long run.
It’s also important to take time throughout the day to get fresh air or take walks around your workplace when you’re feeling overwhelmed with tasks or frustrated with processes that don’t seem beneficial. By tapping into mindfulness or meditation, you can ensure a successful return back into an office environment without sacrificing your wellbeing.
Returning to Office Life: Six Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health
Returning to office life after months of working from home can be an adjustment. With the transition in full swing, it’s important to take care of your mental health while also balancing the demands of work. Here are six tips for protecting your mental health while returning to office life:
- Stay connected: Maintain contact with colleagues and friends who can provide emotional support should you need it.
- Set boundaries: Establish a plan for how you will manage work obligations and reset when needed.
- Balance stress relief methods: This could include physical activity, hobbies, or even talking with friends or loved ones outside of your workplace setting.
- Plan ahead: Create a plan for managing any unexpected changes that arise and plan for rest breaks throughout the day.
- Prioritize self-care and well-being: Make time to do things that make you happy and give you a sense of purpose outside of work when possible.
- Communicate openly with your employer: If there is something that is causing additional stress in the workplace, reach out to your employer directly so they can help address it as soon as possible.
By taking steps to prioritize mental health, employees can successfully transition back into office life in a healthy way while maintaining their well-being at the same time!
Taking a positive psychology approach
When tackling mental health issues in the workplace, taking a positive psychology approach can be of great benefit. Positive psychology is all about using one’s strengths and resources to increase well-being and psychological resilience. This approach focuses on what is right with people instead of what is wrong with them and encourages people to take an active role in creating positive experiences in their lives.
To take a positive psychology approach, employees returning to the workplace after the pandemic should focus on:
- Things that bring them joy.
- Building meaningful relationships with coworkers.
- Seeking out ways to learn something new.
- Setting realistic goals for themselves.
- Practicing gratitude through journaling or meditation.
Taking this type of approach can help employees feel more empowered while also preventing potential mental health issues down the road.
Mental health: good for employees and the bottom line
Mental health is not only important for an individual’s wellbeing, but for an organization’s bottom line. Organizations that invest in mental health initiatives, such as providing employees with access to employee assistance programs or psychological services, often result in improved job satisfaction and performance, decreased absenteeism and presenteeism, and better overall morale.
As part of a comprehensive mental health program for employees transitioning back to the workplace, organizations should emphasize the importance of self-care. Self-care activities such as taking time for personal hobbies or watching comedies with family members can help relieve stress and bring some much needed joy into one’s life. Additionally, organizations should offer additional support such as education on coping strategies or mindfulness exercises. By creating a culture that supports mental health initiatives, employees will be more comfortable returning to the workplace and be able to stay there longer.
Returning to your workplace and your mental health
Going back to the workplace and feeling anxious or worried is a common experience. Whether it’s pressure to perform, the fear of being judged, or the challenge of balancing work-life balance, returning to your workspace can be a stressful time. Fortunately, being aware of your mental health during this time can help you manage your stress and make sure you’re taking care of yourself as best you can.
- First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that returning to work might result in some emotional distress and disruption. This could include feelings like worry, fear, anxiety, or depression. It’s important to be mindful of this emotional impact and allow yourself time to adjust as needed.
- Secondly, it can also be helpful to talk with a mental health professional if possible or practice self-care activities such as getting enough sleep and eating nutritious meals in order to help manage stress. Additionally engaging in physical activity like walking or yoga could also be beneficial.
- Finally reach out for support from coworkers or family members if necessary!
Being aware of these tips will help ensure your mental health is taken care of during this transition period!
FAQs about: mental health tips for employees who are returning to the workplace
Q. What should I do if I am feeling overwhelmed by returning to work?
A. It is very normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed when returning to work after an extended absence. It is important to take the time to take care of yourself, take breaks throughout the day, and talk to someone about how you are feeling. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are taking the necessary safety precautions at work and following the guidelines in place.
Q. How can I stay mentally healthy while returning to work?
A. It is important to practice self-care when returning to the workplace. Make sure you take the time to do things that make you feel relaxed and happy. Additionally, it is important to stay connected with friends and family, and make time for physical activity or hobbies that you enjoy. Finding a balance between work and your personal life can also help you stay mentally healthy.
Q. What resources are available to help me cope with returning to work?
A. There are many resources available to help employees cope with returning to work. Your employer may offer access to mental health professionals, stress management programs, or other support services. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help employees manage stress and anxiety.