[Wellnesscommunications] StayWell - Preparing to Return to Work

[Jacqueline Leslie]

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August 2, 2021

To:       Wellness Program Participants
Re:       StayWell – Preparing to Return to Work

While some people are itching to return to their office, many others may feel anxious about it. The fear of getting sick, using transportation, commuting, or not having reliable childcare ae just a few major concerns. We will also be learning to navigate through this “new normal” where there are still distancing and possible mask mandates or recommendations.

Maybe some of us are also worried about their children attending school again. To prepare yourself for the transition back to the office, here are some approaches to minimize the stress and adapt as quickly as possible.

Transition Tips

·         Monitor your anxiety – you may feel inclined to hide any anxiety about coming back to work but pay close attention to it. Most importantly, find someone to talk to. Our healthcare providers and FSAP provide resources and gives access to professional help.

·         Patience and flexibility – the transition back to work will be new and different for everyone. Things will constantly change and shift over time. Sometimes we will be working through trial and error. Manage your expectations with flexibility and patience so when something changes, it doesn’t give you any unwanted feelings. We may want to autopilot in certain situations but remember that we can only be in control of our own surroundings.

·         Manage expectations – The more uncertain things are, the faster and more absolute our assumptions become. Learn to be transparent and honest about your boundaries, comfortability, and any situations you may be experiencing at home.

·         Be source of joy – One of the best ways to make the transition smoother is by finding ways to make it better for others.

·         Transition your remote skills – Working from home required learning new skills and habits to keep yourself and your team connected and productive. You do not want to leave those skills behind when transitioning back to the office. Instead, leverage these skills so they can help you work even more productively at the office.

·         Start your routine – try to consider how you will need to adjust your schedule and start incorporating those elements into your routine now. Set your alarm earlier to account for your commute. Practice meal prepping and packing a lunch instead of just hitting the fridge. If you have been enjoying a lunchtime workout, consider where your workout will fit into your day once you go back to the office. Think through the little changes that may disrupt your flow and how you can adapt to them now.



We hope you find these tips and resources helpful. The Faculty/Staff Wellness Program<https://hr.ucr.edu/about-us/workplace-health-wellness/wellness> remains committed to the health and well-being of the campus community.
For questions or for more information, please contact us at wellness at ucr.edu<mailto:wellness at ucr.edu>
Stay safe and healthy!

In health and happiness,
Jacqueline Leslie, MPH
Wellness Program Specialist
Workplace Health & Wellness
University of California, Riverside
1201 University Avenue
Suite 208
Riverside, CA 92507
jacqueline.leslie at ucr.edu<mailto:julie.chobdee at ucr.edu>


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