Health & Fitness
Anxious About Returning To Work In NYC? Here's What You Can Do
If you're one of the many New Yorkers returning to in-office work, you may be experiencing some anxiety. Here's how to ease your fears.
This is not medical advice.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers fled the metropolitan area in hopes of a safer, more isolated lifestyle. But with vaccinations on the rise and the economy continuing to reopen, residents are returning to New York City in droves. As everyday life slowly but surely returns to normal, many employers expect employees who have worked remotely over the past several months to return to the office.
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While the promise of a return to pre-pandemic life is certainly encouraging, many people are experiencing anxiety and fear about returning to the office — and NYC in general. Here are some ways to combat those fears and create a more comfortable in-office work experience.
Why Am I Anxious?
After spending more than a year and a half working remotely and settling into an at-home routine, it can be stressful to get back to an in-office routine. But the good news is you’re not alone.
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About one in four workers currently working from home because of the coronavirus would prefer to stay fully remote, according to a study by Robert Half. And while some people feel that heading to the office is just a hassle compared to working from home, others have serious concerns about mental and physical health risks or other adjustments they’ll need to make.
Here are some common reasons you may feel uncomfortable or anxious about returning to the office.
- You’re worried about contracting COVID-19 or being exposed to other germs in your workplace.
- You’re worried about a more rigid work schedule and having less of a work-life balance
- You’re worried about having to socialize.
- You’re worried about separation anxiety from family members or pets.
- You’re worried about the cost and safety of commuting.
- You’re worried about worsening anxiety or a decline in mental health.
Managing Your Anxiety About Returning To The Office
If you experience heightened anxiety about returning to the office, there are ways to address it. Here are a few things you can do to make yourself and others more comfortable and safe while working in the office.
Be Prepared And Adhere To Safety Requirements
Before heading back to work, it’s important to gather as much information as you can so you understand what is expected of you. This could mean policy changes or safety integrations that your company has put in place. It’s also important to understand what employers are doing to keep you safe, whether that be planned deep cleans, increased ventilation, social distancing or a rotating schedule.
Although certain industries and locations may have different protocols, New York City businesses must follow the New York State Department of Health’s guidance for office-based work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most businesses require you to show proof of vaccination in order to work in the office. They may also require you to do a health check before heading to the office, check your temperature upon entering and wear a mask in the workplace. Following these rules can help ensure the safety of yourself and your co-workers.
When it comes to preparing yourself mentally, it’s important to plan ahead and ease yourself back into a routine. Practicing your commute or engaging in more social interactions before your first day back could help decrease some anxiety you may experience.
Have A Conversation With Co-Workers And Employers
Having an open conversation with your employer about your anxieties could help create a safer work environment. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe about returning to the office, your manager may be open to exploring other options, such as continued remote working or a hybrid schedule. In addition, you should feel comfortable voicing your safety concerns or asking your manager to enforce certain safety policies in the office.
It’s also important to communicate with co-workers and set personal boundaries in the office. This may differ for every individual and can include such things as communicating how comfortable you are with certain social greetings and interactions, including eating lunch with other employees. This may also help you build a support system and bond with your co-workers.
Seek Professional Help For Anxiety If Needed
Many have worked from home alone during the pandemic or with a small bubble of friends or family, which has caused a lack in socialization. But planning ahead, exposing yourself to more social situations and prioritizing your well-being are all great ways to combat any social anxiety or stress you may experience. If you are concerned that your anxiety is worsening, or you think you may have social anxiety disorder, it’s important that you see a professional.
Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of being judged or evaluated by others. The condition may be more common or may have worsened as those who have worked remotely begin returning to the workplace, and these negative feelings can affect work, relationships and daily lives. Thankfully, there are several treatment options available for this condition.
If you are diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, you will most likely be advised to start either talk therapy or medication. One of the most common treatments for social anxiety — cognitive behavioral therapy — involves gradual exposure to social situations and helps you learn new ways to manage scary thoughts and feelings about social interactions. Your therapist may also recommend exposure therapy, which is a type of CBT.
During exposure therapy, you start to face your social fears one at a time. Each exposure will get a little harder as you practice new skills to cope with your anxiety. Over time, you’ll learn you can handle social situations, even when you feel anxious.
Your provider may also prescribe a medication for your anxiety symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration has approved four medications to treat social anxiety disorder. These include the following:
Those who have trouble affording their medications can find discounts through GoodRx, the leading resource in health care savings. If your insurance doesn't cover your medication, GoodRx can help you find your prescription at the lowest possible price. Fortunately, GoodRx has coupons available for the medications used to treat anxiety listed above.
