After Russia declared a self-isolation regime, almost 10% of the country’s residents lost their jobs . 40% had their salaries cut, many were transferred to part-time work or sent on unpaid leave. Returning to work after being laid off, on a long vacation or working remotely is not easy, and if you are faced with such a situation, then take advice from the British publication The Independent.
1. Return to old habits
Establish a daily routine – wake up and go to bed at a certain time.
Bring your usual work clothes back into your everyday wardrobe to help you stay focused and productive.
Create a comfortable work and rest schedule. At first, you will have to remind yourself to take breaks, but soon it will become a habit again.
2. Monitor your well-being
If you find yourself feeling anxious every morning, try doing a short meditation to help you prepare for the workday and focus on the positive. Think about the coworkers you want to talk to during your break or the delicious sandwich you plan to have for lunch.
Remember: everyone has good days and bad days. Don’t dwell on the negative.
3. Don’t avoid communicating with colleagues and your boss
If you have any concerns about your own competence or job safety after the pandemic, ask your boss to set aside time to talk to you. Don’t be afraid to say everything you’re thinking — it will help reduce anxiety.
Also, try not to stray from the group – communicate, and very soon everything will return to normal.
4. Discuss the possibility of a flexible schedule
Some companies offer those returning to work after a long break the opportunity to start with a shorter day or to come and leave work at a convenient time. For example, you can come between 8:00 and 11:00, but in any case work all 8 hours. Discuss this option with your employer – it may be easier to get used to early awakenings.
If you’ve been working remotely during the pandemic and performing well, talk to your boss about working from home at least once a week.
5. Take a minute to just think
During quarantine, many people found that the more time they spent at home, the more they thought about their lives and careers.
If you’ve been laid off and are preparing to start a new job, keep reflecting to help you decide whether to continue down the path you’ve been on or go in a completely new direction.
Think about what this experience has given you, what you can transfer from self-isolation to your everyday life. Try keeping a diary and writing down what has changed. You may realize that you need to learn new skills – focus on them