How to Manage Anxiety About Returning to Work After MCO

Now that the government has transitioned from Movement Control Order to Conditional Movement Control Order, more professionals return to their workplace. Of course, many of them are still anxious. 

Those in the most vulnerable groups need to be extra careful, especially now that many have returned to the office. If you are in the most vulnerable groups, you need to ensure that you're not sitting too close to your colleagues.

Those who commute to work using public transportation are also risking exposure to the virus, especially if they have to switch trains or buses along the way.

These are just some of the concerns that millions of workers share as they return to their workplace after MCO was lifted on Mar 5.

Managing work anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

According to occupation health psychologist Dr Daniella Maryam Mohamed Mokhtar, though many were relieved to return to the familiarity and comfort of their workplace, others were worried.

 She explained that even though many are returning to work, business won't be as usual as the pandemic is still going on. She added that even though the vaccination programme has started, the virus is not totally gone, which creates uncertainty about returning to the workplace. 

Dr Daniella recognised that this kind of anxiety could be harmful to a person's mental health. 

She advised them to make a few changes to their mindset and environment to decrease the factors that can cause anxiety. She said that if one is easily overwhelmed by the information on social media sites, they should try to consume less news and rumours about COVID-19. 

Infographics credit: Bernama

Another helpful tip is to prepare hygiene kits such as facemasks, sanitisers and tissue packs. Those who take public transportation to work can try planning their journey to help them avoid the rush hour crowd. 

We should also avoid congregating in public spaces, whether inside or outside the workplace. Bringing home-packed meals and personal cutlery will lessen the risk, too, as well as not sharing tools and equipment at work. 

Meanwhile, working parents should plan childcare in advance and talk about new daily routines with caregivers. This action will help the family ease into new routines when they start returning to work. 

Role of employers

Dr Daniella said that employers also play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety among returning employees, as not all employees can adjust to the change at the same rate. Some may take more than a month to adapt to new working norms, physically, mentally and socially. 

She suggested that employees should discuss with employers or the management for more flexibility in returning to work. The employer can offer the employee to return to work in phases or introduce hybrid workflows. Hybrid workflows allow employees to rotate between working from home and the office. 

She said that employers should be sympathetic and empathetic to an employee's situation by considering each employee's background and financial ability.  

Employers should also prepare a solid contingency plan to prepare for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak among employees within their company and workplace. It is an addition to communicating information about new rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) clearly and promptly. 

Meanwhile, employees need to prepare mentally and physically for the SOPs changes. Dr Daniella said that getting into the right frame of mind can help reduce disappointment and anxiety when another drastic change happens. 

Source: BERNAMA

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