HOW TO FEEL CONFIDENT GOING BACK TO WORK

Millions of us face a return to the workplace – including new mums – and many are feeling nervous about slotting back into old routines. Emma advises how you can settle your nerves and thrive

So many people have told me they’re terrified of returning to the workplace or that going back has been tough. Some are concerned about Covid, while others are anxious about leaving a life they’ve grown used to. If you were furloughed, you will have had more time for yourself, and if you have kids, you probably enjoyed more quality time together, so re-entering old routines can feel daunting.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Many will have enjoyed the flexibility of home working and resent the additional hours the commute will add. For those of you who have been on maternity leave, using a nursery or child minder could create some understandable separation anxiety, too. Acknowledge how genuinely tough this is. If your life has felt better, safer, more relaxed and happier, returning to a situation which makes you feel less positive will be a wrench, so don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way.

DISCUSS OPTIONS

Rather than feeling you have to simply accept this scenario, consider some options. If you have been working from home successfully, you have proven it’s possible. Book in a meeting if you’re already back, or a video call if not, with your boss to discuss flexible working. They may be open to you splitting your time between home and the office. If not, ask to build up your days in the office over a number of months. This will mean you can gently come to terms with the return. For some of you, these feelings may be telling you that you need to make changes. If you love working from home but can’t, look for work that allows this. Instead of feeling helpless, you’ll feel empowered.

SEEK SUPPORT

New mums haven’t had much support, so suddenly trusting strangers with your child could cause anxiety. Reach out to friends, family or colleagues who are mums so they can share their tips. Humans adapt perpetually, so have faith that in a short while you will feel like the majority of your worries have faded and you are enjoying your lunch breaks catching up with colleagues again.