The pandemic hit the world in every way and especially our head. Studies of mental health post-pandemic indicate that each person reacts differently to the psychological impact produced by an epidemic such as COVID-19the one that brought about uncertainty, social distancing, isolation, among others, and that caused anger to those infected or possible infected for living these situations.
Anabella Capetillo, Manager of Diversity and Inclusion of ManpowerGroup Chile
Now it’s time to return to reality after this true nightmare and it can be torture for individuals who had already «got used» to a teleworking rhythm at home. In fact, one of the problems that specialists have found that can occur is the generation of a disease called Ergophobiaor irrational fear of different aspects of the workplace.
Generally, when living with this disease, the subject lives with discomfort at work and sometimes it is so intense that it prevents them from performing their tasks naturally. Anabella CapetilloManager of Diversity and Inclusion of Manpower Group Chilecomments that one of the central issues to overcome this type of situation is “a good work environment, in which all people are respected regardless of their preferences, and establishing benefits tailored to each one (for example, health insurance, bonuses, leaving a little earlier on Fridays, among others)”.
And it gives five recommendations to overcome this pathology:
What is ergophobia? Tips to overcome it on the return to face-to-face work
- Take advantage of free time and family. Disconnect from your work and try to go for a walk, get some air, go for a coffee and enjoy nature: “The moments to be with your loved ones is something that allows us to recharge our batteries and free our minds from worries, for Monday to return to load».
- Try running, meditating, or doing something else that allows you to relax. “For some people, running early in the morning allows them to find themselves physically and mentally. If this is not your case, you can always meditate in your living room or in a nearby park. The idea is to relax and think about the present. Put aside the bad and future worries.
- A good plan will make it easier for you to start the week. “Perhaps it’s good that your last job on Friday is to plan what Monday and the rest of the next week will look like, including time off in case unexpected things come up. Thus, Monday will arrive and you will be able to sit down and execute what was planned”.
- Put aside the negative and rescue the positive in life and your work: «When a negative thought comes to your mind, remember that there is always its counterpart: The positive.»
- It is necessary for the company to listen to the collaborators, their demands: “Companies, whether small, medium or large, must begin to listen to their talents in a better way. Organizations must help the collaborator to prioritize her work and actions, because this paradigm shift in the way of working has surely modified the rhythms of people at home”.