The Rise of Anxiety in The Workplace

Since the beginning of 2020, there has been a significant shift in the way we work. It has caused a disruption to our daily routines, increased isolation and uncertainty and added new challenges to our work-life balance. There seems to be an unspoken trauma in the collective right now. Did that really happen? Almost like the end of Avengers Endgame when everyone reappeared after 5 years and things were just expected to carry on like normal although everything had changed.

In the 9 to 5 world remote work became the new norm for many employees. While this may have initially seemed like a dream come true for some, it brought with it a whole new set of challenges. Remote work created a blurred boundary between work and home life, with many employees finding it hard to switch off from work after hours. I think this was particularly apparent for people living alone with no one else to regulate their time.

Working from home also made it difficult for employees to separate their work environment from their personal space. The lack of a physical boundary between work and home resulted in employees feeling like they are always on the clock, making it hard to relax and unwind after work. This affected the whole household in many cases, with space being taken over that would normally be used by others. This has resulted in increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Across all companies and industries it has led to a decrease in social interaction in the workplace. Working remotely has resulted in reduced face-to-face communication, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially those living alone. This, in turn, has also increased stress and anxiety levels. The latest statistics show that 1.8 million people have work related stress or anxiety and it’s estimated that in 2022 this caused 914,000 cases of absences from work.

Working from home has blurred the lines between our work and personal life so much that it feels like we're living in a black and white movie. We're either constantly chained to our desks or aimlessly wandering around the house like ghosts. It's like we've become our own version of The Shining but instead of an axe, we're wielding a laptop.

Remote work, job insecurity, decreased social interaction and uncertainty about the future have all contributed to this rise in mental health concerns.

As workplaces start to reopen on a much wider basis, a new source of anxiety has emerged for many people - the fear of returning to the workplace after being away for so long. The return to the office after a long time of working from home can be challenging for some employees, particularly those who have become accustomed to the flexibility of remote work. Those with families and the introverts who don’t actually like going out!

The last 3 years have created uncertainty about the future. Many people are unsure about what the future holds, leading to increased anxiety levels. This uncertainty has made it hard for employees in particular to plan their lives and make long-term decisions, causing even more stress and anxiety.

This is why it’s so important that we look after our own mental health and not ignore our self care.
As the world increases its social interactions it’s important that you don’t dive back into bad habits and create more fatigue or burnout for yourself. Especially when you add back in the travel and unnecessary meetings that you know could have been an email! Also no more wearing leisure suits or pyjama bottoms on zoom.

Even if you don’t work a normal 9 to 5 and are self employed you can still use these tips to ensure you have a work life balance.

Set boundaries: One of the most important things you can do to create a healthy work-life balance is to set boundaries between your work and personal life. This might mean setting specific work hours, turning off your phone or computer at a certain time or designating a certain day of the week as your day off all electronic devices. If your boss (or an annoying client) keeps bothering you outside of work hours, try responding with a funny auto-reply message like "Sorry, I'm currently on my yacht sailing around the world. I'll get back to you when I'm back on shore.”

Prioritise: Make a list of your priorities and then allocate your time accordingly. Prioritizing your time can help you focus on the most important tasks and make sure you're not neglecting other important areas of your life. Be sure to add in the occasional nap time on your list!

Take breaks: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and reduce stress. This could be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk outside, stretching or meditating. Yes funny cat videos work too.

Practice self-care: Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Make sure you are taking care of your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and engaging in activities you enjoy. I cannot underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep.

Learn to say no: Saying no can be difficult, but it's important to learn to say no to commitments or tasks that don't align with your priorities or values. Saying no can help you reduce stress and free up time for the things that matter most to you. If someone keeps asking after you have said no you can always try saying "Sorry, I can't do that. I have a very important appointment with my sofa and Netflix." Remember your priorities do not have to be the same as other people’s priorities.

Whether it's taking a bath, binge-watching your favourite TV show or just laying in bed and staring at the ceiling, you need to carve out some space for yourself.

What will you do for yourself this week?