As we begin to think about returning to a “new normal,” many of us are experiencing new stress and anxiety.
According to an article in HR Executive:
“Employees’ mental health is worsening as the return to the workplace looms, according to new research, with rates of stress, anxiety, depressed mood and PTSD risk on the rise once again. The latest data from Total Brain’s Mental Health Index signals an impending trend reversal among female employees, who had seen remarkable mental health improvements since January. Compared to March, women are showing a 33% increase in feelings of anxiety, a 25% increase in stress, and a 23% increase in depressed mood. The index results come as other data has pointed to the concerns that employees have about returning to the workplace. Recent research from Total Brain found that two-thirds of American workers say they feel somewhat or extremely anxious about returning to work. Limeade research found that a shocking 100% of employees surveyed are anxious about returning to the workplace.”
Recognizing these feelings are normal, you’re not alone in them, and addressing them with tools and resources can/may be helpful. This article from Forbes provides strategies to help combat some of the fears and anxieties related to returning to work.
LinkedIn Learning has also put together a list of resources for adjusting to a “new normal” and dealing with stress and anxiety:
To help professionals get the support they need, we’re sharing courses on mindfulness and stress management. Experts will help you learn how to:
- Cultivate mindfulness practices to increase focus, remain grounded in change and ambiguity, and manage emotional triggers
- Understand the impact of a mindful physical workspace and how to create one
- Manage stress and get ‘unstuck’ when you’re overwhelmed
- Build up your energy reserves so you can show up the way you want to with colleagues and loved ones
Adopt mindfulness practices to shift out of ‘fight or flight
Mindfulness practices calm our nervous system and shift brain activity out of ‘fight or flight’ mode. Discover which mindfulness practices work best for you and how to fit them into any schedule in the following courses:
Mindfulness Practices
The Mindful Workday
Mindful Meditations for Work and Life
Understand and manage stress and overwhelm
Train your brain to get unstuck from overwhelm and stress and create practices in your life that help you feel more spacious and full. Learn how with the help of these courses:
Manage Stress for Positive Change
How to Manage Feeling Overwhelmed
Balancing Work and Life
LinkedIn is here to help you navigate the changing world of work with information and resources, including relevant LinkedIn Learning courses to help.
Additionally, both short and long-term mental health resources are available through our EAP and health insurance providers.