To be irrationally nervous about first day back in the office?

[Midsommar]

Along with many others, I've not worked in an office environment since March; WFH instead.

My first day back in is today and I'm so nervous but I'm not sure why.

I feel completely stupid to be feeling like this - I've gotten so used to WFH and I feel really uncomfortable going back. My anxiety is through the roof, I could barely sleep last night.

AIBU to feel this way? Please say there are others who have felt like this and I'm not alone!

I'm so with you, I don't have a return to work date yet but it is looming.

I absolutely hate change, and I think the fact I've got into a new routine and will have to change again is making things feel tricky.

Just remember, everybody is in the same boat and once you've been back two hours it'll feel like you've never left!

I’m in exactly the same position. It’s natural to be anxious. Returning to ‘normal’ is a lot more challenging than staying tucked up at home.

Just get through today and I’m sure tomorrow will feel more manageable. Take all the safety precautions you can.

We haven’t been called back to the office yet and I am dreading it. I am in my safe bubble at home and all my work is being done without interruption. I only go to the supermarket once a week and take a walk during my lunch break. Going back to the office, even though it has been deep cleaned, will expose me to more contacts than I am happy with.
I don’t blame you for being nervous. Good luck! 💐

Im back to work now. Within 2 minutes it was back to the previous normal

I feel like this, but then people do keep coming up to me and sitting next to me, and there's been no risk assessment. Lots of hand washing and hand gel. Clean down keyboard, phone, desk etc. Unions advise clothes in the wash as soon as you get home. It's a lot to take in.

Thanks for your responses. I do agree that it's the change of routine again. Gotten so used to not being sat in traffic and working with no interruptions. I didn't think I'd like WFH but I think I prefer it! It's the upheaval and change of routine again that's throwing me.

I think it’s a natural response to leaving your present comfort zone. I was on a Zoom call with friends yesterday and we were all saying the same thing - that the longer we stay at home the more reluctant we are to go out. I have to go out later just to drop food at a shielding relations home and I am already feeling anxious about it even though I know it’s irrational.

I hope your day goes well. Good luck.

First day back for me also. Feel on the verge of tears with nerves. Things will be different. Shifts and seating all changed. It's gonna be sooo busy too. Good luck everyone x

I am still WFH . I would give anything to be going back to the office today break up the monotony a bit

Back in tomorrow and have a real fear response going on today (I work in a school.)
Like pp's have said, it's just the change to routine and the exposure to new people and risk that I have been lucky not to have since March.
I'll face into it of course, but am worried.

Out of interest, if you can work from home, where are you now back in the office?

WHY are you!

Sympathies - I’m not looking forward to returning either.

Well in my case, while we can work from home, there are a lot of efficiencies in people being in the office due to how we work.

We also have huge office space so SD is not a problem.

I’ll be in 2 days a week though, not full time.

Please can I join you all?

I'll be back in the workplace on the 15th, and I'm currently living with someone who's shielding. Will be following all necessary precautions of course, still extremely nervous though 😕

@biglittlemedium there are some physical admin tasks that need doing, updating policies etc. Won't be in all day.

Thanks everyone for the support, I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling this way.

If it helps at all, my friend who I job share with, had her first day back today. She said it was ok and not to worry! I wish my brain would obey, but things don't work that way!
I'm hoping 10min into being back tomorrow it will feel normal again. The psychological hurdle for me is the thought of returning, not the actual doing.
Good luck everyone! We'll be fine I'm sure! Totally won't sleep tonight though!

The earliest I will go back to the office is September but I've already had nightmares about it

Just an update for anyone worried: I went back today. Thought I might faint going in(!) but it was a lovely day. Our Head is super organised, had put in lots of safety measures and it all felt safe and clean.
It was lovely to see colleagues again.
So all in all, a really nice day. Tired now though - you forget how that feels!
Good luck to all waiting to go back at some point, the anticipation/fear is far worse than actually going back x

Glad it went well for you

I’m WFH, we’ve been told we won’t be going back to the office til Oct!

It's only me and my boss in my team in an office of 2k people, so I haven't really felt like I'm missing on team stuff and so really enjoying the WFH. I think it would be different if I had a big team.

I'm glad everyone is finding it to be better than expected :)

My first day back on Monday, feels like it's looming now! Planning to get organised for it today so I can just enjoy my last day off tomorrow.