“The office appears ready for the first wave to return. Sneeze guards are up; I've completed the daily health check survey to make sure I’m symptom-free and adjusted my schedule to be ready for the ‘morning team’ hours. So, why can’t I concentrate?”
Although these questions represent a hypothetical scenario, feeling safe is about much more than being prepared. Reactions of disbelief, fear, and even anger may be commonplace as employees transition back to the office. Overcoming these adverse feelings starts by building workforce confidence, which in current times, is imperative. People—supported by just, inclusive, and empathetic actions—are what make organizations thrive. Unlocking the full potential of your people rests upon a foundation of psychological safety, recognizing the full identity of each employee.
