Return to Campus Special Edition 3
Re-starting Social Contacts

CONCERNS

"I have become quite accustomed to working in a very quiet environment and think it will take some adjusting to working in a room with others again."

"Work will take some adjusting to, especially work that requires concentration when we might be distracted by people catching up with each other. Will we be able to get work done?"

"Over lockdown I have gained weight and feel my appearance is a little embarrassing compared with how I looked before. "

"I am worried about being judged by others and office cliques starting up."

PROBLEMS

1. Working with one or more people on campus
2. Proximity to others who may not abide by rules
3. Social anxiety in general about so many people all around
4. Lunchtimes might have more sociable expectations than before

TIPS

• Talk to line managers and raise any worries or concerns you may have
• Discuss social distancing in university with colleagues and line managers
• Use the Employee Assistance Programme if needed
• Say something to others who don’t protect themselves and others.
• Use the Report & Support action line if need to report unkind behaviour
• Report & Support can be used anonymously if preferred reportandsupport.bcu.ac.uk
• Be confident in your ability to be more confident on a supportive campus
• Return to feeling more socially confident at your own speed
• Discuss worrying travel arrangements with colleagues or manager
• It’s ok to say something to others who don’t protect themselves or who break covid security on campus
• Manage your space and also expect others to do so too
• Feel positive about politely saying something to others who get too close
• Relax when you can through the day and do it often (eg tea-breaks; visualisation at your desk; stretching legs, or focusing on calmness)