Return to Campus Special Edition 4
Being Away from Home

CONCERNS

"Caring responsibilities (whether caring for more elderly/clinically vulnerable family members or with young children)."

"My dog has had me at home 24/7 for a year and I am really worried how he will be when he is left."

"I would like as much notice as possible before returning so that I can start to prepare my family."

"I’m also anxious full stop regarding going out again anywhere to be honest, speaking to people the whole lot. Dreading it."

PROBLEMS

1.  I’ve not had the vaccine - should I stay working at home?
2.  I am living with someone classed as extremely clinically vulnerable
3.  Concerns about travel complexity (crowds, timetable etc)
4.  Concerns about the “New Way of Working” - what will it be?
5.  Feeling alone and a bit helpless
6.  Caring responsibilities /vulnerable family
7.  Being separated from pets
8.  Anxiety about safety and hygiene at University 
9.  General feeling of dread of the unknown: ‘negative anticipation’

TIPS

• The University Management Group say no distinction is being made between having a vaccine or not
• Everyone is advised to observe the safety measures put in place
• The University will consider individual situations and concerns on a case-by-case basis, please liaise with your line manager and seek advice from HR. 
• Phased returns tow office working are anticipated as the normal
• Take small steps being away from home for longer each time. 
• Increase small steps away from home by 30mins each time if feeling OK
• Consider online familiarisation / orientations days 
• Make use of the Employee Assistance Program
• Arrange to meet friends and travel together if possible
• Discuss new forms of working and phasing back to campus line managers
• Anticipate having hand sanitiser and spare masks to hand
• Think positively about this new schedule and format of working
• Plan travel arrangements as best as possible is key
• Talk to other people: line managers, friends or colleagues, and share concerns
• Share your feelings with at least one other person (face to face or by telephone)
• Remember the almost everyone is feeling a bit unsettled at this time
• The Humane Society and RSPCA have info about leaving pets at home when returning to work