Return to Work Tips

 

Dear HarvardWIT+ community,
 
As the start of the school year approaches, many of you have returned or are planning a return to campus. This return is most likely exciting, but, if you’re like us, also filled with some anxiety. We’ve compiled a list of resources and tips we hope will help the transition back to campus be as smooth and anxiety free as possible!  


Socializing

After being out of the office for this length of time, you may be nervous about socializing again. Be patient, kind, and understanding with yourself and others as we all try to find our way. It’s going to take some adjusting for many to feel comfortable around people again, but talk to your coworkers and managers, if you're comfortable share your questions and fears, and let them know what they can do to help. Sometimes just knowing others are feeling the same can help.

In-Person Bias

Many of the anxieties for return to work surround the return of microaggressions and bias in a physical setting, particularly for marginalized genders and people of color for whom the effects of this pandemic have been disproportionate. Managers: familiarize yourselves with the particular challenges marginalized folks face before developing return-to-office policies and pay special attention to what staff may be asking for, try not to put the burden on marginalized folks.

Job Transitions

We know that marginalized genders and people of color have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic since they are more likely to be essential workers and do the majority of caregiving. The pandemic has caused people (61% of women) to re-think their current positions, find better work life balance, and take stock of choices and renewed flexibility. Whether it’s because of necessity or choice, career changes can be difficult. Here are some resources that may be helpful:How to start a cover letter, 18 Tips for Succeeding During Your Zoom Interview, and How To Change Careers According To 50 People Who Made A Pivot; and for Managers: 11 ways to avoid interviewer bias. In addition, we post jobs around Harvard in our Slack channel and welcome others to do so.

We wish you all a smooth return to campus, please reach out via Slack to continue the discussion, and again, please seek support from your local schools, managers, and human resources.  

In solidarity.
Your HarvardWIT+ Chairs: Donna, Deirdre, and Anisha, and WIT+ Intern Afiya Rahman