Many employers are eager to get workers back into the office this year, but at what cost?
According to a 2023 survey by management consulting company Korn Ferry, 62% of employees say their company is mandating a return to the office — of that group, 58% feel this will have a negative impact on their
"For my clients specifically who already navigate anxiety, it's just blowing their anxiety out of the park," says Leanza. "If they're just finding out after the last couple of years of doing a great job working from home that they have to return to the office, it's not helping them navigate that anxiety."
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Leanza notes that the same can be said for clients with depression, who may find the office environment very draining, especially given that depression already causes patients to suffer from fatigue and generally low energy levels. And it's much harder for employees to hide their symptoms at the office, explains Leanza.
"The amount of energy they direct at containing their own anxiety or depression gets more exaggerated when they're back in the office," she says. "It's hard — if you're working from home and doing a Zoom, no one sees you bouncing your knee under the table while you're talking."
Leanza reminds employers that employees facing these challenges aren't necessarily outliers. In fact, mental health disorders only seem to be increasing in prevalence, even three years after the onset of the pandemic. According to Gallup, nearly 30% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression in 2023, showing a 10% increase from 2015. Gen Z is taking the brunt of it, with 50% of adults between 18 and 24 years old reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression to the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey.
Leanza is watching her young clients with social anxiety especially struggle to adapt to an office environment. Social anxiety invokes constant fear of unfamiliar social situations, commonly leading to sweating, trembling, heart palpitations and nausea. While it may be easy to dismiss young workers as weak or inexperienced, Leanza encourages employers to consider how social media and the pandemic have limited face-to-face interactions for Gen Z. They are often more comfortable working independently, notes Leanza.
"They don't want to ask for help — they rather figure it out on their own, maybe because they are used to having the internet to help," she says. "They have a lot of anxiety around how they are being perceived by their boss and their co-workers. They don't want to be judged."
However, this doesn't mean employers should completely abandon RTO plans. Leanza underlines that workers can gain the skills they need to be more comfortable in social settings. But it will take a level of flexibility and understanding from company leaders, she says.
Leanza advises HR leaders to avoid treating
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As for managers, Leanza advises them to continue encouraging the flexibility of a hybrid work style as best as they can and be open to suggestions from their team.
"Managers need to cultivate an open-door policy," says Leanza. "Employees should know they are welcome to ask questions and managers should check in too."
Leanza even suggests companies offer soft skill workshops that focus on communication and teamwork-related skills. She emphasizes that even employees with mental health challenges crave socialization and connection. They just need to feel safe in their new environment.
"You can struggle with anxiety, but still miss interacting with your co-workers in person," says Leanza. "There is a little bit of loneliness and a yearning to connect with a team."
