As we enter Phase 3 of the Return to Campus Plan and more staff return to campus full-time, we find ourselves adjusting to the ‘new normal’.

Some staff may have missed the structure, focus and social interaction of working on campus, while others may have revelled in the freedom and flexibility of working from home.

Gayle Avery is a Professor in the Department of Management and recently co-authored a paper exploring leadership styles and their relationship to business performance.

She says that if you’re struggling to maintain motivation and focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the positives of returning to campus can help.

“It helps to keep in mind the purpose behind what we do as a university and how our work is ultimately supporting our students and benefitting society,” explains Gayle.

“It also helps to focus on the many good things about being on campus, including interacting with colleagues; being away from distractions at home; our pleasant working environment on the leafy campus; and enjoying structured working hours that don’t intrude on our personal lives.”

For some, it may be challenging to get ‘back in the saddle’ with work, especially while there is still uncertainty around COVID which may still linger for some time. The uncertainty can be distracting and worrying, so Gayle has the following tips for refocusing while at work.

“When motivation dips, we should take action to revive it,” she says “This might simply involve having a chat, a cuppa or a walk to re-energise. If you’re worried about someone at home, a quick phone call could ease your mind,” she explains.

“Others get themselves through the day by setting personal work goals, even small targets, and then gathering the resources needed to achieve those goals.”

As for those staff who may not be able to return to work yet, and perhaps are feeling a bit isolated:

“Again, don’t lose sight of the important contribution you make to students, colleagues and society in your role,” Gayle says.