(WSYM) — Businesses in Michigan are now able to have workers come back in buildings as of Monday, after the state reached a vaccination benchmark of 55% of those with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago.
It's been about 14 months of remote work for most companies, and some people could be returning to the office for the first time today.
Related: Mental health tips for employees who are returning to the workplace
Many companies are easing back into things. In downtown Detroit, much of the office space owned by Rocket Companies will begin filling up as some employees will return to the office two or three days a week starting June 7.
"It's definitely mixed emotions. I miss the folks I got to interact with, I miss the camaraderie of working in an office space, I don't miss the commute for sure," Troy Feldpausch said.
He used to work in Farmington Hills, and now, he works anywhere he wants.
"I got an email saying you'll need to come into the office next week to gather your things, we've made the decision to permanently close the office," he said.
The Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration still needs to issue clarifications on safety guidelines, and most companies aren't jumping back in quickly.
Some, like Ford and General Motors, will have a gradual return to the office in late June or July, with a structure that offers much more flexibility with remote working.
For many others who have gotten used to working from home, there's a combination of eagerness and anxiety.
"That anxiety, I refer to as return phobia, which is more properly known as adjustment disorder," Mark Ostach, a digital wellness expert said.
He says for 14 months, we've all experienced various levels of trauma, and even for those excited to return to the office, expect an adjustment period.
"Some people might feel really exhausted because it took more energy to get ready and drive to the office, whereas others haven't had this much in-person conversation in a long time," he said. "Give each other patience and extend that same patience to yourself.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information, and more about coming back from COVID-19
Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
