Return-to-work | Are your workers suffering from 'FOMU'?

Most people will be familiar with the term ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO), however, a new term has come onto the scene which describes the exact opposite of this.

A recent article from Metro reported on the term ‘fear of meeting up’ (FOMU) which was recently coined by the dating app Badoo.

In response to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown instruction and subsequent social distancing measures, people have been encouraged to stay away from others and to wear protective equipment such as face masks to contain the spread of the virus.

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COVID-19 | Half of HR say function needs to change post-pandemic

With Johnson announcing the further easing of lockdown measures in England and a reduction in social distancing rules to “one-metre plus”, the public is becoming more and more able to meet others again – of course at a safe distance. Yet, it seems that some people are afraid of resuming normal life meaning that FOMU doesn’t just apply to meeting up with people for social occasions. This fear can be seen in professional life too.