I work for a small company - the work we do is something that can be comfortably done from home as we have proved since March, although our company has never previously been keen on home or flexible working.
Our boss has just sprung it upon us that he wants everyone back in work from 1st September, 5 days a week - no staggered hours, breaks or anything. No exceptions.
We'll all be working in one room - I think there will be 1m social distancing between desks but certainly not walking past. Because we are in a shared building there will now be no access to a kitchen, water or any areas away from our desks. There is 1 shared toilet for women (5 of us) and 2 for men (10). Cleaning is weekly and they don't seem to have plans to change - unless they expect us to do it.
I'm far from the only one with concerns which we are raising but it's landing on deaf ears. They seem intent on us going back regardless. They're putting together the risk assessment and the guidance seems to be the first questions to ask are is it essential? Is it safe? Is it agreed? No no and no.
I'm at the point of panic attacks thinking about going back in these circumstances and I think what's worse is the lack of consideration for our wellbeing. Even if the office was truly "Covid secure" which I don't think it can be for all of us, the lack of consultation or understanding of our individual circumstances seems to be going against all guidance.
To give some context I've always suffered from anxiety (although not under medical supervision) which my employer has been aware of and I have expressed to my boss that the return to work that has been sprung upon us has meant I've had sleepless nights and trouble concentrating. This hasn't been addressed. I appreciate I'm probably more risk adverse than most but I am in a social bubble with my mum who is vulnerable and been shielding (I provide some care but not officially if that makes a difference) and aside from that I have only interacted with people in an outdoor setting maintaining social distance - all shopping online etc. I feel that going back to the office will mean I won't be able to see her - without intense worry about making her ill anyway.
Due to the role I'm in I have a huge network and do not know a single other business taking this blanket approach to returning if the roles can be done from home - everyone is either shifting to remote being normal or giving people the option to return to the office if they feel that is what they want to do - making smaller groups safer and providing a happy medium for everyone.
But appreciate this might not be the case across other industries - is anyone else in similar circumstances? There is so much conflicting advice online that I don't know where I stand. Can they really make me go back at the expense of my mental health and well-being, and if it will mean I no longer feel I can see my mum? Right now I feel like I would rather quit.
I know I am luckier than most that I have a job right now and have been working all through lockdown but I have also made huge sacrifices to protect mine and my families wellbeing which will just all be undone. The guidance for social interactions is still mixing with only 2 households and avoid using toilets in others houses etc so how am I expected to feel safe mixing with almost 20 others for 8 hours a day?
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Anyone else being forced back into the office after working from home?
109 replies
nothinglikemyname · 18/08/2020 11:21
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