Anyone else forced to work from home even though workplace is open?

[Hangitip]

WFH doesn’t work for me. I don’t have the space, remote connection to servers is very slow.

Our company is essential and we have been open through the whole pandemic. Many staff voluntarily wfh. I stayed in the office.

Was told over email last week I am to WFH from now on. No consultation, no discussion, just WFH from now on.

Can I be forced to WFH when my workplace is open? I have 3 teenagers at home at all, I just can’t see how this is going to work.

I wouldn’t use the word forced, but our company has told us all to work from home, apart from a very small number who are required to be in the office. We’re deemed essential (life insurer paying people their pensions etc).

Generally I think people are glad that we can keep our jobs and that our company has ramped up the IT to make it possible for us to WFH. But I sympathise if home conditions make that a nightmare for you . Some of my colleagues have young children at home and have had to cut their working hours - the company has been understanding about this (no salary cuts).

Are they keeping your office open for anyone? Have you explained to your manager that you will be far less productive at home, and you would like the company to consider alternative arrangements? Surely there is a way that a handful of you could be in your workplace and work safely?