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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Returning to work in real life

175 replies

Sandra15 · 29/07/2021 12:11

We are having a Zoom call about returning to work. Regardless of the need to feel safe, a member of staff has said that she can find quiet places to work at home, and she is stressed and anxious about people coming in and out of the office and will find it distracting.

What? That was normal 18 months ago. AIBU to think this is snowflake-ish?

OP posts:
Pastrydame · 29/07/2021 12:15

She expressed an opinion. You can have your own opinion. Unless she is your employee it doesn't matter, does it?

tommmanndjjerrry · 29/07/2021 12:16

I think a lot of people are being very mardy about returning to their original place of work. They like working from home and are claiming to feel unsafe.

If the workplace has been set up to keep a safe distance, PPE is provided, screens, whatever is necessary, then staff need to accept the gravy train has ended and go back to the work place.

Yes it's lovely to roll out bed and be at your desk, walk the dog or nip to the shops during your break, etc etc, but if the employer wants staff back in the work place then that's that 🤷🏼‍♀️

RandomMess · 29/07/2021 12:16

I think after being home for 18 months many people feel anxious and worried about returning to the office. Some people have flourished, probably mainly introverts.

I have mixed feelings personally.

Zealois · 29/07/2021 12:23

Just because something was normal doesn't mean it was good for everyone?

I have always struggled working in an office. I struggle with the noises and even before covid I worked from home one day a week and it was my most productive day every week.

I love how calm I feel working from home and am anxious about returning to the office a few days a week.

Original poster
Sandra15 · 29/07/2021 12:23

@Pastrydame

She expressed an opinion. You can have your own opinion. Unless she is your employee it doesn't matter, does it?
Yes but this is not coronavirus related, just general and not about feeling unsafe. It's probably going to be more widespread than we think.
OP posts:
BendingSpoons · 29/07/2021 12:24

I have been working a mix of in the office and at home throughout. I get so much more done when I wfh as there are far less distractions. It's a valid point. It is also fair enough to feel a bit apprehensive about something you haven't done in 18 months, and maybe never loved beforehand. For some people, this has made them realise how commuting and working in tbe office was far from their ideal. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean they have to be accommodated, but their feelings are valid.

CrouchEndTiger12 · 29/07/2021 12:25

Absolutely snowflakish.

Funnily enough those who are too scared to come to the office are quite happy to go out drinking in pubs and post the photos on social media...

AntiWorkBrigade · 29/07/2021 12:25

Anxiety aside (and am sure it’s real for many), plenty of people didn’t enjoy or get on with office working pre-Covid for a whole variety of reasons. Or they may have only realised during the wfh period that there was a better way.

Given all the messages about well-being, I find it dismissive to suggest even the more trivial positives of going for a walk, being with family, etc., are nothing. Then you have the more serious reasons people may not get on with office life. Bullying, pressure to present a certain way, introversion, etc.

For people who feel this way of course returning to the office is a negative. Why the ill-feeling towards those who express it?

valnevavaxx · 29/07/2021 12:25

Plenty of people are introverts and would have hated office life long before coronavirus came along- it's not surprising that some would want to hold onto their quieter home working. Everyone will have different opinions on this, and any company with any sense will offer a flexible hybrid model as the best chance of keeping everyone happy.

Katedanielshasakitty · 29/07/2021 12:30

Yabu. Many people found office environments stressful, pre pandemic.

It impact their lives in and outside work. Office environments can be especially difficult for those with mental health problems or who are ND.

Unfortunately, the choice was go in or lose your job.

Its not surprising, that people who do find offices very stressful, that they wish to remain at home. Not sure where you sit in the organisation, but I find your lack of empathy quite odd.

Its really not difficult to get, that some people may not like offices.

Katedanielshasakitty · 29/07/2021 12:31

@CrouchEndTiger12

Absolutely snowflakish.

Funnily enough those who are too scared to come to the office are quite happy to go out drinking in pubs and post the photos on social media...

Not sure you really understand anxiety.

This has nothing to do with the person being anxious about covid.

Its about feeling anxious and stressed. People can feel very anxious about being in one place and then be fine in another with their friends.

CrouchEndTiger12 · 29/07/2021 17:15

Well then they should choose another job Hmm

CrouchEndTiger12 · 29/07/2021 17:15

They managed before the lockdown

Katedanielshasakitty · 29/07/2021 17:18

@CrouchEndTiger12

Well then they should choose another job Hmm
Or they could ask if their current employer is willing to accommodate them.
loveisagirlnameddaisy · 29/07/2021 17:19

I'm looking forward to going back into the office, I'm sick and tired of staring at my kitchen wall. But not everyone feels the same and if I were thriving at home, I'm sure I'd be reticent about returning to work, especially if I felt I could do my job just as productively.

Ideally, employers will embrace hybrid working if they can, to allow everyone to feel like they're getting a work-life balance which actually works for them.

loveisagirlnameddaisy · 29/07/2021 17:20

I should also add that I am part-time and most commutes/offices are bearable when you're part time. I'd feel differently about commuting the distance I do if it were five days a week.

Katedanielshasakitty · 29/07/2021 17:22

@CrouchEndTiger12

They managed before the lockdown
And? Lockdown has changed alot of things for a lot of people. Maybe they did cope before but now it maybe alot harder or they feel they won't cope.

This was predicted right at the beginning. And maybe they were coping. Or maybe they were at breaking point and struggling to hold on.

But either way, if you have felt much happier and less stressed at home, it can make you realise how awful working in an office was for you. But you just did it anyway and got through it.

Most people wouldn't want to go back to a situation they just managed to get through each day. Doesn't sound like this person demanded or kicked off. Just asked.

People's mental health is not a fixed state. Events can change things. A global pandemic and 3 lockdowns will impact many peoples mental health.

Its really not hard to see why wfh would suit some people better. And I don't see why it would be snowflakish to ask if it can continue. Or ask for you working conditions to be changed to suit you better.

transformandriseup · 29/07/2021 17:26

Just because something was normal doesn't mean it was good for everyone?

I agree. If employees don't speak up there is no possibility of change.

MadeOfStarStuff · 29/07/2021 17:28

YANBU

If people don’t want to return to their normal place of work when they’re employer wants them to then they should find other jobs.

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 29/07/2021 17:34

This is a known issue for many people post-pandemic. She's not making it up.

www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-06/open-plan-office-noise-increase-stress-worse-mood-new-study/100268440

Scottishskifun · 29/07/2021 17:35

I think many people who state find another job or being snowflake underestimate the toll that the last 18 months has had on people!

Oh course some people will be itching to get back to the office, some will be terrified and some will think we'll hang on a minute if it's OK for me to work for the last 18 months at home then why all of a sudden is it unmanageable. Which is a perfectly legitimate.

Having a bit of understanding and compassion goes a long way and doesn't cost anything

Parker231 · 29/07/2021 17:38

The working world is now a very different place and employers and employees need time to adapt to a change particularly whilst there is so much uncertainty about the future.
Luckily we have always had a hybrid working approach so everyone can work where they want - home, office, clients, coffee shop etc.

Intherightplace · 29/07/2021 17:42

I think there are a lot of people claiming to be very anxious still who really just don't want to go back to the office, but there are also people who are genuinely worried and many who sit somewhere in between.

It does grate when those who are being most difficult over it are the first to go to pubs or travel as soon as it's possible, but generally we're going to have to accept that it's been a really tough time for many, life changed unimaginably and some are going to find it hard to change back.

Longdistance · 29/07/2021 17:45

My db said he’s more productive at home than in the office. There aren’t the usual distractions. Also, he doesn’t have to travel to work.
Funnily, they called some in to his office and one woman went in unwell, you guessed it, she tested positive 🤦🏼‍♀️

Confiscatedpopit · 29/07/2021 17:46

Wow… and in the real world many had to go back in April last year and just get on with work and life! I do get the initial nervousness but they need to request to go part time if it’s that bad. They’ve chosen that job so surely it can’t be that daunting a prospect. I think many of you on here are far too soft.