Go to work when you're sick culture isn't something to be celebrated

[User135644]

The ending of Covid restrictions is one thing but it seems to ushering in the mindset of 'just get on with it' if you're not well. One thing I haven't missed over the last 2 years is picking up every germ known to man from the open plan office, with people coming in with all kinds.

I had Covid in January and felt quite rough but worked from home. Prior to 2020 i'd have been obliged to go into the office with a virus and infect everyone else with it. Sickness policies mean you can't afford to take many days off in a lot of places, or you won't get paid in others.

It's a wrong step if we haven't used the last two years to change the way we view sickness. Okay, it's one thing going into work with mild cold symptoms or something, generally, but it makes a big difference to virus circulation if people who can work at home when they're ill do work from home. No doubt some will take the piss but that's for line managers to deal with.

If you come in clearly unwell (when you can wfh) you should be sent home.

My DH tested positive at the weekend. I now have symptoms but testing negative on a LFT. I am feeling rather unwell today. So have ordered a PCR while I still can.

If I was an employee, I would be expected to go into work. I am self employed so have cancelled my work for the next few days. I will just have to take the financial hit.

DH and I have avoided it all along, despite both dc having had it. The irony of us having Covid at the very point that restrictions are about to be lifted is not lost on me.

Cases are still far too high to remove all restrictions. We are so close. Another 6 weeks and we would be in such a better place. But this is all about distraction politics.

Pre covid I had a manager who didn’t let you work from home if a bit unwell and a very strict sickness policy which resulted in everyone coming into the office with colds even when they clearly needed to be resting at home and as we hot desk and often move around desks in a day I was frequently ill compared to the last 12 months where I’ve only had 2 mild colds. It was awful and I really don’t want to go back to that

Cases are still far too high to remove all restrictions

A lot of people with lowered immune symptoms as well so expect viruses galore for months while everyone passes their germs everywhere.

My husband tests daily when he leaves work as he checks in on his mum in her 90’s on his way home. We live with my mum early 80’s( she is in an annex here). Both very vulnerable and very scared. My mum has a lowered immune system and is getting a 4th jab. I work from home. It’s worrying

Have my third bug in three weeks picked up on the train and in the office. I'm only doing 1-2 days a week and have not had Covid to date albeit fully vaxxed.

Office is still socially distancing and reduced capacity in meeting rooms but still. Joined a physical meeting last week with a coughing colleague who blithely informed me "it's not Covid". Day 1 of half term, I've now got it and DD2 and we both feel dreadful. FFS! Roll on summer