To refuse to go into a hot and sweaty office

[Floofydawg]

I've been WFH full time since Covid but we now have a directive of two days a week in the office. I can do my job fully remotely with no problems. I've been going into the office as directed but last week the air conditioning in the office wasn't working and we weren't allowed to open any windows to let some air in. The office was very very hot. I ended up going home because I felt ill and had a headache from the heat (I did work when I got home). Manager is expecting us in the office later this week even though the aircon is not fixed and we've been warned it could be warmer due to the heatwave. AIBU to refuse to go in?

I would also add that I am struggling with menopause and not being able to regulate my body temperature. Not saying I should get special treatment however I do struggle with it. I'd rather be home where I can open my windows and let some air in.

The cause of pretending that menopause symptoms don't impact women in employment and so nothing should be done about an issue that forces some of us out of work, evidently.

Or a police staff building. Just saying…

Some have, some havent. TBH public sector workers do F all even if they're in the office. WFH just takes it to a whole new level

A good manager can monitor and mentor both in person and remotely. My organisation has been hybrid since well before covid. An inability to be an effective leader has nothing to do with the physical location of their employee. How do you think people manage others when their employees are at a number of sites and places?

I hope you don’t need any help from any public services with that attitude!

What if they ask for unreasonable adjustments?
I'm speaking in general terms not about the OP?

Then maybe the employer should do something about it or use common sense and allow the OP to WFH.

No way…nhs don’t do air con…..and they selling off their bases left right and centre…. I’m community staff….all our admin now wfh and clinical staff have no base now so wfh a lot

whst @Hateam said. It does nothing for feminism. Pitches women against each other and makes men think even less of us.

Playing the menopause card? Are you having a laugh?

Are you a man?

Are you a woman who has sailed through the menopause?

Fuck me, the menopause card. Unbelievable.

The menopause can be completely debilitating. It could be classed as a disability as it affects how you function day to day and can last for more than 12 months. Ha, more like 12 years.

I honestly can't believe there are people who are so ignorant and insensitive to others.

It only pitches women against each other when women like you are so ignorant and insensitive of what others go through.

I'm astounded that there are so many women still uneducated about the menopause and stuck in the dark ages.

Some people are just twats, that's clear from this thread. But also some people have been helpful and supportive, which is what always brings me back to MN.

I shouldn't have to explain my symptoms, but what I will say that I've had just about every symptom on the list (not just feeling a bit hot from time to time) for over 6 years. Yes, it's being managed with HRT which helps hugely, but it's not a cure-all,

But yeah, people like me are just 'playing a card' and destroying feminism.

I actually had a twenty something junior member of staff make a joke about my issues. Which was not helpful.

Can they work from home?

do you not comprehend the difference between a job that you can do at home versus a job that you cannot?

It’s depressing how many “women” actually understand the impact of menopause.

But on a more basic level cannot understand the difference between being able to work from home due to the nature of the job and not being able to work from home.

I am on the fence with this one. We have all turned into snowflakes, yet in 2024 we should have better working conditions.

I feel you should go on but your workplace could at least have fans and open windows.

I don't give a single shiny shit what the vast majority of men think of me. The ones who matter to me know that I'm not playing a 'card.'

Be honest the menopause was a ruse, its more about not wanting to be in a hot office.

If you'd read all my posts you'd know that's not the case.

And on that note I'm out as I need to try and get some sleep.

I'm assuming you don't really think that and you're just being goady with a comment like that?

🤣

It would be a swift "fuck off" from me...... they either want you to work or go sick.... no brainer surely????

It most certainly does and the best employers out the appreciate this. Ignore any bashing based on your menopause. They know not of what they speak. It affects everyone to different extremes.

www.gov.uk/workplace-temperatures#:~:text=There's%20no%20law%20for%20minimum,or%20too%20hot%20to%20work.

Go to HR about that