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Original poster

Will you be going to your office in lockdown?

33 replies

Funkypolar · 18/09/2020 22:06

That’s a no from me! If it’s unsafe enough to be under lockdown conditions, I shan’t be taking a bus to work and sitting in an office all day.

OP posts:
RaspberryToupee · 18/09/2020 22:11

I’m predominantly working from home and going into the office as needed. If my work continues to allow me in and I need to go in, then yes. A number of things in my role have already been delayed due to condo and at some point I’ve just got to get on with it now. I do drive to work and I’m more than likely to be in the office because I’ve got site meetings outside and I’m using that as a base in between.

RaspberryToupee · 18/09/2020 22:11

*condo = covid

LadyCatStark · 18/09/2020 22:14

We’re not allowed.

GOODCAT · 18/09/2020 22:16

I was in the office during the last lockdown and used the buses post lockdown and pre-mask. I don't mind doing it next time. My personal circumstances means it isn't problematic for me and would rather do it than someone who is worried about it being asked to do so.

CornishTiger · 18/09/2020 22:23

Some of us never stopped. Honestly I think some people need to get a serious grip. The public transport would be the concern here not the office.

BikeTyson · 18/09/2020 22:25

I’m not allowed. I wish I could. It’s being reviewed again in January.

ZeroSumTrap · 18/09/2020 22:26

Glad you have a clear decision you like, OP.

Original poster
Funkypolar · 18/09/2020 22:27

Well I’m asthmatic and pregnant so...

OP posts:
MarmiteCrumpet25 · 18/09/2020 22:29

My office job is in a school so hopefully yes.

BenoneBeauty · 18/09/2020 22:35

Yes, without hesitation. We have measures in place & enforce lots of hand washing & face masks.

FanSpamTastic · 18/09/2020 22:40

There are fewer people in my office than in my house!

I go in now and again just to get away from them all. And to check the post, use the printer, enjoy the peace and quiet.

AliciaWhiskers · 18/09/2020 22:42

I work for the NHS so yes.

Tanfastic · 18/09/2020 22:45

Another NHS office worker here, we've no choice so it's a yes from me Smile

Hotcuppatea · 18/09/2020 22:47

Yes. I did during the first lockdown when things were much worse so it won't be changing now.

DamnYouAutocucumber · 18/09/2020 22:47

I am office staff in a workplace where lots of people need to be there and can't do their jobs remotely. All the office staff have been sent laptops and told not to come back, as they have to prioritise the staff who need to be in the building.

There are lots of things our team are finding harder while we're all working remotely, but we just have to get on with it, same as the people who are in the building and have a very different set of stresses and strains. There are some things which are better and some which are worse and this also varies by individual (personal risk factors, having to use public transport, etc).

Bol87 · 18/09/2020 22:48

Hmm no but my office is closed until January. I’m a huge fan of WFH. I’ll take any excuse I can find to do so. So I’ll stay home but not cos Covid. Just because I’m 20x more productive & 50x more relaxed not listening to whinging team members all day.

AliMonkey · 18/09/2020 23:07

We all WFH initially, as we could, except for occasionally someone going in to check the post, pick up something or deal with an IT issue. Then we allowed up to three people in at a time if they were struggling (we have about 20 desks). In practice, only one person went in reasonably regularly (to escape his DC as far as I could work out!) Then with govt encouraging return to workplace, we upped it to six but still everyone has a choice and nearly everyone still WFH all the time. Since DC back at school, I've been going in about 1dpw (I work 3dpw) and coordinating with colleagues to be in at same time as at least one of them. I can WFH but really needed that interaction and a change of scene. I walk to work as normal so no transport issues, although there is a bit of a risk moving around the building as one of the other firms in the building seems to have lots of staff in who ignore the rules about eg waiting if someone else coming up stairs before you go down.

So currently I am thinking that I will continue to go in 1dpw provided other colleagues are too as without the interaction with colleagues (distanced of course) it's not worth the slightly increased risk. But not wedded to the idea if it seems too risky.

PinkMacaron · 18/09/2020 23:07

Yep, going in on Monday. WFH rest of the Week.

Jayaywhynot · 18/09/2020 23:19

I'm WFH but the facilities manager who runs our office building has just been diagnosed with covid and an employee they had a meeting with has just tested positive too.
Building has been technically closed since lockdown but the facilities manager has been at work throughout, screening people, booking a desk for anyone that has needed access. Sods law that they have caught it.
I wont be going in to the office unless they absolutely make me

Original poster
Funkypolar · 18/09/2020 23:20

I work with the military and most of them do not care about social distancing. There’s signs up and hand gel. They seem to think they are invincible.

OP posts:
Cockadoodledooo · 18/09/2020 23:23

NHS. Don't have a choice. I'm not unhappy about it though.

MrsBrunch · 18/09/2020 23:30

Yes, I went in all through the last lockdown and no doubt will if there is another. Masks, hand washing, social distancing, etc. with risk assessments for all areas.

CornishTiger · 19/09/2020 06:03

@Funkypolar so you had two of the moderate risk category maybe put that in your OP.

I had one, as did my colleague- we still worked. Formed a support bubble with her too.

If your office isn’t socially distancing that’s a separate issue.

Hollyhead · 19/09/2020 06:09

Yeah I will, I’ve just gone back in full time, lots still wfh so feels sensible. Workplace has taken distancing/hygiene very seriously.

I’m less productive at home by a long shot and it’s also been awful for my mental health.

Hollyhead · 19/09/2020 06:11

@Bol87 so if you’re 20x more productive are you doing loads more than normal? The team I manage are going on about how much more productive they are at home, but I’m not seeing any extra work actually completed.