Workplace and feeling anxious about Covid

[yellowstoneranch]

Am the employer for a small local company, those that want to (and can) are working from home still, have spent several £000's on screens, handwash, PPE where required etc and spaced all desks out so no-one sat within 2 metres and doing all the extra cleaning. I've mostly been fine with everything, company doing ok so there were no redundancies, all suppliers paid and we sort of back on our feet after lockdown.

I'm starting to feel the enormity of the responsibilities to keep my staff safe during these times and have had what I can only describe as an anxiety attack of sorts in my office this afternoon. No one knows or saw, but I'm feeling very tearful now ... I'm now home after school run, got 1 child at home from school SI'ing so checking they've done their class work, need to start dinner, which reminded me so had to tell my parents they can't visit while we have someone SI in house which made my mum cry ... I sort of look after them although they live on their own, just come to me for meals and sorting doc appts etc

I feel I've got home life under control, work life ... most are young people, early 20's, some older like me, married with kids, juggling school etc and I've suddenly become very fearful of Covid, if someone brings it into office, if I bring it in, or just staff catch it elsewhere and test positive. It can surely be only a matter of time, the numbers are rising in our area, as they are everywhere

I think I'd like to ask staff to wear masks during day when they aren't at their desk and send a message to remind everyone of the guidance to follow with washing hands, social distancing etc or is this sounding a bit silly? Has anyone had a round robin email like this they would share or a link to something I can copy (ish). Am I worrying too much and being ridiculous or is a reminder OK and sensible?

Oh, and the cleaning company rang to say the lady that's been cleaning the offices has been tested as positive so won't be in for 2 weeks

As restrictions in lots of places are being tightened it seems a good time for a reminder to your staff about their responsibilities in the workplace, and highlighting the steps you’ve taken. It’s not unreasonable to ask them to wear masks as they move around the building, presumably the desks are suitably spaced apart from walking around may bring them closer to others?

I work for a big company and get regular updates on the measures they have in place in the office even though most of us are working from home.

Look after yourself as well! You have the responsibility of putting measures in place for a covid secure workplace but your employees are also responsible for their own actions in and out of work.

Thank you Brighterthan, it's times like this I wish I worked for a big corporate that would just tell me what to do ... instead that person is me.

I think you've made a good point, that although I am ultimately responsible for making sure the facilities and workplace guidelines are as strictly put in place and followed, everyone else is also responsible for following the guidelines as individuals too. that's the bit I can't always check is happening, but yes, I'll remind them all they too need to be responsible for themselves to ensure we are all doing the best we can.