Anyone else in a leadership position dreading work on Monday?

[1stV45]

So many questions, so few answers.

We're keyworkers, need to carry on, but last time round did it on a reduced basis and were able to allow people who felt anxious or vulnerable to wfh. This time we will have to restrict that to the extremely clinically vulnerable if we're to stand a chance of maintaining the service.

So many conflicts between doing what's right for the service users and looking after the staff, plus (a minority) who seem to enjoy stirring up others' anxieties.

It's going to be an interesting day.

Yes, same here. There won’t be any extra info we can give immediately but I’m sure everyone will be popping into the office with their concerns.

Yep.

Definitely dreading tomorrow! My team are keyworkers who can't do their jobs remotely and I get the full range from cavalier ignoring of the rules to those who think they are being treated as second class citizens sacrificed by the company because they aren't "being paid to sit at home drinking prosecco". Just can't be bothered to face it.

Awful situation now for those who are vulnerable

Yes I can identify with that 1stV45
Lots of staff anxiety. Most/many of us have vulnerable family/health conditions that mean we would rather wfh.
Some staff sadly don’t realise that if I agree they can wfh all the time then this means a colleague with a “worse” situation will have to work at base more often. It’s really hard when as a leader you know lots of confidential information but you cannot say to staff member x that staff member y has more of a reason to need to wfh.

Yes. Leadership position in a school. Going to be a tough gig tomorrow I predict. Especially for those who were able to shield before.

Yes, ive got furlough people coming back whilst waiting to see who has been accepted for voluntary redundancy. ....however now im wondering if the company is stalling that decision and will furlough staff again...and if its the same people to go again there will be uproar as they've enjoyed 6 months off on full pay already.

Yup.

Exhausting.

Yes. Starting a new secondment tomorrow. Had 2 weeks lead in and absolutely dreading it. Goal posts keep changing and staff workloads are therefore changing on a daily basis. Staff who were assessed as vulnerable are being reassessed and it’s likely they’re now going to have to go into Covid environments at least twice weekly. Absolutely dreading it. We are running on stretched resources with staff leaving left, right and centre. Through in covid related sickness and it doesn’t bare thinking about. We’ve been keyworkers throughout so absolutely exhausted.

Throw not through!

Yes. So much so, I’m taking tomorrow off!

It will still be there for me on Tuesday!

Thanks for this thread.

Yes. Dreading it...

Big time. Management at a uni. Our section can work fully from home but politically are told to go in to.provide the full student package .. no need at all, no students around. But we have to do it to show willing. Staff really angry already and this be the last straw. Struggle with wanting to be fair to all, sharing out rota regardless of commute or anxiety. Very difficult. Have decided to demand that people paid more than me explain to staff why Thursday lockdown makes no difference as unis exempt. Deep breath.

Yes. Why the rules for one but not us is going to be hard. Struggling with morale and voluntary redundancy too.

Though really feeling for a head I know whose first day back after maternity leave is tomorrow.

The BMA have released a covid risk assessment tool for staff to complete and discuss with managers. Can't link it as it's a PDF but if you Google "BMA covid risk assessment" it's the first result. Could perhaps be a useful way to fairly assess all staff along the same criteria? Could possibly shut down the arguments about individual's circumstances. Everyone gets a score that shows how at risk they are for serious covid illness based on their medical criteria, this helps to sort out who needs to be moved away from public facing roles etc.

Absolutely dreading it. I'm in Ireland but in the health service and it's just a constant battle. I want to do right by everyone and keep everyone safe but I also have a fecking service to run for very vulnerable people. I feel like I've been in a constant state of fighting since March.

Yes. I will be getting it in the ear from staff, patients and managers, and I already feel like just walking away and keeping walking. Everybody feels hard done by and resentful, and the habitual malcontents are making capital of the situation.

@Saladseeds

Big time. Management at a uni. Our section can work fully from home but politically are told to go in to.provide the full student package .. no need at all, no students around. But we have to do it to show willing. Staff really angry already and this be the last straw. Struggle with wanting to be fair to all, sharing out rota regardless of commute or anxiety. Very difficult. Have decided to demand that people paid more than me explain to staff why Thursday lockdown makes no difference as unis exempt. Deep breath.

I work at a uni (not management) and this sounds so familiar. It's a competition to them - overall management wanted us to be the first to open, the uni providing the fullest service etc. We don't even have perspex screens for extra protection. Fully expect to be told 'business as usual' tomorrow despite being in one of the worst affected areas.