WFH with covid

[cheesypeas123]

I’ve tested positive over the weekend and have a fairly senior position at work. I’ve contacted manager and colleagues today to let them know I’m unwell and won’t be working today (and possibly next few days depending on symptoms) but am getting constant - sorry I know you’re unwell but…XYZ and barrage of urgent emails needing responses and messages in Teams etc. anyone else had this - I think this is really out of order as I’m rarely sick and am genuinely
unwell and not able to deal with work now. It seems to be the expectation that I can just
work from bed/keep up with things regardless and finding it really hard to relax and take care of myself to get better soon.

Yea covid seems to have changed peoples view of being ill at home as some people are fine and can work they expect others to.

Personally I would respond once saying sorry you are unwell and won’t be looking at your emails until you feel up to it

Hi is it possible to turn your computer off and just put your out of office on? If it's on your phone too- maybe turn notifications off? If your are sick then you shouldn't be working- I had covid and couldn't work even from home. Hope you feel better soon OP

Previously in your position but not covid. Realised I kept far too much to myself and as such created a rod for my own back and it was ridiculous they couldn't cope without me..Trained staff better and paid them more. Currently off sick and phone is off.

Did you make it clear you were ill and taking sick leave? Just saying you have covid doesn't translate that you're actually sick, so be very clear you are off sick, put OOO on and ignore any emails

Is this always an issue with people off sick where you work? Can you just put an out of office on and turn your phone off?
I think it’s possible that someone people have heard “X isn’t in today, she has covid” and they’re thinking you’re self isolating so not in the office, rather than not working at all.

Why are you looking at emails and works phone if you are off sick? You are your own worst enemy in this situation ....you have the choices....it’s up to you.

Out of office on turn off devices.

Similar for my work. It's always a "can you just..." If that were a one off that would be fine. Not when I get 200 plus emails a day.
I have a long term health condition and I only work 4 days a week to help manage that - guess what I am frequently asked into meetings etc on that fifth day. As I had a recent flare up, occupational health and my hospital consultant said I needed to work reduced hours - again I'm still working a lot of overtime because of all those so called little requests and my hours haven't reduced.
I don't know what the answer is - all the other senior staff I have seen do the same. Work when they are ill, on holiday etc. It sets an expectation to the rest of the team. An example needs to be set top down. I also know that as a result it takes longer to recover and you can need having a lot more time off work in the end.

Hope you get better soon. Send in one email tomorrow saying you are really unwell with covid and won't be able to check your emails. (Does someone else have access?) and put your out of office on. (I do often give people a call if I am working on a super urgent project to make it clear that they need to pick up.)

If you are too ill to work then don’t look at your work email.

I would just not answer any emails and they’ll soon get the message.
Perhaps send your boss another one just to underline the point that you’re Poorly

In fairness all my colleagues and myself weren’t particularly poorly and did work through covid. So it probably needs be highlighted that you are unable to.

Hope you feel better soon

Thanks everyone it’s tricky as we have a lot of big projects nearing completion and I feel bad letting people down plus expectation is that I’m on call - but different situation when genuinely Ill.

Then you send a message out saying you’re ill and you’ll be turning off your emails for a day.

I’m guessing that this is a cultural issue. Does it happen to those lower down the pecking order too?

My DH isn't senior management but he was on call when he went down with covid. He had to re-arrange who covered for him (and his boss phoned to check the arrangements), but he wasn't well enough to concentrate. If you're so ill you're signed off sick, then you're not up to concentrating and answering emails - ignore.

If you're off sick you're off sick, turn your devices off and put your out of office message on, ideally with a nominated person for them to harass contact in your absence.

Put your OOO on and turn everything off. I think the WFH together with some having mild symptoms / no symptoms has confused people. We've had a variety in my team - some on reduced hours, some off sick, and some working through. Hope you feel better soon OP

I would also say that the feedback from those who've tried to keep going is that it's taken them much longer to recover fully, so by taking time to rest and recover properly you're doing the best thing for your work as well.

Stick all devices in another room. Curl up and don't look.

I’m in exactly same position OP. I tested positive at the weekend after being ill last week and trying to work throughout. I have let everyone know on Sunday/Monday but I’m still getting WhatsApp and emails saying ‘can you just’.

I’m just ignoring it all today and not even checking emails. I’m never off sick, work ridiculous hours but I’ve been taken aback by how covid omicron actually is. It’s not just a cold. I’ve made it clear that I won’t be working until at least Thursday as I really feel I need to rest to avoid post viral issues or long covid. I had ME in my early twenties after a viral infection and I could see the same thing happening if I don’t rest. I never normally prioritise my health over work (physical or mental) as I have one of those jobs where you are paid well and they expect the pound of flesh and there’s a ‘work hard play hard’ culture, but I feel like this is different. I’m having a few days off even thinking about work (constant drama) as I feel like it could prolong it otherwise. Stay strong!

Unfortunately you are being contacted in part because expectations have been set. Out of office on, phone off (could an elderly relative if you have one who needed to contact you use another number or phone someone else in your house?).

You have to contact your manager and state "I am feeling very unwell - I am not isolating at home but am too unwell to work" and put the onus on them to get people to stop contacting you.

Your OOO needs to say "I am not working at present and all urgent queries should be redirected to ".

You need to set your boundaries. Get well soon

I am also in a senior post. For the first few days of COVID, when I wasn’t feeling well, I just ignored all messages, even the nice ones wishing me well. I curled up on the sofa/my bed and switched off from work. My second in command had no choice but to step up and they did really well. Just proved that the show could go on without me (for a few days at least!).