© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Human Resources Help
I have been working at home for 4 months now due to a company policy that I must be tested before coming in due to a high level of COVID risk because of my roommates frequent travel as an essential worker. I have followed this policy, consulted with a physician as asked by my company and kept them up to date with all they’ve asked. Due to the quarantine requirements before testing I’ve only been able to be tested once. I have been asked the same set of questions multiple times since March with my answers never changing as my situation has not changed at all. As you can imagine this is putting a lot of stress on me and has made me feel like I am the problem when all of this is due to a company policy. My patience with this matter is coming to an end but I’m also fearful of losing my job. Can they fire me for following a policy they put in place and that I have strictly adhered to? Is anyone else dealing with a similar situation?
Lady Pele
Retired Project Manager
3.96k
07/23/20 at 12:29PM UTC
What types of changes are they asking that your room mate make? And are these general recommendations for anyone at home or specific to your personal situation? General recommendations (wipe counter surfaces with a disinfectant) wouldn't bother me. Telling me not to be in the same room as a friend/family member without a mask in my own home would be a hard "no".
Anonymous
07/23/20 at 2:38PM UTC
The changes are specific to how she performs her job. She follows her company guidelines which are much less strict than my companies. She is constantly meeting new people and traveling to many states each week. They have continually asked if she can limit her contact with people or travel. So essentially they have asked if she could change the entire way she works. She does practice many recommendations to keep herself safe some of the changes they have requested are just not possible for her while at work. They continually dispute this while still not fully understanding her job.
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
07/24/20 at 12:02PM UTC
She doesn't work for them and they want her to change how she performs her job? To even ask you what your room mate does is intrusive, but this is downright offensive.
Nikki PowersPractice reckless kindness and optimism.
544
07/23/20 at 4:12PM UTC
I cannot imagine what they are asking your roommate to do for your job is legal. And if it is, it's BARELY legal. I would consult with a employee rights attorney...most will consult for free. But I definitely think it's something to look into.
Anonymous
07/23/20 at 5PM UTC
Thanks for the advice Nikki! I know they’re walking a very fine line and they do too. I have been documenting everything regarding the requests. They’ve been careful to not bring up how or if this affect my and employment with them.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 4:04PM UTC (Edited)
*Author Response*
I am fully functional at home as was our entire company for a time being. However, the are very old school and do not want anyone working from home. They want everyone back in the office but have very limited COVID procedures for the office. I’ve cooperated with them this entire time but now they are asking if my roommate can change her lifestyle and work environment to fit their policy. Of course I have no control over her lifestyle or work environment but I feel as though I’m being blamed.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 4:53PM UTC
That is completely unreasonable! Would they ask a spouse or a parent to change their lifestyle? I think it may be time for you to consider another job, explain to them you cannot ask a roommate to change their own job, if the role cannot be filled remotely perhaps they can provide a reference to help you find the next role.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 5:04PM UTC
Thank you for your response and advice! I am in the process of looking for a new job for multiple reasons. They have repeatedly been asking employees to change how they live in their personal lives to fit the needs of the office. Which as you can imagine is leading to many employees lying. I feel very powerless in this situation like they’re punishing me for following the policy and telling the truth. My roommate has also been very accommodating to everything that they’ve asked for but she’s done participating in this inquiry into her life. While I completely understand and respect her decision I do feel like I will be the one left holding the bag. Also I do not expect a reference from any management as once you leave the company it’s almost always a burnt bridge.
Anonymous
07/22/20 at 3:40PM UTC
Many organizations are requiring testing for employees in an effort to reduce the risk to essential personnel. My organization does a verbal screening daily and if a member of your household has a confirmed or suspected exposure/test then you must continue to work from home. If you have a positive test, we require 2 negative tests before you are allowed back into the workplace.
If you are fully functional at home, why would they want to fire you? If you are not able to do your job remotely, perhaps you can determine if there are other steps such as limiting yourself to a single room/bathroom at home to reduce risk.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.