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Anonymous

03/24/20 at 3:13PM UTC

Career

Working through Coronavirus and not being able to social distance

I’m very frustrated and worried because I work for a credit union at the corporate office and they are not allowing us to wfh even though I can 100% do my work from home. They have sent emails saying that we need to wash our hands and social distance, however, no one is taking it seriously. My own coworkers and bosses keep coming up to my desk and talking to me and in small groups. No one is adhering to the 6ft apart rule. I don’t know how I can address this with my manager without sounding winey or like I’m overreacting. Literally everyone is talking about it but not adhering to it. I’m lucky that I still have a job, but I’m scared for my health and the health of my organization. What should I do?

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Tina Webster

Senior DevOps Engineer in Atlanta

03/31/20 at 2:07AM UTC

These are very unique times we are going through. I’m really sorry you have to go through this. If you feel your health is being compromised, nothing is worth that. There are was to go about it of course. I would suggest having a serious conversation with tour manger (or their manager) and express how you feel and be prepared to atoll not come back into that office no matter the outcome of that conversation. Thank you for sharing. There are so many people going through exactly what you are going through. Stay strong ??

Angeline Johnson

Data science epidemiology statistics marketing

03/30/20 at 10:54PM UTC

please get a mask, and another handful, offer them to you colleagues. We now have data that masks DO make a difference. The LA Times reported on something two counties north of me, in Seattle: a choir rehearsal of about 120 a months ago, 45 fell ill, 2 died: it's not just 'droplet', the virus CAN and DOES aerosolize. Czechoslovia is under lockdown, and everyone must wear a mask, and it's making a difference. https://www.maskssavelives.org/?fbclid=IwAR0cjYcmW9f3JY8OBZ-5joSSif8L67n9gyrK6I-uNGtIYEosoTPjK9hIHPE

Jennifer Swayne Njuguna

220

04/01/20 at 3:48PM UTC (Edited)

Would you be able to print or email the state directive, information from the CDC website, and from Whitehouse.gov. and share with your supervisor? Definitely file a complaint with the local or state health department. I'm sorry to hear that your company is not taking this seriously. Also, if you have any increased risk factors (diabetes, respiratory or cardiovascular issues, being an older adult, other underlying issues or compromised immune system, etc.) or you have regular contact with or take care of someone who does, I would suggest sharing that with your boss. Also, not sure what company you work for but you may want to post a review of them here on this site based on this response during a time of great challenge.

BeaBoss932435

03/30/20 at 2:15PM UTC

Go to your boss and tell her that you are concerned how your company is going to operate when all employees are truly out sick at the same time? Because social distancing is not happening in the office it is only a matter of time. We are an essential business too and have been observing strict social distancing in our office. It is doable. Now that the virus has stepped up in our area, we have sent people home to work with each of them coming in on one day a week to do what they can’t do from home. This spreads us out even more. I certainly agree your organization is lacking strong leadership - so step up yourself. Put it in terms of the organizations best interest and not your own (although it is both) and that might make a difference. Good luck.

Judy Hutchinson

140

International Education Specialist.

03/30/20 at 1:58PM UTC

I totally understand your concerns in every sense. You have a normal and reasonable fear of the disease. Others don't, and so they're endangering you by getting into your space. You probably feel that if you address it others will see you in a negative light and further up the chain they might see you as a boat rocker--or one who just doesn't want to come to work. If you have a good HR office, that's where I would start, since you've already addressed the situation with a supervisor. It seems to me your organization is not doing what is mandated by the state. If you must go to work, there should be health and safety restrictions put into place--especially since people aren't abiding by the social distancing recommendations. Your office is not a safe place to work, and that's something HR should address. Best of luck.

User deleted comment on 03/30/20 at 1:05PM UTC

Anonymous

03/30/20 at 12:58PM UTC

Time to start telling your coworkers to back off. If they are getting to close, a "I'd like to continue this conversation, but I need you to back up about 4-6 feet" is completely appropriate. Don't be afraid to speak up and stand up for yourself in those 1:1 or small group situations as well.

Joanne Kline

03/25/20 at 6:09AM UTC

If company is large go to your pr. Dept. They can be helofull Also they shoukd be aware of this. Good one. Take hidden video then send to an infectious disease center. Ask if this close distance can cause more cases. Sure who ever sees it will step in with professional advise. Really not good to risk your yourself and possibly your loved ones u go home to every day This to to serious to take any chances or worry about causing any problems. There is already a major problem happening.. God bless goodluck. Scary!!

Solinik4

03/25/20 at 4:26AM UTC

My company did not follow the governors executive order that all non essential employees must stay home. They were forcing us to go in to work. That is until a complaint was made and as of today, we were told we can WFH. But if no one checked out the directive from the governor, I would still have to go in and not know I had the right to be safe. Try to check out your states mandates. Your company may be getting over on you.

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

03/25/20 at 11:55AM UTC (Edited)

I missed your second note that you are in CA, which already mandated WFH where possible. Have you considered filing (an anonymous) complaint with the state? Until then, perhaps you could put masking tape six foot out around your desk and put up a sign that says "Please respect social distancing".