My co-workers are “mask-shaming” me.

Question

As my state eases up on restrictions, I’ve been feeling pretty comfortable enough to not wear a mask at the office. But I’m receiving a lot of looks and it’s starting to get uncomfortable. Can my employer mandate that I wear a mask? I know this is a touchy topic but I welcome all feedback to help educate myself. Any and all thoughts are appreciated here. Thank you.

Dru Wimmershoff · Answer

As I understand it, masks are really about protecting the health of others in case you're asymptomatic.  I view it as a simple sign of respect for co-workers.  I'm currently out of work for the first time ever and wish I had the opportunity to wear a mask to show my colleagues that I care about their health. I'm in NJ and we were a huge hotspot early on. Masks have become a political football and I'll never understand the controversy.  NJ's governor took a hard stance and we've benefited from it. Stay healthy out there.

Laura Warren · Answer

The Governor of our state has mandated that all employees must wear a mask. (He even has put in a no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service mandate on customers) I would first check your state Covid stats. (My state is very high right now) The masks make people feel better... safer. If your state does not have a mask mandate for employees, then it is up to your employer. (Just like an employer can dictate black socks, and pants as part of the uniform they can require a mask) If you have a health issue that the mask wearing makes difficult, ask if you can wear a face shield instead of a mask for medical reasons. Wearing (or not wearing) a mask is being turned into a political issue where I live and it is causing huge issues in our state's public safety. Team members are being cursed at by people and verbally abused for wearing masks or asking customers to cover their nose and mouths. If I was in your position I would wear something (a shield or mask) to reassure my co-workers and focus on our jobs. There are plenty of people still out of work, who would gladly take your position. Right or wrong, I'd follow what my manager/owner of business wants for his/her business.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm sorry that you're experiencing shaming. I also feel comfortable without wearing a mask and believe that we should make our own decisions about it. I know this is an unpopular opinion. But, I stay 6 feet away from everyone if I need to pass by them and never stand near someone for over 5 minutes.

That being said, it's like any other unpopular opinion. You have a choice to do your own thing or comply with the norm, and neither option is wrong. It can be compared to a variety of personal choices - from wearing a bra to washing your hands after going to bathroom - as long as you're not endangering anyone by coughing in their face. I personally try to fit in, especially at work, but I also share your view on the masks!

Anna C Adams · Answer

I'm not certain what an employer can or can't mandate. I presume if there is a dress code, it could be related. I would also guess that there are other mandates within the employee handbook that are followed.

Personally, I would be uncomfortable with team members and office co-workers not wearing their masks. If you're alone in an office and can close the door, then I wouldn't mind if you dropped the mask while there. But, in the shared spaces, and while moving about throughout the office, I'd rather my coworkers wear their mask.

My co-workers are “mask-shaming” me.

You're invited.

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