Last week, we received the dreaded announcement about returning to the office in September. I was already dreading the awkwardness of a virtual meeting with over 200 colleagues from across the country. I expected a lot of silence while the higher-ups tried to convince us how wonderful it would be to reconnect and return to normal. But nothing could have prepared me for the ridiculousness that was about to unfold.
“I’m offended that we’re being divided into two groups: vaccinated and unvaccinated. We all know that the best immunity comes from direct exposure to the virus,” stated an anti-vax colleague. Cue the metaphorical crickets. Thank goodness everyone was muted, because I wasn’t the only one who let out a shocked “what in the world?”
For months, there has been talk of a return to the office. Initially, we all thought the pandemic would be a short-lived situation—over in just a few weeks or by summer at the latest. But that didn’t happen, as we all know too well. The planning and then canceling of a return to in-person work dragged on for another year, until now.
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Even before the pandemic, some employees in my department regularly worked from home. If we had a doctor’s appointment or just weren’t feeling well, we were encouraged to take a day to work from home. Makes sense, right? As long as the job gets done, who needs constant oversight? Some companies are pushing for a full return, while others are leaning toward a hybrid model, but let’s be real: If businesses survived the last year and a half with remote work, why force everyone back into the office?
I genuinely enjoy most of my coworkers. However, being compelled to return to an office setting won’t magically enhance my feelings towards them, especially when I’m uncertain about their vaccination status. I can’t read minds, so I have no idea how they feel about Covid. I used to think that most thoughtful, educated individuals understood the risks of not social distancing or being unvaccinated. But clearly, many people continue to surprise me.
Some Don’t Play Well With Others
Am I describing children on a playground? I wish I were. It would be easier if we could all act like adults in a work environment, but recent events have shown otherwise. My colleague’s comment that inspired this whole rant is proof.
The idea that exposure to Covid is the best way to build immunity is simply false—not to mention dangerous. But let’s pretend it’s just an opinion, even if it’s a misguided one. This individual felt strongly enough to share their views with over 200 colleagues, many of whom they’ve never met. So, what makes anyone think this employee will follow safety protocols? Will they maintain social distance? Will they wear masks in shared areas? The company seems to be relying on an honor system, but do we really believe they’ll stay home if they feel unwell?
Absolutely not. And these concerns won’t just be hypothetical if employees are forced back into the office. Those worries will dominate our thoughts, taking away from what we’re actually there to do. Instead of focusing on work, we’ll be consumed by a lingering sense of dread. Oh, and we’ll definitely be cursing the employer for putting us in that position.
Help Us Help You by Allowing Remote Work
You didn’t hire your employees based on their moral values or whether they’re “good people.” You hired them because they were qualified for the job, right? This whole situation seems to be about forcing people back into the office to boost morale and productivity. But here’s the truth: Worrying about safety won’t lead to productivity.
You can call me dramatic, but have you seen the news? The rise in cases due to the Delta variant feels like a nightmare we’ve already lived through. I’m genuinely frightened. Moreover, morale won’t improve either—there will always be those who are loud and wrong, creating tension among coworkers who take Covid seriously.
This entire conversation stemmed from a single remark on a conference call. Can you imagine hearing that in person from someone just a few feet from your desk?
Let’s not create division in the workplace by forcing everyone back into an environment we’ve evolved past. I’d much rather simmer in the comfort and safety of my own home. Employers, don’t make your employees choose between their health and their jobs—trust me, the consequences won’t be pleasant.
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Summary:
The anxiety surrounding a return to the office is heightened by a colleague’s reckless comments about Covid-19 and vaccinations. Many employees worry about their safety and the workplace dynamics that could arise from differing opinions. The article argues against forcing a return to in-person work when remote arrangements have proven effective, emphasizing that employee well-being should take precedence over outdated office norms.
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