Last week marked the moment we all dreaded: the announcement about heading back to the office in September. I had been dreading the awkwardness of facing over 200 coworkers from various locations. I expected an atmosphere of silence while the executives tried to convince us how wonderful it would be to reunite and restore normalcy. But nothing could have prepared me for the outrageous comment that followed.
“I find it offensive that we’re being split into two groups: vaccinated and unvaccinated. The best immunity comes from direct exposure to the virus,” declared a colleague who opposed the vaccine. Cue the awkward silence. Thankfully, everyone was muted because I couldn’t help but mutter, “What in the world?”
The topic of returning to the office has circulated for months. Initially, many thought the pandemic would be over quickly, maybe by the summer. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. We entered a cycle of planning and postponing our return to a physical workspace until now.
Why Change What Works?
Even before the pandemic, a few team members regularly worked from home. If someone had a doctor’s appointment or wasn’t feeling well, it was perfectly acceptable to work remotely. After all, as long as we were productive, there was no need for micromanagement.
While some companies are insisting on a full return, others are favoring a hybrid model. The bottom line is: don’t fix what isn’t broken. If businesses managed to thrive during the last year and a half with remote work, why is there a sudden urgency to shove us back into our cubicles?
I genuinely like most of my coworkers. However, forcing me back into an office environment won’t enhance my experience, especially when I’m uncertain about their vaccination statuses. I can’t read minds, so I’m left guessing their feelings about Covid. I used to believe that responsible, educated individuals understood the importance of social distancing and vaccinations. Yet, time and again, I am proven wrong.
The Reality of Office Dynamics
Am I comparing this to children on a playground? I wish I were. It would be easier if we could behave like adults in a professional setting, but the reality proves otherwise. The statement from my colleague that triggered this entire reflection highlights this.
Exposure to Covid is not an effective way to build immunity (thank you, science). But let’s hypothetically consider it as just a harmless opinion. This colleague felt compelled to share their views with over 200 colleagues, many of whom they’ve never met.
What makes anyone think this employee will comply with safety protocols? Will they maintain social distance? Will they wear masks in shared spaces? The company seems to be gambling on an honor system—what makes anyone think that if they feel unwell, they’ll choose to stay home? Do you really believe they won’t come to the office and spread their Covid droplets because they think it’s for the best?
Absolutely not. Those questions won’t just be hypothetical if employees are forced back into the office; they will be on everyone’s mind all day. Instead of focusing on work, employees will be consumed with anxiety and dread, directing their frustrations towards the company for putting them in that position.
A Call for Understanding
Employers didn’t hire staff based on their moral compass; they were chosen for their skills and expertise. This entire push to return to the office seems misguided. Do companies really believe that morale and productivity will increase by forcing employees back into a potentially unsafe environment?
People will not be productive if they’re constantly anxious about their well-being and the safety of those they return home to. Call me dramatic, but have you seen the news? The rise in cases due to new variants is alarming, and I, for one, am terrified.
Moreover, morale won’t improve. There will always be those who express their opinions loudly, regardless of how misguided they are. Employees who disagree with others’ views on Covid may harbor resentment towards those who disregard safety measures.
This entire conversation stemmed from a single comment on a conference call. Can you imagine hearing such a statement in person from someone sitting just a few feet away?
Let’s not create division in the workplace by forcing people back into an environment we’ve outgrown. I would much rather simmer with my thoughts in the safe haven of my home. Employers, please don’t make your employees choose between their health and their jobs; trust me, the consequences won’t be favorable.
If you’re looking for more insights, check out this other blog post on home insemination kits. For those interested in their fertility journey, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent information on reproductive health.
Summary
In a recent reflection, I shared my concerns about returning to the office and how a colleague’s inappropriate comment about vaccinations heightened my anxiety. The discussions around working from home versus in-person settings have evolved, and it seems unnecessary to revert to pre-pandemic norms when remote work has proven effective. It’s essential for employers to consider the mental and physical well-being of their employees as they navigate these changes.
Leave a Reply