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Embracing the Unknown in a Post COVID-19 World
I want to say that it is okay if you are not sure about what it is going to look like when you return to work. The most proactive of us employers will outline, train, and frequently modify what it will look like as we all return to work. There are so many unknowns for all of us. Here are some contentious topics that I see as we return to work:
What do I do if I see co-workers breaking the social distancing guidelines?
Can I expect my employer to protect me from the virus?
What will I feel when a co-worker coughs or sneezes?
Is it okay for me to work from home even if I feel fine?
Will my employer punish me if I bring my fears to their attention?
You know what? I suspect we don’t have all the answers yet. It’s as if there is an entire section of the employee’s manual that is missing and we didn’t know it was missing. Good employers will survey and assess what the impact is on their firms and shape their policies around their assessments. A simple approach is realize that your supervisor may not have the answers so don’t embarrass them in open forum. Address them one of one and let them know that you are doing this privately so as not to embarrass them. At that time they will either thank you or clarify that you can bring items up in public.
Thank you to all of you on the front lines working to keep essential businesses running. Think positively regarding the outcome as we are not in control and thinking positively helps shape our outlook.
