Last week, we had the unsettling meeting about returning to the office this September. I was already dreading the awkwardness of addressing over 200 coworkers from across the country. I expected mostly silence while we listened to the higher-ups rave about how wonderful it would be to reunite and restore normalcy. But nothing could have prepared me for the outrageous comment I was about to hear.
“I’m offended that we’re separating people into two categories: vaccinated and unvaccinated. We all know that the best immunity comes from direct exposure to the virus,” said a colleague who opposes vaccination. Cue the silence. Thankfully, everyone was muted, because I wasn’t the only one who let out an audible “what the actual heck” in response.
For months, we’ve been discussing a return to the office. Initially, everyone thought the pandemic would wrap up in a few weeks or by summer at the latest. But that didn’t happen. Thus began the planning, postponements, and rescheduling of our in-person work until now.
If It Isn’t Broken, Don’t Fix It
Even before the pandemic, a few employees in my department regularly worked from home. If we had doctor’s appointments or were feeling under the weather, we were encouraged to work remotely. Makes sense, right? As long as the work gets done, there’s no need to micromanage.
Some companies are insisting on a full return, while others are adopting a hybrid model. But the essential question remains: why fix something that isn’t broken? If companies managed to thrive over the past year and a half with remote work, why is it suddenly so critical to shove everyone back into their cubicles?
I genuinely like most of my coworkers. However, forcing me back into the office with them won’t enhance my experience, especially since I have no idea who is vaccinated. I’m not a mind reader, so I can’t gauge their attitudes toward Covid. I used to believe that reasonable, educated individuals understood the severe consequences of neglecting social distancing, going without masks, and remaining unvaccinated. Yet, time and again, people prove me wrong.
The Reality of Office Dynamics
Am I talking about children on a playground? I wish I were. If only we could behave like adults in a professional setting. But my colleague’s comment exemplifies why that’s not the case.
Exposure to Covid isn’t the best way to build immunity (because, um, science). Let’s set that aside for a moment. Suppose we treat it as just an opinion (albeit a misguided one). This person felt strongly enough to share their views with over 200 colleagues, most of whom they don’t even know.
So, what makes anyone think this employee will adhere to company guidelines? Will they practice social distancing? Will they wear masks in shared spaces? This company seems to be relying on the honor system—do you really think they’ll stay home if they’re feeling ill? Are we expected to believe they won’t come into the office and spread their germs because they think that’s best?
Absolutely not. Those questions won’t remain hypothetical once employees are forced back into the office. They’ll consume everyone’s thoughts, creating an atmosphere filled with anxiety rather than productivity. Instead of focusing on their tasks, employees will be preoccupied with a sense of dread and frustration directed at management for putting them in this situation.
Support Remote Work for Everyone’s Benefit
Remember, you didn’t hire your employees based on their moral compass or whether they’re “good people.” You hired them because they were the most qualified for the job. Ultimately, this is about prioritizing productivity and morale. But forcing people back into the office won’t achieve that.
Employees won’t be productive if they’re constantly worried about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Call me dramatic, but have you seen the news? The surge in cases due to the Delta variant is alarming and frankly, I’m terrified.
Moreover, morale won’t improve. There will always be those loud voices in the office who believe they’re right, regardless of the facts. Employees who disagree with those opinions will harbor resentment toward coworkers who don’t take Covid seriously.
This entire situation began with a single comment during a conference call. Imagine hearing such remarks from a coworker standing just a few feet away from your desk.
Let’s not create divisions in the workplace by forcing employees back into an environment we’ve evolved beyond. I’d much rather work in the comfort and safety of my home. Employers, don’t make your employees choose between their jobs and their health—trust me, you won’t like the outcome.
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Summary
A colleague’s insensitive comment about Covid-19 vaccination has highlighted my anxiety about returning to the office. While some companies push for a full return, I question the need to disrupt a functioning remote work environment. Employees should not be forced to choose between their safety and their jobs, as this will only create stress and resentment in the workplace.