This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are reconsidering their stance on remote work. For some, this means encouraging staff to return to the office, while others are embracing flexible work arrangements. If you're among those who prefer working from home, you're not alone.
Published on June 11, 2020, a question from a concerned employee sparked a discussion on how to approach this issue with a boss. The employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed their fear of exposing their young family to the virus by returning to the office.
According to Mwikali Muthiani, Managing Partner at MillennialHR, it's essential to wait and see what guidelines your employer will provide regarding this matter. Existing guidelines, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing hands regularly, will still be observed for the safety of all staff.
Employers may choose to acquire more space, implement weekly or bi-weekly shifts, or allow employees to continue working from home. If this doesn't happen, the best course of action is to approach your line manager, state your concerns, and reassure them of your commitment to the job. You can also discuss better life-work integration, reduced commuting time, and fewer interruptions by colleagues.
When discussing this with your line manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your productivity over the last few months. If you've consistently delivered beyond expectations, it will be your employer's loss not to grant your request. As Mwikali Muthiani advises, 'Go for it!'
Mwikali Muthiani is the Managing Partner at MillennialHR (@MwikaliN).
