topic Re: Going back to work in Community Chat

Going back to work

Squirt60 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:25:53 GMT

Hello Everyone. I unfortunately still work but they gave us the last 2 weeks off with pay. I found out on Friday we have to return to work telling us they can’t afford to be paying us to stay home. (Really.). Ever since Friday I am a nervous wreck about going back. Without saying the name of the company I work for which is a large company that deals with cake pans and cake decorating supplies. Hint Hint. I work in the warehouse handling cartons that come in from all over and there are a lot of people in the building. I have to go back tomorrow and I am so scared. I still do not understand how they can be considered an essential business and stay open.

Thank you for letting me vent here.

Stay well everyone.

Re: Going back to work

BirkiLady — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:38:13 GMT

@Squirt60 Will they provide masks and lots of hand sanitizer? Be sure to wash your hands as frequently as possible and don't touch your face or other body parts. Try to maintain the distance from other employees and do your job as well as possible. Be very careful.

I would be grateful for the two weeks off with pay, but know so many companies are loosing so much money that they have to do something to stay in business. If you are really afraid, you have the option of using up any vacation time left . . . or quitting. But remember, that would leave you without health insurance which right now, we all desperately may need. Best wishes.

Re: Going back to work

Jtdmum — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:41:46 GMT

@Squirt60 When I first read your post I thought you just didn't want to go back to work.

I'm assuming you're concerned about working due to safety concerns?

Is your company providing protective gear? How are they "essential" did the State you live in ok your return? If not, I'd be very hesitant to return.

I'm blessed and thankful for every day I can work (even though I want to retire in September) and I work in a medical lab so I'm essential. I"m concerned every day regardless of virus but learned early on I'm responsible for taking care of myself and they are responsible for training and providing me the equipment. If they don't provide the equimpent, I have to make a choice, and make no mistake, it is MY choice.

Re: Going back to work

Squirt60 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:58:26 GMT

No, they do not supply us with anything. I do have gloves that I can wear and I also have some disinfecting wipes so that is better than nothing.

I am grateful that they paid us the 2 weeks and that I still have a job because I know many people are not as fortunate right now. My husband who also works at the same place decided not to go back tomorrow due to his age and he had a blood clot that went to his lung back in July after his knee replacement and they told him he will be put on furlough so that means no pay and his job is not guaranteed.

I am just going to go back and try to keep myself as healthy as possible.

Re: Going back to work

AuntG — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 11:41:32 GMT

It's a natural response to worry and I've done some because my DH is in what is called an essential job. Just take the necessary precautions and hope everyone else at work does too. The sad thing is that we don't know if his coworkers are running around and partying on weekends - he thinks they could well be because some don't care about social distancing at work.

Re: Going back to work

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 11:53:13 GMT

@Squirt60 In my area, several business stayed open and were turned in to the Dept of Health in the county by their employees or other citizens. Once contacted by the Health Dept., if the business felt they were essential they had to fax over certain paperwork showing why they had to be open...in the case of one business they had government contracts and had to keep the orders filled.

Re: Going back to work

spud188 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:14:35 GMT

My dd works at WM doing the online grocery picking. They have not supplied masks or gloves for any employees. Now that Schools are closed groups of teens are hanging out there,lots of families with kids,and bored elderly folks come in to visit. Honestly people and business' are just not following the CDC guidelines.

Re: Going back to work

Mimi 1883 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:24:54 GMT

@Squirt60 From what you described, you're right in that it doesn't sound like it is an "essential" business to still be open. I can certainly understand you being scared. I don't know what to say: stay home for safety, or go back there for an income. Stay safe whichever you decide! 🙏

Can you communicate with any coworkers as to what they're going to do?

Re: Going back to work

Goldengate8361 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:42:56 GMT

@Squirt60 Along with the gloves, wear a good quality (N95 if you can find one) mask. Practice social distancing, too, while at work. I understand the need for keeping your job and income--and I also understand the tough situation that your company is in. If your company has to close, of course, everyone loses their job - permanently. So, hang in there.....the strong probability is that you'll be fine.

Re: Going back to work

Chicagosuburbangirl — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 13:48:37 GMT

In addition to all other precautions aforementioned, use a face covering.

I will start face covering at work this week also.

The CDC recommends this if you are in crowded areas where is hard to keep six feet apart.

Touch that face covering by the ear straps, only and with clean hands only.

Re: Going back to work

CAcableGirl2 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:37:04 GMT

@Squirt60 I too am working but have not been given any time off due to the virus. Do what you can to stay healthy, wash your hands, and be sure to keep at least 6 feet away from anyone else.

Make sure that everyone that works near you is on board with staying home if they get sick, some contractors that come into my business aren't paid when they take sick time, so they tend to just keep coming in. Everyone is so aware now, that any one who sneezes, coughs, clears their throat or looks sick is given the "eye" and told to go home by the fellow co-workers.

I told a contractor to leave when I overheard him telling one of my workers that he had not been feeling well earlier in the week. He is fine now, and it wasn't the virus, but it's not worth the risk of him being around everyone if there is ANY chance he could be ill.

Bring your own coffee and lunch, and don't mingle with others if you don't have too, and be sure to strip down before you enter your home if you are able, and wash those clothes in warm/hot water and I've also heard to take a shower immediately upon returning home (washing hair too).

You can never be too safe - and believe me there are a lot of others in the same boat as you, so we're going to get through this together.

Re: Going back to work

Shelbelle — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 14:39:38 GMT

I am having a lot of trouble understanding how so many places are considered Essential businesses, I think some of that labeling is just a racket. Seems like all places are now essential, just my observation.

Re: Going back to work

software — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 14:51:30 GMT

Glad you still have a job, but I know it's scary.

Remove your street clothes & shoes at the door when you get home.

At work, I'd also be concerned about the bathroom. I always have disinfectant wipes that I travel with, you may not but maybe you can improvise. I clean the toilet & sink handles with the wipes I'm obsessed with toilet handles, it's the first thing you touch after you GO.

Re: Going back to work

AuntG — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 14:54:03 GMT

@Shelbelle the one that bugs me are lawn care services that claim to be essential. In my part of the world, our low temperatures are below freezing and the normal high temperature is 46. No way do they need to be cutting, raking and spraying yet. I wish our Governor would say no hired lawn care services can begin until May 1.

Re: Going back to work

Nuttmeg — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:19:33 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
@Shelbelle the one that bugs me are lawn care services that claim to be essential. In my part of the world, our low temperatures are below freezing and the normal high temperature is 46. No way do they need to be cutting, raking and spraying yet. I wish our Governor would say no hired lawn care services can begin until May 1.

Many people are working because they have families to fed. I do hope the workers are given proper ppe for the job.

Lawn care has to be done on a schedule.

Re: Going back to work

Autumn Shimmers — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 15:45:12 GMT

I'm back at work. I'm more afraid of not having a job to go to!

Re: Going back to work

GCR18 — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 16:33:12 GMT

I am considered critical, but am able to work from home. I think you have to prepare like you've never prepared before. Long sleeves/long pants, gloves, mask. Be aware of your surroundings. I'd pack lunch in zip lock bags. Have a robe in the garage and strip down when you get home, then jump in the shower.

Re: Going back to work

CelticCrafter — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 18:04:53 GMT

I'm sorry, cake pans and decorating supplies are not essential for any business right now.

Michaels, Joanns and Hobby Lobby are all closed around here so no one is buying all that stuff there.

Who do they think is baking and decorating and what are they baking and decorating for? No parties, no weddings, no nothing to celebrate.

Re: Going back to work

Deree — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 18:10:07 GMT

I would contact your state city or county officials to find out what your local rules are for nonessential businesses.

Re: Going back to work

RinaRina — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 18:20:59 GMT

@Squirt60 wrote:
Hello Everyone. I unfortunately still work but they gave us the last 2 weeks off with pay. I found out on Friday we have to return to work telling us they can’t afford to be paying us to stay home. (Really.). I am so scared. I still do not understand how they can be considered an essential business and stay open.
Thank you for letting me vent here.
Stay well everyone.

=========================

You kind of answered your own question ...

#1-My guess is, the company can no longer afford to pay you to stay home.

#2-They'll be out of business if they don't stay "in business".

My other guess is, many businesses that are NOT doing what your company is doing will end up going belly-up.

Stay safe!