What to do when Coronavirus impacts your safety at work
In a few short months, the #Coronavirus pandemic has changed the daily lives of those around the world. For many of those that are still working out there, the Coronavirus can cause feelings of anxiousness, tension, and overall dread. If things start to feel overwhelming and you no longer feel safe at your job here are some ways to handle it!
Talk to your manager
Chances are your manager will understand what you are going through as they are facing similar struggles themselves. Times are certainly tough right now and it’s better, to be honest, and upfront about how you are feeling rather than quit straight away without a plan or providing proper notice.
Perhaps your manager can make accommodations or help to ease your worries by providing a solution! You won’t know until you ask! Request to sit down one on one with them and explain how you are feeling. While you are doing so make sure to also circle your explanations back to how any accommodations will make you a better employee and able to work more efficiently because you would feel more comfortable and safe. If your manager is unable to accommodate your requests consider asking them to transfer you to a new department if possible.
Think about what you want and plan
This is the time to carefully weigh your options and decide what is important to you. If you decide ultimately that this job isn’t worth the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus, begin to search for other options like working from home and plan when you will leave and what that may look like.
Update your #resume and create a list of jobs to apply for. Set aside some money in case you need to leave quickly and are unable to find work. Filing for unemployment benefits can be quite a long process so be prepared to have that savings backed up while you wait!
Use your sick or vacation time to re-group
When things become overwhelming sometimes you need to take a step back and evaluate your situation. If the thought of going to work each day sends you into a tailspin of panic you may need to take a few days off if you are able. Check out how much vacation or sick time you have and notify your manager that you will be taking a few days off. Use this time to get yourself in a good mental state.
Talk it out and decide
Before you make a final decision be sure to reach out and speak to family and friends. It never hurts to get a second opinion so ask them to provide some insight into what you should do! If you are feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed don’t hesitate to contact a professional. You can do also so safely and virtually with Doctor on demand. Sometimes in life, we have to weigh the pros and cons, especially now. If you are at risk and are feeling nervous about exposure ask yourself, **“Is risking my health worth working here?” **Just remember that you always have options!
Would you leave your job if there was a high risk of contracting Corona?
Comments
If I speak out I know my employer will retaliate in some way
This was a good time for me to think about retiring. Just happen to be over 65 and with the same company 39 years. Fairly smooth escape from the rat race. Didn't want to work in a stuffy office with no windows and seeing lax CDC protocols. I would be fighting tooth and nail for proper sanitizing if still working.
I voiced my concern. Then, was told I “ was not on board” with management. Next day, was let go. It was my 25th year at the place of employment.
I actually voiced my concerns when it came time for the surgery center that I worked at to reopen. The office manager didn’t care, the doctors/owners didn’t care and in fact, I was fired. Now my unemployment status has changed from laid off to fired and I have not gotten a payment for a month.
No I would stay, I'm at the age where the options are few. If I get sick, my short time left on this planet would be okay with me. Younger me would look elsewhere but those great years have passed. Keep safe and healthy, Ford
Excellent Article. And yes I would leave job my job if my health was at risk. I only have one of me and there are thousands of other jobs out there to choose from. Normally...
A lot of homework that is why I think the key factor is memorizing your skills for talent.