Working remotely

One consequence of the COVID pandemic: it’s now almost an expectation that working remotely, full-time, or for at least half or more of a work week, is the new norm.

Prior to leaving my most recent position, employees who were home “working” occasionally accidentally left their camera on during a meeting on Zoom or Teams while lying in bed, holding a crying young child, etc., or forgot to mute when spouses were letting them know breakfast was ready, dogs were barking, etc..

I even heard about one instance when an individual forgot to do both (turn off the camera and mute) while sitting on the commode without a shirt and visibly straining during a bowel movement.

When the federal government announced the return to work edict, national news aired interviews with federal employees who voiced anger at the increased expense and inconvenience of: 1. having to pay for gas and tolls to commute 2. having to purchase professional clothing and 3. having to arrange and pay for child care.

I know another person who noted she couldn’t return to the work place, to continue to work, because she was home-schooling her children.

My son, who has never worked remotely, sarcastically noted that there was one good outcome of the return to work proclamation: folks would rediscover an appreciation for housework (laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.) that can only be done at night or on weekends.

It’s an interesting time for employers as they navigate through this expectation of their employees.

I completely understand, and have empathy for, the convenience, value, and privilege of having young children at home and the financial strain of all issues noted above.

Although its only been about 5 years since this change occurred for many, I’m sure it feels like it’s been much longer for all involved.

I did for me when I was the medical director of a large interdisciplinary team (with providers, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, rehab therapists, recreational therapist) and didn’t, except for an occasional weather event, work remotely.

I do wish all the best.

But, full disclosure, I’m not disappointed that I haven’t had to continue to tip-toe through this issue for the last 4 months.