Open Office

My company uses an outside contractor to staff our site cafeterias, provide janitorial services, catering, etc. I was worried about those folks as there is no work for them while our offices are closed. However, it looks like our company is still paying them, so they can safely stay home without having to worry about a paycheck. That makes me so happy and proud 😊 The vendor company just put together a sweet video with photos and videos of some of their staff thanking us, and it was nice to see some familiar faces from the cafeteria and conference center at my site.

I also have some updates from my Wuhan colleagues. The one who had been stuck quarantined with his family out of town for several months was finally able to travel back home to Wuhan a couple weeks ago when they reopened the city. The long drive took even longer than usual, as there were lots of people trying to get back in.

My other colleague who was in Wuhan throughout the lockdown is remaining cautious. Residents are still only allowed out of their homes for a limited time. Her first trip out was to pick up food from a restaurant downstairs from her apartment - but I bet it was thrilling! It's been a couple weeks now, and she told me today she's also visited parks, and a government office to renew her ID - which was her first time in public without a mask! (Just for five minutes...)

It sounds like China has had a similar experience to what's happening in the US right now - some areas were hit harder than others, so some people were taking it more seriously than others. There are places in the US where they are protesting and don't understand why things are shut down, because they don't have that first-hand experience with themselves or their loved ones being sick and dying [yet].

We had a team meeting today to discuss what it would take for us to feel comfortable coming back to the office (and the head of our organization specifically said he would not require people to return before they're comfortable). People were talking about temperature checks at the door, immunity testing, putting up plexiglass between cubicles, improving ventilation. Most people were saying it would take a lot for them to feel comfortable returning to the office (especially if they have to commute via public transportation). One person shared how eager she was to return to the office and how much she hates being home alone. My opinion is: the office isn't going to be like it was for a long time - the office experience you return to is not going to be the same as when you left. The thing that's impacting the economy and productivity is people who need to be on site in order to do their jobs, and so aren't able to work right now. For everyone on our team, whether or not it's ideal in your personal circumstances and preferences, we are capable of doing our work remotely. So until we reach the point where we don't even have to consider these types of changes and accommodations, I do not expect to return to the office, and feel others should remain home if possible as well - for our own safety, as well as that of the people we do come in contact with (e.g. our families), and those who need to be on site in order to do their jobs. Not only do I love my job, I love my office and the people there and am very involved with activities on site. But I am not planning to be back there anytime soon...