The New Normal is Starting in BC

We're about to start the "new normal" - think of it as how can we sustainably suppress this virus without indefinitely staying isolated? Employers are actively thinking about their workplaces and the risks in those workplaces - but they're human and could really use some help in terms of not only identifying risk, but developing reasonable strategies to mitigate that risk. Many employers, particularly small businesses, care very deeply about their employees and their customers. They do not want to harm either - they want to provide goods and services and employment in ways that are safe. Eliminating all risk isn't possible - but a lot of risk can be mitigated and if we all work together, we can get back to work safely.

So if your employer no longer has an office fridge, cups, mugs, cutlery, coffee or beverages and requires you to pack your own. Please understand, they are trying to mitigate risk by eliminating things that are "shared". If your salon no longer offers you tea - it's because they are trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you to wear a non-medical grade mask while at work or in their place of business, they are trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you to take a moment to wipe buttons or equipment with disinfectant before AND after using a shared item (photocopier, microwave, etc.) - they are trying to mitigate risk. If they limit the number of people in the lobby or in the kitchen, they are trying to mitigate risk. If they've removed the magazines for you to read while you wait, they are trying to mitigate risk. If they install a plexiglass barrier, they are trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you to do most of the work over the phone or email instead, they are trying to mitigate risk. If your employer no longer has in-person team meetings, they are trying to mitigate risk. If your employer has cancelled social events - they are trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you not to come into their place of business if either you or a family member is sick or has been sick within the last 10 days, respect that wish. If you've been away from the province or country and or notified from public health that you have been in contact with someone who has had COVD19 and told to self-isolate for 14 days, do so and do not come into businesses or work. If a place of business or workplace requires you to wash or sanitize your hands upon entry, please do so. If your employer asks that you use a non-medical grade mask if you use public transit to get to or from work, respect that request, they are trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you to immediately notify them if you or a member of your household has been notified as having COVID19 - do so, they trying to mitigate risk. If they ask you to be tested because you have symptoms, please do so, they are trying to mitigate risk.

If your employer has done what they can to mitigate risk - and has provided a reasonably safe workspace, please don't refuse to go to work. If your employer has enabled you to work from home and or has relaxed their sick policies - please be respectful of that and do not take advantage of it. Your employer has likely gone through one of the most challenging times in their business - revenues have likely dropped while many are facing increased costs - please keep that in mind and think twice before asking for more from them at this time.

At the same time, please, use caution in your personal life. Think about the things your employer has done to keep you and their clients safe at work - and employ the same approach to your life at home and outside of work. Your ability, and that of your colleagues, to continue to work, and to remain reasonably free relies upon taking responsibility in this way.

Our workplaces aren't going to be the way they were for a long while, but if we work together, they can be operational and we can have a large part of the things we used to take for granted back. If we do it right, we won't have to cycle between openings and lockdowns. If we do it right, we might avoid a second wave. If we do it right, we won't overwhelm our health system or have to say good bye to loved ones before it's time to do so.

Employers can't do it by themselves though. They need all hands on deck - they need their employees to do their part, and their clients to do the same. It's time to get the economy moving again - in safer, COVID compliant and sustainable ways.

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