Been asked to go back to a small office with unavoidable multiple shared areas

IzziHall

I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to best approach going back to a small office? There would be about 4 people in the office at a time and I am concerned about the shared areas, as we would all use the same small entrance, toilet, walk in kitchen and printer area. 
As far as I am aware there is no placement of staggered starts, 2m distancing in place and 2 employees live with key workers (in the NHS).
I consider my job could easily be continued working from home, how to I put my worries across to my manager?

[Deleted User]

The company is required to produce a risk assessment, you should ask to see that as it will detail the measures they have taken.

jimkelly

Ask them if the office is being made "COVID secure".

If it isn't, then as things stand, you should be able to carry on working from home until such a time as the alterations to working arrangements are made.

bradders1983

jimkelly said:

Ask them if the office is being made "COVID secure".

If it isn't, then as things stand, you should be able to carry on working from home until such a time as the alterations to working arrangements are made.

As easy as that eh?

I suggest the OP doesnt act difficult as she may have no job to go into. At least go in and see what changes have/are being made.

dunstonh

I am concerned about the shared areas, as we would all use the same small entrance, toilet, walk in kitchen and printer area.

If you are that paranoid, how are you doing your shopping or other things outside of the home?

Is the office providing hand sanitisers?

bradders1983

I mean its not rocket science here. I am sure you can organise it among yourselves that only one person uses the printer or kitchen at any one time. And I am sure only one of you uses the toilet at a time even in normal times. If you get to work and someone is walking in, leave it a minute and then go in afterwards. 

Takmon

IzziHall said:

I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to best approach going back to a small office? There would be about 4 people in the office at a time and I am concerned about the shared areas, as we would all use the same small entrance, toilet, walk in kitchen and printer area. 
As far as I am aware there is no placement of staggered starts, 2m distancing in place and 2 employees live with key workers (in the NHS).
I consider my job could easily be continued working from home, how to I put my worries across to my manager?

Ensure only 1 person is in each shared area at any one time and avoid touching shared surfaces unless you need too and then simply wash hands, use hand sanitiser if you do. Move desks so that you are 2m away from each other while working and if this can't be done then ensure they put up physical barriers in between. 

So pretty simple stuff that should be easy to implement and follow as long as everyone is on board and there won't be any issues.

adamp87

There’s only going to be so much some businesses can do. They’ll be restrictions due to size, layout & cost.

A lot will also depend upon the staff following guidance & using their head. 

Maybe be receptive to what they have done and see first, as mentioned they could just as easily find someone else who will take the role. 

I imagine as long as an employer has taken necessary steps they’ll be within their rights to ask you to return. You may not agree with those steps but that’s going to be up to you if you want to work there or not if that’s the case. 

gettingtheresometime

I predict very shortly the 2m distancing requirement  will be shortened to 1m

hb2

The 2m distance can also be overcome by working back to back.

sharpe106

They official advice even states that the 2m rule wont always be kept to. Use common sense how do you think everybody else has coped for the last 4 months that have still worked.