Long Covid - being forced back into work

darkcloudi

I’ve worked for this specific employer for close to 6 years without issue, and leading projects for a number of years prior to this. Have been working from home for the last 9 months, as a result of a dispute with a new junior member of staff (who joined 4 months ago and doesn’t listen) was taken off from this new project (as couldn’t see myself wanting to work with this new staff). Company has found a new project that requires me back in the office.

The issue I have is that I have recovered from Covid 7 weeks ago and have raised my insomnia, fatigue and breathing issues with HR and management soon after I returned to work (so very early on). Also NHS 111 advised me to leave the window open if I’m struggling to breath which helps.
I advised the employer of my breathing difficulties and fatigue, last thing I want is falling tired on the motorway (1hr 15mins each way) and causing a hazard to not only myself but to others. Also, can’t wear a face mask for long periods due to breathing issues as a result of Covid. Just wondering if I am unfair for asking my employer to continue working from home for the short term until I get better?

I don’t have any issues returning if I am 100% fit as I often go out my way and log in remotely when I’m off sick (just a workaholic). Also travelled this distance for over 12 years (so travel doesn’t concern me) The companies email suggest they will look after our well-being but can’t see this be applied to my context. Hence wanted an alternative opinion.

Was going to speak to the doctor after 3 months as per NHS’s advise about my fatigue symptoms but looks like I may need to do this sooner to help my case?

Torry_Quine

Windows should be open anyway.
If you're struggling to do what the employer wants then you could ask your GP for a fitnote which says what you are able to do. This doesn't have to be acted on by the employer. The other thing is to contact Occupational Health who can be helpful

oh_really

Request occupational health assessment or self refer.

Request a personal covid workplace assessment taking into account your current medical conditions.

Like all risk assessments, this requires to be suitable and sufficient.

TBagpuss

You can ask to work from home as the guidance is that those who can, should work from home.

If the work that they want you to do cannot be done from home then you can ask them to allocate different tasks to you to take account of your health issues but you will need to be willing to provide medical evidence -  so speaking to your GP so that the issues you have are on record is important.

I'd also suggest thinking about what specific requests you will be making - for instance, if the tasks they need you for *can't * be done from home, have suggestions ready as to how they can be done and what you can do - since one issue is fatigue, would coming into the office part time and working from home on the other days work, to enable you to cover the tasks which need you to be there in person? Or asking to temporarily reduce your hours? 

Since you struggle to wear a mask for extended periods, will it be possible for you to have access to a room of your own when you are in the office, so you can safely take of your mask except when you need to use common areas?

It is easier for them to agree to your request if you can give them solutions to any potential problems at the same time as asking for the change / accommodation. 

darkcloudi

Thanks, appreciate the responses and good points raised. 

Doctor signed me off sick today as the fatigue had got bad and he also didn’t feel right for me to travel with my current state. Got to get some heath tests done. But will take into account the comments with occupational heath.

Marcon

darkcloudi said:

The issue I have is that I have recovered from Covid 7 weeks ago and have raised my insomnia, fatigue and breathing issues with HR and management soon after I returned to work (so very early on). Also NHS 111 advised me to leave the window open if I’m struggling to breath which helps.

Was going to speak to the doctor after 3 months as per NHS’s advise about my fatigue symptoms but looks like I may need to do this sooner to help my case?

The issue is that you haven't recovered from COVID - and unless you want a really long term problem (possibly a permanent one; who knows?) common sense alone should dictate that struggling in to work isn't a great idea.

I'd be speaking to your doctor now.