One of the most precious things in the world. But too little or too much of it, and it quickly turns in to one of the worst things in the world.
As we all take our place on the 'corona-coaster', I fear it is dividing work colleagues in to two camps. A light green mist (in a pale shade called envy) is slowly developing between us.
It's true - those on furlough will never understand what it's like to be working full time to keep a business going during lockdown. One of the skeleton staff doing theirs and several other people's jobs at the same time. Unable to ask questions. Negotiating new social distancing regimes in the office or fighting death by boredom whilst working alone from home. And all, more often than not, whilst taking an 'ever so slightly better than furlough' pay cut.
My friend's line manager recently requested that "people on furlough don't enjoy it too much. The people still working are under a lot of pressure and it would be really easy to create resentment around a perception that being on furlough is easier."
Which begs the question - why not take more staff off furlough if they're under that much pressure.
Whilst 'Team Furlough' may bask in the unseasonably hot weather, read novels, bake banana bread and tend the garden, we are constantly plagued by dreaded thoughts surrounding job security.
The loneliness of feeling not-needed. The uncertainty of not knowing when we will return (if at all?) And the wonder of not being good enough to have been one of the 'chosen ones'.
This is not a holiday.
Whilst there have been many welcome changes throughout lockdown, including time with the family, time to do the decorating, time for daily exercise - this has been constantly offset with a pang of anxiety. Anxiety that all too often comes with having too much time to think. Time to worry. TIme to get the wrong end of the stick. And yet ironically, being in isolation with others, only leaves you craving time to be alone. I mean it's harder than being on maternity leave, and I haven't been puked on yet.
It's hardly surprising we feel anxious, when anyone you mention you're in the furlough club to, replies with "I'm sorry to hear that." Sorry to hear what? Why? Should I be worried about my job?!
Communication. I don't think people can get enough of it. And I hope anyone who feels worried has the courage to contact work today and talk things through. Furloughed staff may not be allowed to work, but still have a voice.
Being kept in the loop, being made to feel part of the team (and not someone who's just been filed away and forgotten about) is so important for people on furlough.
I hope when we all return to work, post-Corona, we unite. We help each other to navigate the tail of the storm we've all been sailing, in our very individual boats. That we can empower each other. Offer some level of flexibility to people's working lives as we all play our part in helping the country to recover mentally, physically and economically.
Don't let Corona bring out the green eyed monster. The grass isn't always greener...
Comments
Post a Comment