How to Talk About Coronavirus at the Workplace
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You’ve got coronavirus on your mind, but you may not know how to talk about it in the workplace.
To help you, I’ve put together a couple of phrases to help you cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
Requesting work from home (WFH) when feeling sick
I’m not feeling well. I’d like to work from home.
Requesting WFH because others are sick
I noticed some of our co-workers are sick. I’m a bit worried about it. I’d like to work from home. I feel that it would put me at ease, and I would be more productive.
Requesting others to give you space
I hope it’s okay with you, but I’m:
Going to pass on shaking hands today.
Going to change the meeting from in-person to virtual given current events.
Going to sit in that far corner as a precaution.
Getting a bit crowded in this conference room. I’m going to attend the meeting from my desk.
Grabbing beers with the team after work sounds like fun. However, I’m just a bit sensitive about going to crowded places at the moment, so I’ll skip out on this one.
Requesting time for hygiene
I’ll join you guys for lunch in a bit; I’m going to the restroom first to wash my hands.
Abstaining from communal items
Thanks for passing the M&M bowl. It’s really thoughtful, but I’m going to pass on M&Ms today.
Thanks for letting me borrow your stapler. I hope you understand; I’m going to step away quickly to grab a disinfectant wipe first before using it.
Declining travel invitations
I know you wanted me to travel to ___ and close that $3MM deal. Do you mind if I ask the client first if the travel is necessary? Perhaps we can hash out the deal terms over a video conference.
I know you wanted me to travel to ___ for the annual vendor fair. However, I’ve already reached out to them via phone, and they already sent me the samples. Are you okay if I just negotiated contract terms with them over the phone?
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