WFH to WTF

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    2020 is almost over and yet we are still in the middle of our uncertain battle with this COVID-19 pandemic. Being in this kind of situation, we are forced to revamp our norms and rethink about the best possible ways to adapt to this extraordinary time. Our company for one has decided to adopt the 'work-from-home' setup for health reasons and we are now in the 7th month of this kind of working scheme. The company also decided to reduce the workdays from 5 to 3, this is to secure the financial stability of the business since there are no tourists yet, hence, our income has also reduced to almost less than half of what we are receiving before this pandemic came to us. 

    Given the situation, I am still thankful that despite the cut in our salaries, I am still receiving an ample amount to sustain my financial obligations, may it be personal or for the family.

    In these times, I would like to point out and argue about a certain concern with regard to the working ethics of the people in our company. Being given the chance to be in the WFH setup is a privilege but it seems that it also exploited our personal time. Ever since this setup has been implemented to us, we are now being expected to work after our paid working hours - even on the days that we're supposed to be off with work. For me, that's being abusive and disrespectful of a person's personal time and personal life as well. I understand that these are challenging times and we are expected to be more cooperative and understanding with each other because of the decline in the mental wellness of the people but I think professionalism, ethics, and consideration about your colleague's personal time must not be compromised in any circumstance except in a life and death situation. 

    We are tasked outside our working hours and expected to deliver the needful A.S.A.P. by our superiors without thinking or considering our personal errands and chores. It is also painful to think that despite all your sacrifices and hard work, you'll not be given any sort of incentive or recognition during this time and even after this pandemic. One thing that I want to point out is the effects of this kind of abuse on the mental and emotional wellness of the employees being forced to work. My anxiety levels skyrocketed due to the virus and to the workloads being given to us. It has really taken its toll on my mental health and wellness bigtime and I am very sure that this feeling or dilemma is not just my own, I think I am writing this essay on behalf of those employees who are being exploited because of their working setup nowadays. 

    This trash working culture must be called out for the benefit of all. I understand that we are having a hard time generating revenue for our businesses but we must compromise to be able to balance and protect both the company and the employee regarding their wellness. Who knows when this pandemic will end? I am still optimistic that this kind of toxic work culture will be straightened out for the betterment of our workplaces. 

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