Ashley James’s job these days is a to be a stay-at home mom for her two-year-old son.
She’d prefer her prior position.
“It's for some people but it's not for me. I'm ready to go back to work,” she says.
James was working as a server at Lakeside’s Cafe 67, but is now unemployed due to Coronavirus restrictions.
She’s aching to get back, though she knows it will be different. There will be fewer tables for guests - which means fewer tips.
“It gets warm in the summer. I'm going to be wearing a mask, gloves, serving people that obviously can't wear one while eating and drinking,” James says. “How is that ok?”
Questions like that are top of mind for workers across the county - because the government is inching closer to lifting COVID-related restrictions that would allow some in-restaurant dining.
Clinical psychologist Michelle Carcel says anxiety has increased in the county amid the restrictions. She says, however, that employees can take proactive steps to help re-adjust to going back to work.
That includes coming up with a plan to stay safe ahead of time. Additionally, if the employer isn’t complying with standards, workers should feel empowered to assert themselves and share concerns.
“We all have a very important voice and position here to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and that's understood. Most employers are really abiding by this.”
There is an additional question over whether employees can decline work and remain on unemployment. The answer depends on whether the Employment Development Department deems the work declined as “suitable.” The EDD maintains a website with different scenarios employees can check.
There is an additional question over whether employees can decline work and remain on unemployment. The answer depends on whether the Employment Development Department deems the work declined as “suitable.”
The EDD maintains a website with different scenarios employees can check.
