Support for Remote Work
Sisters,
COVID-19 changed the way we do business. For months before the vaccine was widely available, we were told to stay home to avoid contracting the disease, and all levels of government and businesses made accommodations to keep their employees safe. Zoom and other online meeting methods quickly became the norm, and using these tools undoubtedly saved lives.
Many businesses—the federal government included—have maintained these accommodations, enabling staff to remain remote or work hybrid schedules. The benefits to employees are also beneficial for employers. A recent Gallup national poll revealed the following benefits of hybrid work:
- improved work-life balance
- more efficient use of time
- control over work hours and work location
- burnout mitigation
- higher productivity
So, it begs the question of why are so many employers clamoring for staff to return to work full-time. Reduced productivity is the main reason many employers don’t support continuing remote/hybrid work arrangements. However, the data is not clear that productivity has been harmed by remote/hybrid work.
Today’s (early) Mobilize Monday highlights an elected official in one of WE CAN’s target communities fighting for permission to work remotely. Krystal Oriadha represents Prince George’s County (Maryland) 7th District. Unfortunately, Ms. Oriadha is experiencing a difficult pregnancy and has asked the County Council to allow her to remote work while on bed rest. To include voting on key issues before the Council. Watch the video below for more on her story.
Source: NBC4 Washington, DC – Air date: September 13, 2023
Data reveal that only 55% of Black women in Prince George’s County receive prenatal care, and the county’s maternal death rate is 50% above the national average.
Important Sidebar
If You Live in Prince George’s County
Please send a letter of support to Ms. Oriadha at KOriadha@co.pg.md.us before 3:00pm on Monday, September 18th.
If You Don’t Live in Prince George’s County
Stay tuned for emerging state and local legislation and action on remote/hybrid work issues. WE CAN is monitoring this issue and will let you know if there is an opportunity to act in your community. In the meantime, answer the quick poll below.
Every day, sisters are forced to make the hard choice of protecting their health to save their jobs. Stand in the gap with Krystal and other sisters fighting to work and have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
In solidarity,
Stephanie McGencey, WE CAN Founder
WE CAN looks forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Three upcoming Movies to Movements events focus on teen suicide, lack of quality affordable childcare, and sex trafficking, highlighting their impact on our communities. Please see the details and register below.
