Dear Abby: I want to tell the manager about my selfish co-workers

"DEAR ABBY: My company has a four-days-a-week return-to-office mandate this year. While it's nice to have the in-person camaraderie, co-workers who are conspicuously ill are coming in and spreading their contagion. I am now sick at home. These co-workers are not heroes for coming in to work with their germs, but selfish and inconsiderate. Nobody objects!My company provides a generous two weeks of occasional absence, which may be used for sick days, doctors' appointments and such. I feel I should say something to our office manager. What do you suggest?"

"DEAR SICK: Speak to the office manager and suggest that a memo be sent out stating that if someone is feeling unwell, they should wear a mask or stay home until their symptoms subside. Many businesses do it."

"DEAR GETTING AWAY: It appears that Wanda and her husband prefer to enjoy the benefits of practicing the good-neighbor policy rather than focus on monetary reward. Approach Wanda and tell her you appreciate her willingness to watch your place while you travel and reiterate that you would be pleased to do the same for her and her husband when the opportunity arises. While you are away, if you see an item you think they would enjoy, present it to them upon your return. (I'm thinking of something characteristic of where you have been.)"

A four-day office mandate has led to coworkers coming in visibly ill and spreading contagion, leaving an employee sick at home despite a generous two-week occasional absence policy that covers sick days. The recommended action is to speak with the office manager and request a memo advising those feeling unwell to wear a mask or stay home until symptoms subside. Neighbors Wanda and Bob offered to watch a house and cat and declined payment; the suggested response is to express appreciation, offer reciprocal help when possible, and present a thoughtful gift from one’s travels upon return.

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