The epidemic in Japan finally made me unable to resist writing an email to the management of the company

With the spread of the epidemic in Japan and the fact that people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship have been disembarking and taking the tram home in the past few days, the Japanese government has finally felt the urgency. The government has begun to call on everyone to travel off-peak and work remotely as much as possible, although I still feel that this call is not strong enough. The management of the company I work for sent an email to all employees of the company, which probably means: It is recommended to wear masks in the company, and large gatherings are not allowed to go on business trips. If you have a fever of 37.5 for several days, you are not allowed to stay at home. Come to work and so on. However, almost nothing was said about the considerations and preparations for working from home, which made me a little unable to sit still.

When I saw the content of this email, I didn't feel the company's intention to actively respond, because these should have been done a long time ago, and now they should expect worse results and launch more active responses Action - Develop a plan for telecommuting. Even if it is not implemented immediately, it is better to prepare early than to wait and see when you are in a hurry. Besides, some companies have already started to implement remote work.

Now with the expansion of the epidemic, the Japanese government has also admitted that the source of many cases cannot be traced, and the risk of rapid spread of the epidemic in densely populated areas like the Tokyo metropolitan area is very large. In particular, commuting mainly relies on rail transit, which satisfies the two conditions of " people-intensive " and " closed space ", making commuting the biggest risk of infection. Even if everyone wears masks, it is dangerous to be on a crowded tram. However, the reality is that most people in Tokyo cannot buy masks now. Therefore, reducing the frequency of taking public transportation as much as possible can not only reduce the risk of infection for yourself, but also reduce the risk of infection for those who have to travel because there are fewer people on board. Reducing commuting is non-linear and significant in reducing the chance of infection.

I was very conflicted at the time, hesitating whether to reply my thoughts directly to this email to express my thoughts. There are three main reasons for my hesitation. The first is that the large social environment in Japan is not very friendly to those who raise objections or even different opinions. It is to put forward the so-called "constructive opinions" along with the mainstream. Second, as early as a month ago, the boss said that he would not consider the plan of working from home now. If you say it at this time, you will be suspected of hitting the boss in the face. Third, given that I am also a newcomer in the company, coupled with my status as a foreigner, I feel that it is still very stressful to raise different opinions.

However, I can't control that much anymore. I can't influence the Japanese government, but at least I have to do my best to influence the company's decision-making, even for myself, no matter what others say, I should give it a try, it's not at this time. Continuing to obey when speaking is tantamount to giving the initiative to others.

I started writing this email that night after I got off work and took a shower. I wrote it for a long time. If I abandon those red tape and honorifics, what I want to express is: It's all this time and I still don't consider the plan of working from home, what are you waiting for? I don't have a mask, where are you going to get it? Your government's response can be summed up in three words: loose, slow, sloppy. Couldn't the company itself be a little more proactive? You are afraid of loss, I understand. You are afraid of trouble, and I understand that too. There are always people who still have to come to work, and I can understand that. But you don't even consider a compromise plan, you don't even have a rotation plan, which is a bit unreasonable, right? China has already suffered a big loss because of its slow response. What are you waiting for?

But, you know, after all, talking to your boss, plus Japanese clichés, some words and expressions have to be carefully considered so that it looks gentle, rather than showing blame and disobedience. After repeated revisions, and finally after hesitating, I sent the email before going to bed. To be honest, although it is not a big deal, it still takes some courage.

However, there was no reply all day the next day. . . . . .

After waiting for another day, I finally replied: OK, we will reconsider according to the development of the situation. Forehead. . . All right. I've said everything I need to say, just take it slow.

I don't know how the situation will develop in the future. It's best if the epidemic is under control. If the epidemic continues to expand, if the slow response and the lack of filings force employees to come to work with masks, I will most likely ask for leave. Stick to work? No, I'd better do something more meaningful at home.