Has your employer instituted a no travel policy yet?

[cantdrv55]

I have to fly everywhere to see my customers because I don’t live in my sales territory. If my employer adopts a no travel policy, I’m going to have to look for another job. Who’s going to be hiring while this BS is happening.

Is your employer on the no travel bandwagon yet due to COVID-19? It’s coming.

[legion]

2 weeks ago.

Fortunately we are a domestic-only business and most interactions with customers are on the phone or online. I'm just waiting for my leadership to feel the pressure and decide that everyone works from home.

[widebody911]

We just got a blast-o-gram yesterday stating no travel, no meetings over x number of people, no external visitors unless absolutely necessary, etc.

What I find find funny is my company has a very firm "you must be in the office, no telecommuting" policy, and the email yesterday stated, in no uncertain terms, that this is still the case; they refuse to relinquish the iron grip of control. The punchline is that this doesn't apply if you're from a low-cost geography.

[legion]

My boss started a group text last night with all of her direct reports. Reading between the lines, I'm sure management was told that they need to verify that they can get a hold of their direct reports should a communication need to be cascaded quickly. My employer has autodialers for facility closings and such (like if we get hit by a blizzard), so I'm thinking that management must think that more tailored communications may be necessary in some cases--like Team X needs to stay home for three weeks because a member tested positive for COVID-19.

It's kind of funny, because there are no confirmed cases in the county. The closest cases are about 150 miles away in the Chicago area. One positive person did take an Amtrak train through our town where it did stop.

[biosurfer1]

Yep, last week....and 4 days before I was supposed to get on a plane. Wouldn't have stopped me if they said it was ok to go though. I personally think this is being way over blown. Be cautious yes, but do not panic and I feel this is bordering on panic at this point.

[IROC]

Yes. International travel isn't completely forbidden, but we have to have a really, really good reason. I've been to Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Japan (twice) since September (just got back from Japan 3 weeks ago). I am sort of liking this "no travel" thing.

And...I had some folks coming in from Germany next week. Until last night.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by widebody911

What I find find funny is my company has a very firm "you must be in the office, no telecommuting" policy, and the email yesterday stated, in no uncertain terms, that this is still the case; they refuse to relinquish the iron grip of control. The punchline is that this doesn't apply if you're from a low-cost geography.

I can only assume that you've got one guy high up the chain that's a wanker, micro-managing type. It seems crazy since I assume you're in a pretty heavily IT based shop. I suspect either he's the type (or was) that can't be trusted to work when he's not at work, or he's known about someone that double-dipped at some point in the past and thinks everyone is a risk for that.

It sucks to be in that sort of environment.

[badcar]

We have had an international travel ban since end of January. Domestic for two weeks. In the office today after a "deep clean" due to associate contact with Covid-19 positive family member. Will most likely be my last day at my desk as the social distancing recommendations are getting more strict...

[masraum]

I haven't really been keeping up or reading the emails. I do know that they have a special deep clean that they've started in the office and that if they get a report of anyone being positive in my building, they've got some sort of sterilization cleaning protocol that they are going to use.

A few weeks back we got "no non-essential travel, try to refrain from having large face to face meetings, do what can be done via the phone or video conference, etc..." We now have everyone working from home for a week or two to ensure that you can do it long term. I'm not too worried about going into the office. I drive (not public transport) and my office isn't terribly packed/tight full of folks. I don't interact with folks in my office much (only member of my team in the state, the rest are elsewhere).

I work for an enormous company with offices all over the country and world. I suspect it depends on where you work and what sort of people you deal with as to which restrictions or recommendations you have. Pretty much all of my interaction is via chat, phone or video.

[monoflo]

I'm remote home based -basically semi retired -- work for division of a big outfit--travel restrictions hit today.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Yup. Pretty much all non-sales travel is halted without VP approval. International requires VP approval. Crazy...

[Seahawk]

In my mind there are really two forces at work: One, err on the side of caution until the details of Covid 19 are better understood, which I support.

I dropped lunch off to my buddy who is very sick a half hour ago and we chatted about the NBA cancelling the rest of the season, or at least suspending it. Our consensus was that if you can't live without the NBA, get a better life.

I like what the Mavericks owner is doing and all owners of professional sports teams should follow suit.

The second factor is legal. The first lawsuit of, "my Boss made me travel and I got sick and infected my elderly Mom who died..." is being written as I type.

No downside in the short term to restricting travel.

BTW, I lost a significant speaking fee for a conference I was asked to keynote that has be cancelled...that's the way of the world.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by widebody911

What I find find funny is my company has a very firm "you must be in the office, no telecommuting" policy, and the email yesterday stated, in no uncertain terms, that this is still the case; they refuse to relinquish the iron grip of control. The punchline is that this doesn't apply if you're from a low-cost geography.

just sit at yer desk and cough regularly.
Walk over to the bosses with paperwork asking questions and coughing.
they'll change their mind on the policy in no time.

[pmax]

Yes, a while ago. WFH policy as well.

[RSBob]

Somewhat related: passenger on Jet Blue flight to Florida just tested positive and all other passengers now requested to self-quarantine. Just cancelled my flight to Cali with wife since she is immune compromised.

[id10t]

International Studies are all cancelled. Talking about moving all classes completely online. Labs for nursing, Cisco, automotive, dance, etc. students may be reduced to very small groups for the "social distancing" that is currently recommended.

[legion]

All leadership meeting today at work at 3:00. Some big announcement after that.