‘It makes sense to be cautious’

This article is part of a paid-for partnership with the UK Government

Lee Chambers, 36, from Preston is a psychologist specialising in workplace wellbeing. He sees more and more employers encouraging their staff to stay home if they’re feeling ill

“As the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, what I’m seeing now is that businesses are a lot more aware of ‘presenteeism’ – and employers don’t want to see people turn up to work when they’re ill. There’s a lot more sensibility from employers – so if you’re not well, use the remote technology we’ve got to work from home rather than spreading colds, flu and potentially Covid around. It makes sense to be a bit more cautious – and if you’re really not well you need to be off sick.

“I’ve had my Covid booster and I think making sure you’re vaccinated offers you protection and a little bit of stability. I’ll still be wearing face coverings for the time being. I’m navigating my own world – transport, shops and offices – and it’s starting to feel like it’s a personal choice. Now I think face coverings are becoming accepted as someone’s collection of things they check they have before leaving the house. So I’ll wear one when the risk feels like it might be a bit higher, like if I’m on lives now. Just having airflow is so good for us. From a wellbeing perspective, it’s something businesses have become a lot more aware of and we’re starting to be more mindful of what we can do because it doesn’t take much to open a window.

“After two years of restrictions, it’s quite normal to feel anxious – many people have loved ones who’ve suffered and potentially