Employee Wants To Work From Home During Surgery Recovery
DEAR HARRIETTE: I had surgery to remove a bunion from my foot a week ago, and my boss already wants me to come back into work. I work an office job that can be done from home easily, so I thought that while I recovered, it would be better to work remotely for about a month. I live in New York City, and commuting to work on the subway with crutches and a boot during rush hour is difficult -- and unnecessary. When I explained my situation to my boss, he seemed more concerned about having me physically present in the office than about my recovery. My doctor has advised me to take it easy while I heal, and I am worried that returning too soon could slow down the healing process.
I have always been a dedicated employee and rarely ask for special accommodations, so I am frustrated that my request is being met with resistance. I also worry that pushing back could make me seem uncommitted to my job or negatively affect how my boss views me. I want to do my work and fulfill my responsibilities, but I also believe I should be given time to recover properly. How can I get my boss to understand my situation and agree to let me work from home while I heal? -- Healing
DEAR HEALING: It sounds like you told your boss how you were going to heal rather than getting his approval. That's the beginning of your problem, and now here you are. You may need to go into the office with your boot and crutches so that he can see firsthand how you are doing. Get your doctor to write a note recommending you work from home for a specific period of time. Ask your boss again for grace to work remotely during your recovery.
DEAR HARRIETTE: This letter is regarding "Shamed," the couple who can no longer tithe to their church as much due to a job loss. Your reply asked for compassion for the church's situation, but where was the pastor's compassion for this couple? They do not owe the pastor a look at the big picture. They are part of his flock, and their welfare should come before the church's.
This is seriously bad behavior from the pastor. A spiritual leader who uses guilt and shame to manipulate his parishioners has no spiritual integrity. End of story. The empowering advice would have been to support the writer and suggest she find another church -- one where parishioners are welcomed unconditionally, helped through hardship and told that their presence is enough. -- No More Guilt
DEAR NO MORE GUILT: Thanks to you and the many others who wrote in about this situation. Let me start by saying you are right that the pastor was shaming congregants who needed his unconditional love and support. That may be the very reason that this church is foundering: lack of connection to the congregation and their needs. We all need a place where we can feel protected and loved; for many, that is their spiritual home. When that bond is broken through guilt (or any other reason), the impact can be devastating.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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