DEAR HARRIETTE: I work for a company that still requires employees to take a weekly COVID-19 test. I get it; the disease is not gone yet and may never completely go away. I have friends who have gotten it recently. So in theory, I don’t have a problem taking a weekly test. My issue is that my company expects the employees to pay for them. The price adds up over time, and it’s not like I get paid a big salary. There are some places where you can go for free tests, but they are inconvenient. There used to be tons of them around, but now they are harder to find. I think it’s unreasonable for my company to require the test without providing a way for all of us to take it safely and without cost. If they had them at the office the way they have masks, it could simply be part of office protocol. Do I dare make that recommendation? -- Free Test
DEAR FREE TEST: By all means, speak to your supervisor, or even the owner of the company if you have a rapport, and make your recommendation. Express your concerns about cost and convenience. Also, point out that the company will have better control over when employees take the test if they are conducted on-site.
If you feel that the leadership will not appreciate your suggestion, do so anonymously. You may even want to encourage others to speak up and share their opinions. If enough of you say something, the way of enforcing the protocol may change.