After saying goodbye to my colleagues on the workplace on 17th March 2020, I actually thought I might be seeing them once more in just a few weeks’ time. I used to be in complete denial that the world was about to be locked down and life as we knew it could change drastically.
At first, we have been working from house and attempting to make our workdays as regular as potential, so we continued our every day morning conferences and made certain we have been checking in on one another. Nevertheless, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than we actually began to overlook being within the workplace collectively bouncing concepts round, asking questions, speaking in regards to the newest TV dramas and what we’re having for dinner – meals is a favorite matter in our workplace! Then, furlough occurred…
As soon as Boris and Rishi launched this scheme, we knew we have been on this state of affairs for the lengthy haul. Anthony made the selfless choice to place the staff on furlough in order that the corporate may survive and we’d all have jobs to return to as soon as the lockdown ended. He needed to tackle all people’s workload together with mine…the administration. Now, Anthony hasn’t needed to fear in regards to the administration aspect of issues for a very long time and I do know he hates it! At any time when I’m going on vacation, he makes it very clear how completely happy he’s after I come again. I had combined feelings about him taking on my work – I felt extraordinarily responsible about not with the ability to assist him, and in addition a teensy bit anxious about what I would come again to ha ha!
Fortunately, though we have been furloughed, we have been nonetheless in a position to participate in coaching classes for our new CRM. We have been very excited once we invested on this superb new system earlier than lockdown, however we underestimated how tough it was going to be attempting to determine learn how to use it over Groups calls and emails. I used to be attempting my greatest to arrange the again finish and ensure every thing labored because it ought to, however I might be mendacity if I mentioned it wasn’t irritating at instances.
Apart from these coaching classes, I didn’t actually have the rest to do. I’ve by no means been ‘unemployed’ and I all of a sudden had all of this free time on my palms and no concept what to do with myself. Because of the superb climate we had, I spent just about day-after-day within the backyard studying and listening to music. I (together with the remainder of the UK) would then head out for a protracted stroll within the afternoon. I’m extraordinarily grateful that I’ve so many stunning Royal gardens, fields and woods to discover so near house as I all the time felt higher and extra relaxed having been outside within the recent air.
One factor I did wish to do was to work on my baking which is one thing I’ve all the time liked. I began making brownies, macaroons, loaf desserts and a lot extra. My different half definitely didn’t complain about coming house to a special candy deal with each different day. Talking of my different half, he determined I used to be going to be his private barber for the foreseeable future. I’ll admit, it was fairly enjoyable utilizing the clippers the primary few instances, however then I acquired somewhat bit bold and tried a pores and skin fade. He didn’t ask me once more!
When lockdown was lifted, we began working at some point every week within the workplace on a rota system. It was pretty seeing Allison and Charlotte once more after such a very long time however very unusual not to have the ability to give them a hug. It felt so good to be working once more and getting again right into a routine, however we have been totally conscious that the potential for one other lockdown was excessive.
Like many different individuals I’ve spoken to, I assumed this lockdown can be straightforward as we have now all been by means of it earlier than. Sadly, this time we haven’t had the attractive spring and summer time climate to cheer us up. As an alternative, we have now been sat inside most days while it’s been raining, and people stunning fields at the moment are flooded. I’m glad that I managed a few ‘socially distanced’ summer time staycations and acquired to see a few of my household and mates earlier than this occurred for the second time and I’m hopeful that we’ll get to do this once more this 12 months.
I’m trying ahead to getting again to work with my superb staff, however for now all we will do is keep optimistic, wholesome and secure and know that we’ll be again to some kind of regular quickly.
