Working from home: The first weeks

By Sarah / Staff, Work /

With a large proportion of the country being thrown into working from home, including the whole of The Hideout office, we thought we’d share our thoughts on the good bits, the bad bits and what has kept us motivated as we all adjust to this new way of working.

The Hideout

So how have you found working from home full-time?

Claire:

Good and bad! In my previous roles I’ve always had a certain amount of working from home so I am quite used to it. Although the thought of doing it for a solid 3 months does not fill me with joy as one of the reasons I left my previous roles was because I was bored of working alone for a large period of time.

John:

I’m not going to lie, not a big fan of it. I miss the distinction between work and home, including the drive to work, the chatter and the quick ability to throw ideas around.

Sarah:

We were already set up for home working so it’s actually been pretty easy and is business as usual, except in these circumstances it is a challenge to balance everything. The mum and work guilt were strong the first few days; a one-year old who’s used to being at nursery or his grandparents playing all day and trying to work aren’t great combinations. But after getting a routine in place (as much as possible) and realising working the night shift is way more productive has made life easier and fairer on the little one.

The Hideout
The Hideout

Are you more productive working remotely or getting a better work/home life balance?

Louis:

I think my productivity levels have remained mostly the same. I do get distracted when Chester (my cat) comes and sits in front of my screen and I have made more trips to the fridge than I would at work!

John:

I think the balance of having a toddler and working from home in this situation is the difficult part. There’s the realisation that working hours have to change and an understanding to not feel guilty about looking after your little one and crack on again once he’s in bed! The bonus is being able to see him more often, have meals together and have a little play.

I’m lucky that Sarah is here too, and we take it in turns to do shifts of work. Of course if the little man goes down for a nap we get some bonus solid work in.

The Hideout
The Hideout

What has helped to keep you company? Radio stations? TV? Podcasts? Pets?

Jason:

I certainly couldn’t have the TV on otherwise I’d get nothing done! The Weeknd conveniently timed his new album release with corona quarantine so I’ve listened to that a lot. Making sure I get up at the normal time, get some exercise in the morning, get showered and dressed and get a coffee before work starts is the thing I’ve found most helpful (and hardest).

Sarah:

Well I’ve had John, Jaxon (our little one) and Jumna (the cat) at home so lots of company which can be a good and a bad thing at times. Jaxon and I have been doing the Joe Wicks PE workout in the mornings to get motivated and burn off some energy for the little man, ready for a nice long nap!

I’m a Radio 1 fan and like to listen to Greg in the mornings but John’s having none of that, so I’m subjected to his music snobbery!

The Hideout

Are you missing the team?

Claire:

NAH… of course, but I was fed up of keep losing afternoon Foos anyway and we’re still all in regular contact on Slack, there’s no escaping!

Louis:

We’re all on Slack and still catch up in the mornings for our scrum but it’s not the same as being altogether! I’m missing the lunch time FIFA games but I am not sad enough to buy an xbox just to play it during this WFH period.. *cough*…. Jason & Keith!

Elaine:

YES!!!

 

The Hideout

Any other thoughts?

Elaine:

I have previously found the option to work from home in the school holidays a great help, although the social side of coming into the office is something I miss, even the daily abuse, sorry I mean banter!

Jason:

I love certain parts of WFH, but I don’t think I could do it forever. I’m having to try pretty hard to force myself to keep a routine. This would be great in smaller doses, but as a long term plan 24 hours a day…nope! Let’s hope this all goes away very soon!

What about you?

So how are you finding WFH full-time? What’s helped to keep you going and stay away from the biscuit jar? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

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