On the 23rd March we were told that life and work as most of us knew it would be changing until further notice. Offices and shops closed, employees worked from home or became furloughed, dining tables became home offices and we had to become Zoom experts.
Staying positive was not easy, but being ever the optimists, we searched to find silver linings. Things like not having to face the daily commute, staying in bed longer, saving money, not using so much make up, wearing comfortable slouchy trousers (let’s be honest some of us now need elastic waistbands after lockdown eating) and of course seeing more of our families and feline companions.
Leaving the office was emotional, no one knew how long we would be away. Taking our laptops and essential items, feeling like we were not just saying goodbye to an office, but an old friend.
Working at home was strange to begin with, simple matters such as getting to grips with the technology, to learning to work alone.
Fast forward 10 weeks and a new normal. Zoom calls and daily catch ups. Keeping positive and in regular contact with colleagues and clients.
We have loved finding out clients’ ingenious ways to keep spirts up, to keep smiling and having a can-do attitude.
We are still looking after clients in the efficient and caring way that we pride ourselves in. Covid was not going to stop us being the best we could be.
With lockdown restrictions easing, we decided it was time to look at getting back to the office. We had been working on our return plans for a while. Having plans in place was important, it was not as simple as putting the key in the door and shouting “hey office, we’re back”.
The most important consideration was the employees’ and clients’ safety. We spoke to the team about returning to the office and asked for feedback. We had to find out if any of the team had issues preventing them returning, such as childcare or travelling restrictions. Informing the team of what they will and will not be able to do when they are back was vital.
The Government sent out useful guides for various workspaces. It meant a lot of reading and writing lists. We wrote a “Things to consider, and phases of return” document. Lists contained things like, let the milkman know when we are back for our milk, and a legionnaires test from our landlord. It was definitely a longer list than we thought it would be.
We completed a risk assessment; it is surprising how many things you don’t think about. The risk assessments were time consuming, but it was time well spent.
We printed COVID guidance posters for washing hands, as well as signs and symptoms and what to do if you’re feeling ill. The posters have been placed around the office. Hand gels and antiseptic wipes have been placed on all desks and communal areas.
Whilst we would have loved to have the whole team back, we decided for the time being we will have some of our team coming into the office and the others will be remote working.
Our office is looking a little bit different to when we left 10 weeks ago. Flexing our muscles, moving desks and equipment, changing the layout of our meeting room, putting down yellow 2 metre tape and setting up hand cleaning stations. We have put our creative skills to use and made posters for the office to remind us to “STOP, CHECK IT’S CLEAR, GO”……. and of course, we are tea drinking ladies here at Magenta, so we even have a set of hygiene rules for tea rounds.
What about our client meetings? Some of our clients are happy with remote meetings, but some want face to face contact. We feel we have put the necessary safety precautions in place to start seeing local clients in person again at the office in Bridgend – but we envisage it’ll be some time before any national travel is possible.
Magenta has been open for business throughout lockdown. Clients can rest assured that while we continue to look after their financial interests to keep them secure and happy, we will be making sure we keep them safe when they come to see us too.
We hope to see you soon and take care,
Magenta