Lockdown Lessons

We’ve spoken before about some of the challenge’s lockdown has sprung upon us all, but with every obstacle there is also a lesson. As a team, we have learnt a great deal during the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve learnt how to work remotely, something we had never really done before. We have found out new things about each other and some of the Swans have even learnt new skills by either taking part in online training courses or getting the tools out for a bit of home DIY.

Each of us has learnt something different, whether its personal or something for work. One of the positives to come out of lockdown is that it has given us all some extra time to try new things. For me, I have learnt how to record our podcast, What’s Going Swan, remotely and to use a new bit of technology. It’s been fantastic to have the time to dedicate to learning something new and really get my head around how it works. Granted they haven’t always been perfect, but I feel proud to have given it a go. I have also learnt how important it is for me to have some sort of routine to help with motivation. Even though I have had to adapt my routine to suit this new environment, I’ve realised how vital it is to my day.

Anything is possible

James has learnt that with time, data, courage and will anything is possible. He said: “The way we have combated the storm that is COVID19 so far, has taught me more than I have learnt in the last 10 years and for that is has been a priceless experience.” He has also learnt how to look after a puppy during lockdown which is a big enough task as it is without throwing in a worldwide pandemic! There are a few Swans who recently welcomed puppies into their households (I’m included in that). I honestly believe the puppies are going to find it the hardest when we all return to work. They have got so used to having us all around.

Rae was one of the Swans who until recently has been on furlough, so I was keen to find out what she had learnt during her time away from the nest. She mentioned how it had given her the opportunity to focus on her little girl, which was so lovely to hear. She said: “I never thought I would get the opportunity to spend all of my time with her and not have to balance a work/ single Mum life for a few months. This time has allowed her to be a child and for us to work together as a team. We have bonded more than I could have ever wished for, so I am very grateful for this lockdown experience.”

Working remotely

On the flip side to that, Hayley is one of the Swans who has continued working from home during lockdown (give and take a few days off on annual leave!). Like many of us, working from home has been a big learning curve for her. She said: “I have had to adjust to a new working routine, in my home, not being surrounded by my lovely Swans and only using one screen. I can’t say I like it, but I now know I can do it.” Hannah also mentioned about how working remotely has pushed her outside of her comfort zone. She said: “It has made me more confident in my job role. Working under pressure has stopped me second guessing myself and enabled me to adapt to a (hopefully) once in a lifetime situation.”

Separating work and personal life

On a more personal level Hayley said she has learnt to slow down and not live life at 100 miles per hour. “I love seeing family and friends and will always make time for them, but I know that ‘me time’ is equally important sometimes.” Brogan has also learnt how important it is to have some time to herself. She said: “I’ve learnt the importance of having me time and not dismissing the little things that make me feel more grounded because I’m too busy.” From a professional point of view Brogan feels she has learnt how to separate work from my personal life. “By working remotely, it’s easy to drag professional stresses home and vice versa. Lockdown has allowed me to create a firm line of leaving work at work and home at home.”

Aimee manages our team of Client Guides and has found communication key during lockdown. She said: “With team members, clients and suppliers, keep talking to everyone. We’re all feeling isolated and more can be achieved through a phone or video call than solely through email correspondence.”

Lockdown has certainly help us appreciate the small things in life. Alex talked about how he has missed being able to go out and do some of the ‘normal’ things. “I have learnt that I really miss the opportunity to go to a garden centre and get a coffee! It’s a small thing but I miss it so much!” he said.

We would love to know what you have learnt during lockdown. Get in touch and let us know.