We love hearing and sharing your stories. We want to find out how people are adapting to their ‘new normal’, what changes they’re making and what they’re learning. Each week, we share a story with you, from people in different jobs (or not in jobs for some), in different places, with different experiences. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we’d love to hear how the ‘new normal’ is for you.
What’s your name and what do you do?
Linda Farley, Head of Customer First at Eastbourne Borough and Lewes District Councils. I’m responsible for the delivery of end-to-end frontline statutory council services (Benefits, Business Rates. Council Tax, Planning, Licensing, Environmental Health, Bereavement Services, Rent collection and facilities management). I have about 230 staff within my service area.
How did you start your day today?
Today I didn’t have any meetings first thing, so I was able to go to one of our offices, which is a short drive away from my home (about 20 mins) and see the staff who have to attend the office because they do not yet have the ability to work from home. I like to try and get to the office once a week in these times, to check in with people at a safe distance. Also my facilities team have been painting and renovating some of our rooms at the Town Hall, so I wanted to see the work they had done. Then this afternoon I am back at home and about to join a video conference relating to our response to COVID19.
What was a typical day like for you pre Covid-19?
Pre COVID-19 I would split my time between two offices and working from home was quite a luxury. This was due to lots of meetings, and the culture of the organisation at that time was to be physically in the room for meetings, as we didn’t have a lot of the technology in place to support video conferencing from home. This also meant I could physically be seen by my large teams and ensure they knew I was around should they need assistance. I feel pre COVID-19 times, my focus was about being present physically, where as now we have moved on. A lot of my time was focussed on problem solving, building the vision for the future of the organisation and trying to move us forward in terms of technology and our service.
And what is a typical day like now?
Completely different, I am now mainly working from home, with the choice to go to an office should I need or wish to. I am focussing a lot of my time on COVID–19 related activity, ensuring we are responding to the announcements from the government, as well as ensuring our staff can work effectively from home. A lot of my meetings have shifted to video or conference calls, with some disappearing all together because the work has paused.
What’s been the biggest change to your life (working and personal) in light of Covid-19?
I have found a new work/life balance. I have cut down my travelling time meaning I am able to unwind from work earlier than normal although some days I have worked longer hours because it’s been required. I am able to exercise more and have saved money on lunches and petrol!
How have you personally had to adapt to accommodate what’s happening?
There has been a shift in mindset. I am not able to see my staff, so have to trust in performance reporting to see how hard everyone is working. Performance has dramatically improved, so I am having less challenging conversations with staff. I was already set up to work from home, so there wasn’t much required for me to make that happen, but changing your mindset was the biggest change – and ensuring I can separate work and home life now that its all under one roof
And what have been the biggest challenges (working and personal)?
It’s been hard to ensure everyone has been keeping in contact, and some days it feels like I am constantly on the phone, so that’s been a challenge. Personally, I used to go to so many concerts, the cinema, out for dinner and shopping – that has been a big adjustment. Having to shop differently, and ensuring other people are keeping their distance when out has been hard.
What do you miss most about your life pre Covid 19 (working and personal)?
In my personal life, I miss travel (going abroad), shopping, socialising, concerts (I am a massive music festival lover) and being able to have the freedom like we had before. Work-wise, I miss the social interaction with colleagues and the office banter.
What surprisingly good things have emerged in your life since this began?
I have managed to landscape my garden, and now have a beautiful garden to enjoy! And I have honed my baking skills even further!
What have you learnt about yourself during this? How adaptable to this new way of working I have been, changing to working from home with little fuss.
What do you hope we as a society learn from this situation?
How to come together as a community and help each other in times of need. Also to be thankful for the many key workers.
What has helped you to cope with your situation?
Knowing it is hopefully only short term.
What message would you like to pass onto others?
Keep going, it will get better and easier and this wont last forever. Soon we will be able to be with friends and family safe in the knowledge we are all healthy.
Finally, what’s on your ‘Playlist’:
– Favourite meal? Nandos – cant wait for it to reopen!
– Boxset/film or book? Anything to make me laugh, and reality documentary series
– Thing to do that just makes you happy! Right now, enjoying the sunshine listening to some music
