While the nation is trying to slowly move out of lockdown, a lot of people will most likely still be working from home for a while. Time to look back (and forward) to see how our staff and volunteers are coping with lockdown and evaluate the ups and downs when working from home. We asked our member of staff Daniel a few questions:

• Who are you “locking down” with?

I live in a guardian space office with several other flat mates. It is a big space so most of the time it feels like I’m living by myself.

• How are you working differently during lockdown?

Once adjusted to lockdown and social distancing measures, work is pretty much the same. Obviously, the quick chat in the office from before has now been replaced by lots of zooming, emails and phone calls. I now have to take responsibility of supplying myself with tea and biscuits.

• What’s your favourite working from home perk?

It is nice not to have to commute. Usually I walk 1h 20min to the office, so having that time to spend on something else, is amazing. I also like listening to music quite loudly (it helps me concentrate) and enjoy a Netflix quickie during lunch break.

• What do you miss about working at the office?

I definitely miss my colleagues and the office banter. We deal with heavy and intricate mental health stuff on a daily basis which comes with a lot of responsibility. So having someone in the office to process this or just joke about something unrelated for a few minutes usually helps take off the pressure and intensity.

• Any WFH tips?

For me it is quite important to maintain the getting ready for work routine, instead of rolling out of bed, on the floor, right to the desk. Showering, getting dressed even if no one is there to see it goes a long way. And establishing boundaries when not working I find equally important. Switching off email and work phone when work time is up. Before Zoom calling empty your bladder and position your snacks and drinks strategically.

• What helps you manage your wellbeing during lockdown?

I go running almost every day to keep the brain afloat. Also: video games, movies, music, tv shows, learning a language, being creative. I also journal frequently and make lists of what I’m doing every day. It helps structure the day. Also when I look back at the lockdown days and ask myself what the hell I was doing, I can say, oh yes at least I did my laundry that day.