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 marketing volunteer Joanne a few questions:

Who are you “locking down” with?

I moved in with my twin sister, her husband and my two-year old niece just before lockdown began – so there hasn’t been a lot of time to be bored with a crazy toddler running around! I’m currently furloughed from my full-time role so I’ve been using the spare time I have to begin volunteering with London Friend.

How are you working differently during lockdown?

I’m lucky enough to have a loft room where I can separate myself from the family to concentrate on work. Zoom calls have been a great way to get to know the team and I’ve enjoyed having the time to see how the organisation uses social media to reach people.

What’s your favourite working from home perk?

Being able to listen to whatever I want, and also not having the distractions of an office environment! I’m also saving a lot of money on petrol.

What do you miss about working at the office?

I miss the routine of being out of the house from 9-5, and I miss chatting with colleagues and being able to learn more about the company by working alongside colleagues in different areas of the company.

Any WFH tips?

I’ll repeat a common working from home tip.. make sure you’re showed and dressed as if you were heading into the office. It really makes you feel more ready to work. Also make sure not to let yourself fall into the routine of working late into the night – stick to your normal work hours wherever possible.

What helps you manage your wellbeing during lockdown?

Like many people, I started the Couch to 5k programme at the beginning of lockdown as an attempt to get back into shape. I’ve also made more of an effort to listen to audiobooks at night, most recently books by black authors to educate myself on Black British history.