https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections en-us 2020-10-14 10:19:19 UTC 2020-10-20 16:15:31 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f469-1f4bb.png stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122214 2020-10-14 10:21:26 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122214 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122392 2020-10-14 10:21:35 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122392 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122637 2020-10-14 10:21:46 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122637 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122818 2020-10-14 10:21:54 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828122818 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828123010 2020-10-14 10:22:02 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828123010 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828572674 I have relatively few responsibilities, but working from home does generate some distractions which can sometimes stop me from concentrating on work. Even simple things like the postman ringing the doorbell, remembering to empty the dishwasher, can take me out of the zone! Not sure how those with kids managed during proper lockdown.]]> 2020-10-14 13:37:53 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828572674 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828590004 I really like the people I work with! We've taken some steps to replicate the experience of being in the office (daily Teams calls, for example) but it's not the same.]]> 2020-10-14 13:42:00 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828590004 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828596291 I've enjoyed being able to be more flexible with my working hours. Obviously it's important for services to be covered, but the emphasis on results, not hours at the start of the lockdown was really appreciated. Sometimes I have a lie down on my lunch break, which is not something I could ever have done in the office.]]> 2020-10-14 13:43:28 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/828596291 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831602643 Even though I didn't always enjoy commuting working on campus meant that I had a cool down period between finishing work and getting home. WFH means that I don't have that time to myself to transition and switch off properly. WFH makes it easier to work late without even noticing, which is something I never did on campus, and I think is potentially damaging to mental health.]]> 2020-10-15 08:47:38 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831602643 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831615173 My mornings are now much more relaxed and instead of a mad rush to get up and get in to the office I have time to have a proper breakfast and do my morning 'self care' routine. I think this has made my morning moods significantly better, where in the past a bad commute can affect my whole day.]]> 2020-10-15 08:53:06 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831615173 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831625367 For my whole career in libraries I've lamented the low attendance numbers we (and every other institution!) get at training events. I've been amazed by the substantial increase in attendance at our MRE sessions delivered via Zoom in lockdown, and especially by the increased engagement we're receiving through the chat function. I strongly believe we should continue to deliver training sessions via Zoom post-pandemic, even if we also offer face-to-face sessions, as it seems researchers may value the convenience and are more prepared to contribute to sessions

]]> 2020-10-15 08:57:36 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831625367 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831626605 I've been surprised by my ability to concentrate while working from home. I was worried that I would procrastinate and find it hard to get any work done, but in reality my time management skills were better than I thought, and I have been able to keep up with increased demand, despite more potential distractions.]]> 2020-10-15 08:58:09 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831626605 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831630112 I feel lockdown has provided a genuine work/life balance that was never possible before. I've been easily able to move between work and home life commitments such as nursery pick-up, and continuing to work in the evening if I (rarely) need to, without having to factor in a huge commute and late travel home.]]> 2020-10-15 08:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831630112 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831634876 We've lost the ability to listen in on our colleagues' conversations and meetings which can allow us to broaden our knowledge and understanding of our work and sector. We're considering ways of facilitating serendipitous learning while WFH including open meetings where anyone interested is encouraged to attend and listen in, and scheduling time to just chat!]]> 2020-10-15 09:02:28 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831634876 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831636323 I miss socialising and chatting to my wonderful colleagues, outside of my calendar appointed times. GMRS is great and really helpful, but at the end of the half hour I feel kind of sad that it's over, and I probably won't talk to anyone else in a non-work related capacity that day. I think this is made worse by the fact that some people who I would often go and chat with are in a different team to me and don't come to GMRS and therefore I don't see them at all. I don't think there's much that can solve this so I suppose that I just want to say that I miss everyone an awful lot and I hope I'll get to see you all again sooner rather than later. ]]> 2020-10-15 09:03:17 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831636323 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831663150 If your circumstances mean you can set up a home workspace with some degree of separation from the rest of the house/household, this can help you to concentrate on work better than in a shared office in the Library.]]> 2020-10-15 09:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831663150 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831664714 When morning shower etc. has produced increased energy levels, traditional commute can seem to decrease them again, so being able to go straight to work without having to sit in car or on public transport mitigates this problem.]]> 2020-10-15 09:18:42 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831664714 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831666572 As somebody else has hinted, children (much though we love them) can make WFH difficult, particularly when schools are/were closed.]]> 2020-10-15 09:19:49 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831666572 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831685707 I think this is one of the main areas that I've found to cause difficulties while WFH, especially when it comes to learning how to complete new tasks that I'm assigned. In an office environment it's so much easier to just go and double-check something with a colleague after you've had an initial training session. The time and effort that it can take to do so over teams/email etc often feels a bit disproportionate, especially when it's only a minor detail that you want to ask about.]]> 2020-10-15 09:30:58 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831685707 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831717341 Because there's no pressure to sit at my desk 9-5 I can make sure that, if I'm feeling a bit drained, I fit in exercise and other wellbeing activities which ultimately help to increase my productivity. ]]> 2020-10-15 09:50:07 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831717341 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831769529 I'm saving several hundred pounds a month from not paying for public transport to get to work, and finally seeing the result of my full pay without a lot of it disappearing on travel.]]> 2020-10-15 10:23:53 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831769529 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831773073 As a couple of people have already mentioned, not having a long commute on public transport has given me a lot more time to enjoy being at home, which has different benefits at the beginning and end of the day. In the morning it is a lot less stressful; my morning commute was affecting my anxiety levels substantially and I would often arrive at work stressed and anxious. At the end of the day, I can now go straight into relaxing, catching up with my partner, going for a recreational walk (rather than just trying to get home as quickly as possible), and cooking. This has balanced out responsibilities at home.]]> 2020-10-15 10:26:34 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831773073 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831782597 I feel I have more autonomy over my job and what I do with my day because we have been given the flexibility to work how and when works best for us. This has increased my confidence and enjoyment of my role in many ways.]]> 2020-10-15 10:33:15 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831782597 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831787730 I don't have many responsibilities (eg. children) at home, but have still found it very challenging structuring my working day around my partner also being at home, struggling with mental health disorders, and finding space for us both to work and relax in a small space. ]]> 2020-10-15 10:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831787730 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831791324 There are a lot of things to think about, keep up to date with, and worry about still eg. what's going on at the university, government/covid restrictions, worrying about personal finances and the future of my partner's business. Sometimes this is a bit overwhelming and makes it difficult to fully concentrate on work, and also balance the time needed to read important information.]]> 2020-10-15 10:39:53 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831791324 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831797264 I have found that I have lost a level of independence and identity which I found previously from going out to work everyday.]]> 2020-10-15 10:44:21 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/831797264 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832432949 Not having to work the standard 9-5 means I can take breaks when I’m feeling tired or stressed and work when I’m feeling most productive. It’s also nice being able to have a different routine on days throughout the week depending how I’m feeling, for example starting early one day but later the next, or taking a longer lunch break and then finishing later. 

Increased flexibility also gives me more of a chance to focus on my health and wellbeing by allowing me to make more nutritious breakfasts and lunches that help give me energy and make me feel more productive and giving me the time to factor exercise or self-care activities into my day. 

]]> 2020-10-15 14:16:05 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832432949 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832457635 I miss seeing colleagues and having informal chats in the office. Although GMRS is a really good idea and it’s nice to catch up with people, it’s not so easy to have the 1:1 chats we used to have in the office, for example if we were working next to each other or bumped into each other when making a drink.  

]]> 2020-10-15 14:21:29 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832457635 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832693857 I agree so much with all the comments about the many WFH positives and negatives, so I will just say I miss everyone a lot as well. It is the people that make RS and the Library such a great place to work. Even when things are super busy and everyone is stressed out, and you are having a bad day (or week!) I do try to remind myself (especially now) that I'm lucky to work here with all of you. Hopefully back in the Library soon!]]> 2020-10-15 15:13:14 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/832693857 christophergibson1 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838805506 Fewer interruptions and distractions are allowing me to focus better on work and be more productive and creative.]]> 2020-10-18 13:30:47 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838805506 christophergibson1 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838807777 When meeting online we tend to be more conscious of how time is used which helps focus on tasks in hand.]]> 2020-10-18 13:33:30 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838807777 christophergibson1 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838818276 Strongly agree with earlier comments. At the beginning of the day commuting to work significantly raises stress levels and anxiety. In contrast, working from home allows me to hit the ground running as soon as I begin. At the end of the day working from home also allows me to transition more quickly into home life. I'm using the time saved for connecting with people, exercising or preparing healthier meals.]]> 2020-10-18 13:45:57 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838818276 christophergibson1 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838819908 Not commuting to work reduces our energy use and emissions. This contributes directly to the University's social responsibility agenda by improving the environmental sustainability of our campus.]]> 2020-10-18 13:47:48 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838819908 christophergibson1 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838843817 Strongly agree with earlier comments. Online delivery is increasing attendance and engagement (whether via 'unmuting' or chat). Online delivery can help us engage audiences that may otherwise be more difficult to reach - in particular the very busy or physically distant (e.g. researchers working at NHS sites, on placements, or studying part-time). Online delivery can be more convenient and efficient for learners and facilitators alike. ]]> 2020-10-18 14:13:52 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/838843817 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844078660 Not having to spend time either driving, or waiting for public transport, has been a joy, especially when combined with the money saved by not having to pay for bus tickets, fuel etc.

]]> 2020-10-20 08:47:45 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844078660 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844082932 Whilst we have been able to keep in touch with direct colleagues and friends via Zoom, Teams etc, I do think that being unable to drop in on colleagues in other areas, or into research groups and labs, has made it difficult to maintain the extended networks we often utilise in our working lives.

]]> 2020-10-20 08:49:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844082932 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844086767 I have been struggling with working from a small flat where I can't separate work and home life. The two naturally share a room, so i cant 'shut the door' on my work day, and fully relax into the evening - it's all the same room so the stresses of work bleed into my home life. ]]> 2020-10-20 08:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844086767 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844094778 We were very fortunate in that we'd already transitioned to Office 365 when lockdown happened, so were able to quickly start using Teams to communicate with each other. I'm not sure that moving to remote working would have been anywhere near as successful if we'd had to use a patchwork of different platforms, like Slack, Zoom, emails, etc.]]> 2020-10-20 08:55:45 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844094778 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844099256 Before lockdown, participating in video calls would have been my worst nightmare. That initial shock has subsided now, but I do still worry about how to participate in video calls. Am I talking too much? Am I not talking enough? When is a good opportunity for me to contribute? Am I doing enough to make other participants comfortable and confident enough to contribute? We miss a lot of visual cues that would usually give us a good steer on these issues if we were meeting IRL.]]> 2020-10-20 08:57:50 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844099256 stephenbcarlton https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844107199 As a relatively new line manager, I want my direct reports to feel supported (both professionally and personally) but also don't want them to feel like they're being pestered 24/7. This is different for each individual, I think. I'm still trying to get the balance right!]]> 2020-10-20 09:01:19 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844107199 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844125274 I feel I have so much time back. Maybe it's because i can stick a wash on and hang it out on a break, or ]]> 2020-10-20 09:10:52 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/844125274 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845146851 Although lockdown was scary and stressful on a personal level, the digital nature of our services meant that it was a very easy and smooth transition for us to start working from home. And several of our services have actually got busier in recent months - possibly due to enforced change in researcher behaviour (not allowed in the labs so writing up research) - but crucially we've been able to support increased demand for our services.]]> 2020-10-20 14:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845146851 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845161669 Virtual meetings don't have the same threshold on attendee numbers that face-to-face meetings do, so I hope we'll be able to facilitate increased knowledge sharing and learning by inviting colleagues from across the Library to meetings they may find interesting to find out more about our work in RS.]]> 2020-10-20 14:58:09 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845161669 https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845525371 Whereas before we were able to meet colleagues across the University and explain things face to face, we have had to become creative in order to explain to them how to use complex software such as SciVal. This has enabled us to
 enhance our portfolio of training materials using Medium. 

]]> 2020-10-20 16:11:31 UTC https://padlet.com/stephenbcarlton/rs_reflections/wish/845525371