https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4 Everyone in the team is now regularly working on campus. Ahead of our TPA session exploring hybrid working longer term, please add your thoughts to this Padlet. Thank you - Tom, Laura and Jane. en-us 2021-06-17 12:03:27 UTC 2021-06-29 20:31:06 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/422527975/d890ec32e5c1cb472e2c052f171ceacb/3D36__2_.jpg tom_gold https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1612116276 https://intranet.uwe.ac.uk/sites/hr/guides/Pages/hybrid-working.aspx#part1]]> 2021-06-17 12:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1612116276 janechoules1 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1618080400 https://intranet.uwe.ac.uk/tasks-guides/Guide/remote-working#part1

]]> 2021-06-21 17:40:37 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1618080400 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621408639 2021-06-23 09:32:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621408639 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621413342 2021-06-23 09:37:29 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621413342 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621506936 2021-06-23 11:25:09 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621506936 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621508295 2021-06-23 11:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621508295 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621638994 It was weird at first when I was the only one there, but now it's starting to feel more normal. It's great to be able to see colleagues again in real life (online interaction is nothing like the same!) Some worries/disadvantages - having to have the windows open when it's cold; what buses are going to be like when it's raining. So far it mostly feels like a positive experience though.]]> 2021-06-23 13:12:02 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621638994 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621656567 I felt very isolated at first when WFH. Even just having a few days when I see colleagues helps to break that up so that it doesn't feel like such a problem now. I find online meetings while in the office a bit challenging/awkward, so I try to avoid this wherever possible.]]> 2021-06-23 13:22:09 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621656567 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621824293 IT provision is an issue. If we could purchase compatible kit through ITS for use at home where needed it would be really handy (VAT free for business use possibly?). Since working from home I've had to replace a TV which I use as my second screen (the original one failed as it was 8 years old) along with my router as the one supplied by my internet provider was too unreliable for home working. ]]> 2021-06-23 14:50:12 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621824293 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621871238 I've come to really appreciate the separation of work and home you get as a result of working in the office. My desk at home is where I would normally spend time on my hobbies in the evening - sitting at it all day working has meant I've been less willing to spend my free time during the week there as well. ]]> 2021-06-23 15:17:19 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621871238 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621896186 Pre-covid I was exhausted by the end of the week from the long days in the office and navigating traffic at busy times. I now really look forward to catching up with the team on our team days and find I'm much more productive all week rather than it tailing off by Friday through tiredness. I find the booking system requires some planning ahead but the office feels clean and airy going forward into post-covid times.]]> 2021-06-23 15:32:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621896186 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621906590 I'm looking forward to continuing a blended approach to office/ wfh that works well for both the team and personally.]]> 2021-06-23 15:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1621906590 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623234651 I have spent most of the past year working on my kitchen table often with my family. I have rarely experienced stress like that Coming into the office even for the few mornings in the Autumn was very strange and scary at first especially with the new covid secure routines and complicated processes for doing my job. The more time i have spent time in the office the better it has been both for my physical health and mental well being. I miss having my own desk in the office most of all and I hope office life will get even better once the restrictions ease.]]> 2021-06-24 08:01:06 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623234651 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623253204 Blended working is working quite well for me so far, but it is very early in the post pandaemic process and it could all change again very quickly. Personally i need a permanent desk in order to do my job effectively and work within my reasonable adjustments. Starting from scratch every day is proving very difficult. I really don't think Senior management have considered this enough or given us much of a choice. Local managers are much more engaged and supportive.]]> 2021-06-24 08:16:49 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623253204 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623260940 https://intranet.uwe.ac.uk/about-uwe-bristol/mental-wealth-first/support-for-staff]]> 2021-06-24 08:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623260940 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623387264 I find campus particularly difficult at the moment, due to the stress of being in close proximity to a large quantity of people in an environment that's not entirely under my control. I think I would find things very difficult if the office ever becomes as crowded as it was before March 2020.]]> 2021-06-24 10:34:33 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623387264 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623399126 Blended working has been working very well for me. I have struggled less with medical-related tiredness when I don't have to commute every day, and now the office has the new equipment it's pretty easy to travel with only my laptop. I have had some trouble with VPN related issues, but IT has been very supportive in fixing these.
I really don't like the hot desking approach to campus working. I recognise it's difficult when half the desks can't be used, but it's stressful not being guaranteed the same space and having to work around my team being scattered and not always able to sit together. This does take some of the advantage out of everyone being on campus together.]]> 2021-06-24 10:47:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623399126 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623421346 Going into work on campus was a norm pre-Covid but now I have to remember to book my desk, take my laptop, check that the buses from home to work are actually running (this can be stressful at times especially when the bus is quite full and contemplating whether to get on it)....
It is nice to have real life interaction instead of virtually as I have missed the social side of it.]]> 2021-06-24 11:14:21 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623421346 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623425513 I have been happy with the blended approach to home and campus working. It has been nice to come back to the office and see colleagues and so I'm glad this has been possible. I understand the need for a certain amount of 'hot-desking', but would prefer to have a fixed position in the office as before, especially if the days we are required to be in, continues to increase.]]> 2021-06-24 11:19:20 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623425513 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623427000 Yes, it's definitely different, but I've been glad to be able come in to work. I find the lack of separation between work and home life quite depressing. It was okay at first but I think after a year of it, those feelings of isolation have built up more and more. That said, I imagine a hybrid model working would probably work best for me. The one thing I haven't missed is the commute. I'll be happier when there are fewer restrictions required.

]]> 2021-06-24 11:21:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623427000 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623431022 Blended working works quite well for me. I think we need to get to a point - soon, where people know what is expected of them in terms of when they will be in the office and when at home. I think all roles should involve at some least some aspect of on-campus working.]]> 2021-06-24 11:25:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623431022 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623431412 I think it has made me appreciate the interaction with people more and am enjoying the days in the office. I think a hybrid way of working will be beneficial though as there are times when dealing with certain tasks that being at home could be preferable.]]> 2021-06-24 11:26:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623431412 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623433743 I like blended working as it suits me really well - I love working from home as it means I don't have to take public transport. Having said that some of the tasks that I do will require me to be on site so I don't mind as long as we are not going back to how it was, ie going in everyday. ]]> 2021-06-24 11:29:03 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623433743 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623434844 At first, when working from home all the time, I was longing for the time when things would be 'back to normal' and we could be back in the office. Now, after over a year of mostly being at home, I have got used to it and quite like it, even though I miss the social contact and ease of resolving problems face-to-face. I like coming into the office once or twice a week, but the thought of having to come into the office every day again almost fills me with dread! There are so many things to remember and so many rules to follow - taking the Covid tests, constantly having to clean everything, , wearing masks etc. It will never feel the same as it used to be, everything is slightly tinged with anxiety. 

]]> 2021-06-24 11:30:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623434844 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623448025 I have been fortunate in being able to work at 'my' desk whenever I have come into the office. I don't really like the idea of not having my own space, so it must be hard for all those who have had to work at a different desk when they come in. I really like the idea of only coming into the office once or twice a week, and hope we can continue with that going forward. Having online meetings while in the office can be tricky, due to the technology not always working properly and the issue of disturbing other people. As far as equipment goes, I would like one of those computer stands to use at home instead of having a pile of books, if that could be arranged!]]> 2021-06-24 11:44:08 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1623448025 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625139602 I do feel much more satisfied and accomplished after getting home from a day in the office, and oddly enough I have more energy and drive to get on with home tasks. That said, I'm not sure I'd enjoy spending 5 days a week in the office now.]]> 2021-06-25 09:31:47 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625139602 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625143692 I've already noticed myself dividing my work up into 'home jobs' and 'office jobs', so I'm trying to be careful not to overload myself with too much work on the days when I am in the office.]]> 2021-06-25 09:36:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625143692 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625171076 Because I walk, I'm conscious of having to transport kit that can get heavy (primarily a laptop) backwards and forwards a lot. Long term, it will probably influence how much I choose to work at home vs. on campus, as I won't want to have to carry it every day. A guaranteed locker space would probably help a lot with this.]]> 2021-06-25 10:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625171076 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625174915 I'm choosing to WFH when I have meetings/ sessions I need to concentrate in, as it's much easier to do this at home than in an open plan office. If there are days I need to be in the office for other reasons, there will need to be somewhere quieter where these meetings can take place. ]]> 2021-06-25 10:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1625174915 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628034707 It was a little strange the first few days back in the office with all of the steps to make the space covid secure, but now its very much normal and i safe going back into the office. I feel that people are very quick to adapt to new procedures and situations.]]> 2021-06-28 08:00:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628034707 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628119565 2021-06-28 09:15:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628119565 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628164577 Yes, it feels different and there are new rules to get your head around but it's so nice to be back with other people. It takes a bit of organising to remember my equipment and things I will need such as milk for drinks and so on. I didn't like working from home at first but am quite enjoying doing a bit of both now!]]> 2021-06-28 10:05:22 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628164577 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628168436 Bringing a bag with laptop and other equipment including drinks and things that can't be kept at work is rather heavy. I have a bad shoulder and neck so this can be tricky but I think perhaps if we can get lockers or somewhere in work to leave things like cutlery, cups, personal stationery and so on it would help.]]> 2021-06-28 10:09:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628168436 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628450790 Blending working is so far working well for me. I was one of the first to go back into the office (fortnightly) and have increased my days in the office during the week (3 days in, 2 days at home), so far this is a good balance. ]]> 2021-06-28 14:14:49 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628450790 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628458822 It's difficult to judge for me, as I had a very short time on campus before lockdown one and my experience of 'normal' was shorter than most! Coming back to campus on a more regular basis than before has been fantastic, enabling me to see my colleagues in 'real-time', to build up those partnerships and also make friendships too. I have felt very safe while on campus (even with the procedures in place, they have become second-nature).]]> 2021-06-28 14:19:51 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628458822 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628553102 Pre-COVID I was feeling very constrained by having to work in the library, especially when I have a job that I can do largely from home. I have enjoyed working at home enormously - I think it's an indication that I was ready for some kind of change (although I still like my job and my colleagues!) Coming onto campus is OK, now that I don't have to do it so often. I don't even mind hot-desking - it's quite refreshing I think just to move to a different seat, and sit with different people, a bit like a mini-holiday! ]]> 2021-06-28 15:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628553102 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628562272 I am enjoying the social and collaborative elements of being back in the office. I look forward to seeing people face to face for team meetings, and find it is easier for everyone to contribute and discuss ideas. I would enjoy office working one or 2 days a week, but would prefer no more, considering things like the commute and flexibility. With regard to the impact of covid on office working,  as others have mentioned, remembering to gel/wipe down desk/book/ put on a mask before moving around has taken a little getting used to. I suppose my biggest concern is that at work is when I am also at most risk of Covid - so this is an additional worry. I suppose this will lessen as more and more students are vaccinated. 

]]> 2021-06-28 15:27:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628562272 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628578665 blended working has worked well so far. I can get most things done fine at home, but it's nice to come to the office a little and have time with others to chat through idea/get support. It would be good to get more clarification about what is expected, and whether blended working is a long term approach. I don't mind hot-desking, but is nice to sit with those we usually work with. ]]> 2021-06-28 15:39:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628578665 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628630695 It's fine at the moment as campus is so quiet but I may feel differently in the Autumn once more people return. It took a bit of adjusting to working back in the office but being able to talk to colleagues is a huge advantage. The balance of my working week is much better now than before Covid. I will be glad to see the back of masks needing to be worn within the office.]]> 2021-06-28 16:18:41 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628630695 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628638815 I have found the hot-desking more difficult than I thought I would. I miss having a base where everything is set up in a way that suits me. I guess with time, I will identify a few desks that I'm comfortable with. Online meetings and calls are more difficult in the office. It isn't so convenient to have to go to Felixstowe Court to find a quiet space, particularly for a short or unplanned call. Hopefully that will improve once rooms like 3D35 are available for use again. ]]> 2021-06-28 16:24:25 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628638815 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628645287 The balance of home and office working is good - 2-3 days in the office with a couple of days avoiding a commute or an early start are appreciated. It would be nice if flexitime is brought back though as I frequently work longer hours when I'm at home. ]]> 2021-06-28 16:29:05 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1628645287 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629838389 Finding a suitable team space to co-locate has been potentially tricky (although in the end it has worked out OK). I think there possibly needs to be a bit more thought about how to book desk space especially if we are opening offices to others in the LCI department. Being able to book for half a day might help for instance. ]]> 2021-06-29 08:57:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629838389 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629843096 Overall though there haven't been significant issues but I wonder how that might change once we start having to return IT kit - although I understand the rationale behind campus being our main place of work, and not being able to expect a duplicate set up at home. I think this will drive people back to campus and that could lead to difficulties in the longer term, especially if the offices are open to all in the department.]]> 2021-06-29 09:01:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629843096 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629953588 Issues with Teams, especially during large staff events.]]> 2021-06-29 11:10:18 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629953588 https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629955401 With everyone working at different places on different days might there be issues with team cohesion?]]> 2021-06-29 11:12:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tom_gold/uybefvpma1km0xr4/wish/1629955401