The Lockdown Diaries – Clare Chambers

I had only ever worked from home for a total of three months prior to lockdown but as an auditor I am used to adapting to unusual temporary working locations. I recently bought my first flat with a friend and space for a home office for two was not on our list when flat hunting but fortunately we have settled into to our new space well. Despite knowing each other well I had never worked alongside my housemate, but it has been interesting to see a work side to Rob and we have been sharing support of new skills.

There have been lots of unexpected positives to take away from this time on both a personal and work front including speaking more with friends, family, and colleagues than I ever have before because of video conferencing technology. I have learnt more about my colleagues and their home lives, including a surprising squark from a colleague’s pet bird, Buddy. I have now ‘met’ clients in video meetings that I previously only spoke to on the phone and have been able to assist clients in new ways on top of the usual services including support with loans and furlough claims.

I have also enjoyed the variety of virtual work socials over the last few months and was in the winning team in the firm-wide quiz (though I’m not sure I helped!) I have learnt so many lessons about communication and team working from this experience that I will be able to apply when I transition back to my normal routine of working across two offices. I want to retain the positives from this time when we can return to normal and to keep appreciating the little things about being in the office that I perhaps took for granted before. It’s going to be about balance and being even more adaptable to manage clients’ needs.