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Working from home

By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

I am really struggling to do this. Nearly at week

5 and finding that trying to learn a new role with basic training no documentation and minimal hand over

Then with both parents at home are driving me insane with their little bickering. My old man is not work for his own safety, so he is off and thinks I Am. No I am working arse off for 7 hours a day having minimal lunch break

I’d not know if it’s the new role getting to me, the fact that I am cooped up at home, or that it’s a bit of everything.

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By *moothman2000Man over a year ago

Leicestershire

There is a knack to working at home - routine, regular breaks, comfortable environment all help.

A new role is always difficult and doing it in isolation has to be tough.

On the plus side, the fact you are managing to hold it together says to me you're definitely the right man for the job.

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

"There is a knack to working at home - routine, regular breaks, comfortable environment all help.

A new role is always difficult and doing it in isolation has to be tough.

On the plus side, the fact you are managing to hold it together says to me you're definitely the right man for the job.

Well just about hold it together - I think I have used every swear word to describe my new manager

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By *SAchickWoman over a year ago

Hillside desolate

I'm still going out to work, but my other half is working from home, and finding it hard dealing with the kids at the same time. I think every employer will have a bit of understanding that your productivity will be affected by your home situation. I feel for you though, parents are harder to deal with than kids!

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By *oxy_minxWoman over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

I'm also struggling at home also, I have a sofa and a coffee table with a laptop and all I have done these last 3+ weeks, is look and buy IT equipment to make my life easier.

My new back support arrived today and after a few hours use, my back was killing me! I've suffered from back pain for 20+ years, so the dilemma tomorrow will be do I continue to try it and hope I get used to it and it eventually does help, rather than pill popping who knows?

Living alone also has its disadvantages, no one to speak to etc, that can make you a bit emotional at times, work taking longer than it should as file take a lot long to open etc, this is a whole new world for a lot of people I would say, just need to remind ourselves, that we can only do so much, which to be honest I find hard, as I am probably working longer than normal hours, so I also need to heed my own advise.

Love to all and stay safe x

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By *uenevereWoman over a year ago

Scunthorpe

I managed to bring an office chair home with my on my last day in the office but completely forgot about other stuff...

I have a table in the living room, and tablet up on books that techy hubby has hooked up to a proper mouse and keyboard.

I miss the chats in the kitchen at work and the free tea and coffee.

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

I have a desk to work so that’s not a problem. For me it’s not being able to just ask someone in the office. Oh I have an issue with something can you help.

I know things will get better but feel like I have been hung out to dry

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By *oxy_minxWoman over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

"I have a desk to work so that’s not a problem. For me it’s not being able to just ask someone in the office. Oh I have an issue with something can you help.

I know things will get better but feel like I have been hung out to dry

I know that feeling! We have two newish team members who haven't been trained yet on certain tasks, so the rest of us have had to pick up the slack, and it's been hard bloody going! No two doubts about it!

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By *alandNitaCouple over a year ago

Scunthorpe

"I managed to bring an office chair home with my on my last day in the office but completely forgot about other stuff...

I have a table in the living room, and tablet up on books that techy hubby has hooked up to a proper mouse and keyboard.

I miss the chats in the kitchen at work and the free tea and coffee."

There is tea and coffee in our kitchen

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

"I have a desk to work so that’s not a problem. For me it’s not being able to just ask someone in the office. Oh I have an issue with something can you help.

I know things will get better but feel like I have been hung out to dry

I only had 2 weeks in March then 2 weeks in April to learn the role. A lot I have done before but people are not clear in mails

I got told to read my emails today by my boss. What an email that comes through every 3 mins - it’s mad as a process never seen anything like, so I have missed a few emails

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By *uenevereWoman over a year ago

Scunthorpe

"I managed to bring an office chair home with my on my last day in the office but completely forgot about other stuff...

I have a table in the living room, and tablet up on books that techy hubby has hooked up to a proper mouse and keyboard.

I miss the chats in the kitchen at work and the free tea and coffee.

There is tea and coffee in our kitchen"

Yes, but we paid for it.

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By *wisted999Man over a year ago

North Bucks

Sounds like you need your own space after this is over.

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By *oved Up 2Couple over a year ago

nottingham

I'm working from home, gone from 3 days per week to fulltime and my work has changed a lot (I work for the NHS so our skills are being redeployed to support Covid). Last week I struggled but I'm finding the change in work has rejuvenated me. I did get stuff from office before lockdown so have chair, full size monitor and keyboard.

Like others have said l, routine is key. 1st couple weeks I just worked in my pjs. Now I make sure I dress for work and try to have regular breaks.

Hope things improve for you OP

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster

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By *eeBee67Man over a year ago

Masked and Distant

When I work from home I make sure I get up at usual time, dress in work clothes and follow normal routine as far as possible.

It is difficult but possible.

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By *moothman2000Man over a year ago

Leicestershire

I have a laptop but I use a proper mouse, keyboard and screen - laptops aren't designed to work on all day.

Kitchen table does as a desk and its next to patio doors so, on warm days, I open them and am practically sitting in the garden.

We use MS Teams, so I can stay in touch with everyone and not feel too isolated.

I've worked from home occasionally in the past, so I'm pretty much used to the routine.

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By *oxy_minxWoman over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

"these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster "

Not sure tbh, we are a transport company so we will be subsidised to a certain aspect. How it all works? I have no idea!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Sit and stand desks are good to keep you moving.

I've worked from home for last 5 or 6 years. What kept me going was good social life and lots of tennis. Now that is gone I am finding it much much harder. You can't make up for it with skype chats and facebook messenger etc. Getting very very fed up of it to be honest.

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By *eeBee67Man over a year ago

Masked and Distant

I think many may continue home working after the virus. Why pay for an office when it can be done remotely.

Perhaps include monthly meetings to touch base and collect supplies.

A lot of trades dont work from an office and only collect equipment, why does a finance or admin clerk need to sit at a desk if they tasks can be set and monitored remotely.

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By *angOnBunnyCouple over a year ago

Ipswich

Mr works from home permanently and it's all about routine and ensuring you take breaks and have a dedicated work environment.

He finds it's better WFH but you also need to get out of the house and exercise, but it does allow for flexibility, which in his case is because he works multiple time zones so never works a consistent working day

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By *moothman2000Man over a year ago

Leicestershire

"I think many may continue home working after the virus. Why pay for an office when it can be done remotely.

I generally work from home when I'm working on something I need to concentrate fully on (open plan offices don't really work for that).

I can stay in lockdown until I'm satisfied that it's sensible to stop.

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By *nleashedCrakenMan over a year ago

Widnes

I have a full office set up at home and have had for years as I have regularly worked from home at least 2 or 3 days each month.

We have regular Microsoft Teams meats (at least 2 a day). I get up at exactly the same time as I would regularly get up if I was going to work, have the same breakfast I would normally have. The time I would normally spend commuting I now spend relaxing in the sofa and then move to my home office to start the work day at exactly the same time I would normally arrive at my desk in work.

I'm actually finding that I'm being more productive working from home but I'm definitely looking forward to getting back into the office properly if only for the human contact. Skype and Teams are good but no substitute for actually talking real face to face.

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By *mcouple2Couple over a year ago

Warrington

"I'm also struggling at home also, I have a sofa and a coffee table with a laptop and all I have done these last 3+ weeks, is look and buy IT equipment to make my life easier.

Love to all and stay safe x"

You still have to do a DSE assessment and the company have to supply you with what you need. Look on HSE website.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS over a year ago

Central

I'd applaud anyone starting a new job under your conditions op. Ensure that you look after yourself and get frequent breaks. Take yourself outdoors too, with some exercise. Starting a new job typically has very high stress levels, as performance expectations are uncertain and this is exacerbated by having no physical proximity and being forced to cope alone.

Consider talking things through with your family, when things aren't at a highly stressed point.

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

I think that is the issue also my boss send emails as 12-4 in the morning so I am not used to getting emails like that overnight. Now I am I just have to get used to how she works

I will get there it’s just cultural very different than what I have been used to for last 5 years so I need to adjust but also understand how my boss works in terms of working times etc

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By *heLaserGuyMan over a year ago

Coventry

A bit off the subject here but I have a son working from home, set up an office in the spare room for him.

My thoughts last week were his company are using the electricity and internet I pay for, obviously these are strange times but those with data restrictions would be using it up etc.

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By *hatYorkLadMan over a year ago

York

I'm enjoying working from home, my drive to and from work normally is at least an hour depending on traffic, and more often than not I end up stuck in horrendous tailbacks which put me in a mood before I even get to work, plus I spend around £250 a month in fuel. It's bliss having an extra hour in bed every morning and being straight into my own time when I log off at 5pm. I'll be pushing to do it more when things go back to normal.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster "

I'm enjoying cycling to work now as the roads are so quiet. Feels wrong to saying you're enjoying anything when people are dying but theres a few positives for me right now and getting my confidence cycling on the roads is a big one x

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By *ooking4othersMan over a year ago

Here ...

"A bit off the subject here but I have a son working from home, set up an office in the spare room for him.

My thoughts last week were his company are using the electricity and internet I pay for, obviously these are strange times but those with data restrictions would be using it up etc.

He can claim a contribution to these costs, he just needs to call the Inland Revenue and they will apply it to his tax code. You can check on the GOV.UK website if he is eligible.

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By *racy_JacksWoman over a year ago

Derby

Also remember that it’s not just about distractions in the environment, Iack of structured routine etc. There’s a global pandemic so ya know, we’re not likely to be at the top of our game at the moment

I’m used to working at home and in normal times I’m more productive here than in the office. I live alone so I don’t have demanding family members to deal with. But, given the wider environment, I’m just not at 100% at the moment and I don’t think that we should expect to be. Others have give good tips but otherwise, be kind to yourself.

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By *angOnBunnyCouple over a year ago

Ipswich

"A bit off the subject here but I have a son working from home, set up an office in the spare room for him.

My thoughts last week were his company are using the electricity and internet I pay for, obviously these are strange times but those with data restrictions would be using it up etc.

He can claim a contribution to these costs, he just needs to call the Inland Revenue and they will apply it to his tax code. You can check on the GOV.UK website if he is eligible."

I simply charge cost to my company for working from home. I'm not incurring extra costs so the company can save money. So it's a line item on my expenses, not a taxable perk so not going on the tax codes or P11D

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I literally moved roles a week into all of this. My old company let us take chairs, monitors etc to make working from home better and I originally tried working from the dining table but was a nightmare always being interrupted by the kids etc.

When I started my new job I just have a laptop, I didn’t want the distractions when learning lots of new processes etc so made some room in my tool shed and set up a small table. I had to run some wires out as didn’t have power or internet but it’s working ok for me. No windows though so can feel a bit like spending 8 hours a day in a cave.

I do try to stick to a routine, get up as usual, shower, get dressed, go out and start at usual time then break for lunch etc which I find helps. Could definitely do with a bigger monitor though, keyboard, mouse etc and a comfy office chair.

Have to say I am looking forward to going into the office and actually meeting my team. O my new employers wanted to immediately furlough me until this all passed over so I could be trained properly but because of the stupid way the government have implemented the scheme they can’t. Thankfully they have been good and had lots of training and conference calls etc I have been able to do from home so not bad all in all.

Sorry long post and not really a point, just my experience of the last month.

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

"I literally moved roles a week into all of this. My old company let us take chairs, monitors etc to make working from home better and I originally tried working from the dining table but was a nightmare always being interrupted by the kids etc.

Sorry long post and not really a point, just my experience of the last month."

I think it’s very similar with me - just yesterday I felt like I couldn’t deliver on items because I didn’t know how to do things and was expected to them without knowing how

This morning I done the old write a list and get stresses out on paper and it helped. Was way more productive than yesterday and felt like I had achieved a lot today!!!!

Had a direct chat with manger with her expectations and I know what she wants from me!!!

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

We're both working from home, international education is our business, and we're doing it with a 3yo in tow so impossible to do all the "keep your routine" stuff. My normal work routine does not involve trying to read a book under my breath whilst in a Teams meeting or trying to build bricks with one hand, while chatting live online about Biology. S has just got her involved in his live stuff because he's less student facing for now.

I'm working much longer hours than normal due to the interruptions and because we've had about 3wks to transfer all our delivery from face to face to be done online. Had to get my team trained up (remotely) on new online tech that many are not confident with even now.

I'm disabled but my house is not adapted for my wheelchair so I'm working indoors from my rocking chair (with comfy wheelchair cushion) but it's not ideal. I can work outside from my wheelchair but not ideal with everyone doing gardening etc, loud noises.

In short - I'm desperate to go back to NORMAL too, OP!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

This is an odd time for everyone, but it will end.

Make sure you make some time for YOU.

Even if that means standing out in the garden with a cuppa.

Going for a drive.

Listening to a song that makes you happy or makes you cry. A good cry is a good thing too.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"This is an odd time for everyone, but it will end.

Make sure you make some time for YOU.

Even if that means standing out in the garden with a cuppa.

Going for a drive.

Listening to a song that makes you happy or makes you cry. A good cry is a good thing too.

I went for a 2-and-a-bit mile slog in the wheelchair with a toddler on my knee. Nothing like a bit of uphill pushing to get the endorphins flowing

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By *he-Hosiery-GentMan over a year ago

Older Hot Bearded Guy

"these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster "

Likewise. My job is on the road & getting about is much easier. Remote working is the way forward and I hope after all of this that things will permanently change. If people are managing to work from home for a couple of months then there’s no reason why it can’t be permanent. Cuts down on pollution, congestion, helps the environment etc.

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

"these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster

Its twenty times more stressful than our normal ways of working (education), the tech is crap and I hate not being able to see the students properly, help them individually etc. Nope, get me back in my car to work ASAP, please.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm used to being out of the house working from 7am-4pm-ish so this Lockdown, although necessary, is a struggle.

Last time I wasn't working I had a wobble and don't want it to get the point it did....that's why I'm keeping busy as well as relaxing. Turning of my phone. Reading books. Colouring.

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By *yn drwgMan over a year ago

Camarthen

A friend of mine had worked from home for the last 10 year's started with a desk in the house, he built a summer house in the garden so separated home and work with the office in the summer house he took regular breaks and enjoyed it unfortunately all his work is for retail and hotels so he is fucked!!

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

"We're both working from home, international education is our business, and we're doing it with a 3yo in tow so impossible to do all the "keep your routine" stuff. My normal work routine does not involve trying to read a book under my breath whilst in a Teams meeting or trying to build bricks with one hand, while chatting live online about Biology. S has just got her involved in his live stuff because he's less student facing for now.

In short - I'm desperate to go back to NORMAL too, OP! "

Wow that puts my situation in to perspective.

Tbh got me I have both parents at home and mum gets working from home. dad really doesn't and I get these snide jibes about helping out.

I did say I will help at the weekend when I am free and work finished. For me running has helped, but then I get back from a run and dads taking his time

In bath room so then I am running late

My dad doesn’t have a routine so I am quite regimental in what I do and having him being a pain in the ass isn’t helping. I have asked him could he be a bit more helpful but he is just not getting it at all

I really do feel for those with kids and I don’t know how they are managing. I don’t mind being busy but want things back to normal where I can be busy in office and switch off at home

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By *inky_couple2020Couple over a year ago

North West

In short - I'm desperate to go back to NORMAL too, OP!

Wow that puts my situation in to perspective.

Tbh got me I have both parents at home and mum gets working from home. dad really doesn't and I get these snide jibes about helping out.

I did say I will help at the weekend when I am free and work finished. For me running has helped, but then I get back from a run and dads taking his time

In bath room so then I am running late

I really do feel for those with kids and I don’t know how they are managing. I don’t mind being busy but want things back to normal where I can be busy in office and switch off at home "

My post wasn't intended to be tit for tat, who has it harder etc. Hoped I was demonstrating many of us are struggling for different reasons.

Its all well and good people saying stick to your routine blah blah, but if your routine is to bug out of the house by 7.30-8am and not come back for a good 9-10hrs, then obviously it's impossible to keep routine at the moment. Yes, we get up, shower, get dressed (decently) eat breakfast but that's where the routine breaks down and becomes utter fucking chaos

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By *racy_JacksWoman over a year ago

Derby

"these people working from home.

is it something you think your company is able to continue with after lockdown?

only asking because the roads are really quiet and im getting to work faster

I think that there is going to be a lot more blended learning in education going forward, and perhaps more students choosing to learn online. I agree it’s a nightmare atm. Institutions had to move everything online overnight and it’s not what these students signed up for.

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By *ikeC81 OP Man over a year ago

harrow

[Removed by poster at 16/04/20 21:09:43]

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