Topic Tuesday// Adjusting to Covid Normal// Tues 25th October 2022 7-8:30PM AEDT

Meanwhile, our next question for @EliseSunflower; With the world opening back up again, how can we navigate getting back into the workplace in the right way for us, e.g. hybrid models of working?

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Also a great question. I’m going to focus on office-style workplaces here, since that’s what I’m most familiar with, but I recognise my answer won’t apply to all workplaces – if you have your own thoughts please add them. 💜

Pandemic lockdowns have demonstrated just how many industries can actually operate well in remote settings. Working from home is here to stay! It used to be a luxury and now, for many, it’s a necessity.

And it can be great – increasing accessibility, reducing commute times, and allowing more flexibility in your day. This can be so helpful for people who struggle to make it to the office, or who might have medical appointments or other commitments. But it can also be isolating and can make it difficult to connect with colleagues and work well together.

Many workplaces have adopted a ‘hybrid’ model of work, where working from both the home and office is possible. Meaning that people can do what works for them. Anecdotally, I’ve heard of some workplaces pressuring people to return to the office, despite their work being possible from home.

Employees have the right to request flexible work arrangements, and ideally employers will go beyond the bare legal requirement.

Fairwork have some good information and resources for employees and for managers and employers in terms of flexible work arrangements – rights and responsibilities. Definitely worth checking out!

I personally am enjoying a hybrid working from home model - it definitely makes it a lot more comfortable, and doesn't feel as if I have been thrown into the deep end again after the lockdowns. But in saying that, I am conscious that I am very lucky to be in this hybrid position.

I was classed as an essential service so I continued to work onsite throughout covid.
I live on my own and other than work and a daily walk I don’t usually leave the house.

I love working from home. It makes it so much easier to make time for all the other things in my life!

I really appreciate the acknowledgement that there are pros and cons to each different way of working. Having the opportunity to find and strike that balance is really important. Again, what works for you @EliseSunflower
& the idea of a slow re-entry through something like hybrid work is not something that had occurred to me before @amber22 , but super valuable

Next question @EliseSunflower: Lockdowns were a strange time for many of us – a massive adjustment to a new way of living. A lot of us developed new habits and routines. How do we find the right balance again?

Thanks for sharing @Captain24. I imagine that would've been quite the experience to still be working onsite/ out in the world when at times, so much of the world had near shut down.
Daily walks sound like a wonderful thing to do and reason to get out of the house!

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@TideisTurning wrote:

Next question @EliseSunflower: Lockdowns were a strange time for many of us – a massive adjustment to a new way of living. A lot of us developed new habits and routines. How do we find the right balance again?

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Thanks @TideisTurning... Lockdowns were very strange indeed. We had to adjust and try to keep well without our usual routines and supports. And for many of us that meant trying new things.

I always advocate for self-care being individual – there are no blanket rules.

But broadly, I think it’s about keeping what worked and discarding anything that didn’t. This might mean bringing back some things you tried during lockdown that were helpful.

Reflecting on my own experience, there were a couple of things that I tried during lockdown that I’ve kept up. One is picking up a new hobby – sewing. I’ve had a sewing machine for years and used to muck around with it, but never really learnt any techniques. During lockdown I decided to train myself properly, and built up my skills over time. It’s still something I do regularly, and I’m proud of my progress. It’s really satisfying to finish up a sewing project.

There are also things that I think I should bring back! I got into an exercise routine during lockdown – largely because I finally had the time. And when the world opened up again, I stopped regular exercise. I think my mind and body both miss it (although I definitely never feel like exercising after a long day). Maybe that’s something I should try to bring back!

Is there anything you tried during lockdown that you’ve stuck with, or anything you might want to try again?

I started painting and now I love it