How have you adapted to working from home during lockdown?

Zoe Calway Director talks about how she has adapted during lockdown.

Where are you working from now?

Home.  I regularly spend part of my week working from home so I am lucky to have a dedicated office with everything I need.  I even have an office dog.  She’s an old Springer Spaniel.  The sound of her snoring away is quite comforting.

What has been the most difficult about working remotely?

The juggling act – 2 primary aged children and a husband who is also working from home has definitely brought its challenges.  Like a lot of people working from home I have felt guilty for neglecting the children and their school work.  When I have managed to devote some time to this, I have felt guilty for neglecting my work.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Assessing how the team are coping.  Everyone has had good days and low days during lockdown but not being physically with work colleagues has made it difficult to judge how everyone is coping.  Phone calls and Zoom meetings are no substitute for a natter by the kettle.

Is there anything (work wise) that you wish you had with you?

A larger home office.  My weekly trips to the office to deliver paperwork, swap files and sign the odd document generally result in me bringing more stuff home.

What has been the most helpful thing you’ve learned?

How adaptable I am personally and how resilient the firm is.  The technology that has been put in place recently has been a significant help.  I don’t think I would have been able to work from home successfully without it.  We have adapted to look after our clients by having online meetings, taking instructions by telephone and visiting clients to arrange to get documents signed whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.  On more than one occasion I have had to witness a client signing their will through the window!

What is the first thing you are going to do when you are out of lockdown?

Go for a massage.  I am not sure when this will be possible but is high on my list (a long list).

I have been trying to keep up with running and general exercise during lockdown.  I have also been doing some early morning wild water swimming in the Lakes and have entered into the Lakesman in Lockdown happening this weekend.  I think my tired old body could do with a lovely relaxing massage.