Declan’s flex work story
Prior to coronavirus, Declan was familiar with flexible working as he runs a business with a remote team and splits his time between a co-work space and his at-home office. He shares how he managed working from home during coronavirus restrictions with a suddenly full house.
"Having the kids all day long was really nice to do craft and emulate some day care activities. We had to keep reminding ourselves it was a special time i.e. to get this time before they go to school."
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Small business owner and dad of 2.
How has working from home during COVID-19 compared to your expectations?
Very hectic and stressful working from home whilst the kids were out of day care. We applied a tag system where we had a room to work. One parent working, one parent on kid duty and we would simply tag in and out all day depending who's meeting was higher priority. Overall, was a stressful experience upon reflection where we would end up working into the night to recover time lost.
What are the benefits you've experienced in working from home?
No commute for either of us was awesome. Having the kids all day long was really nice to do craft and emulate some day care activities. We had to keep reminding ourselves it was a special time i.e. to get this time before they go to school etc. It may never happen again.
What’s been your biggest distraction or challenge, and how have you overcome it?
I’m pretty used to working from home, so I know I have a window to work between kid drop-off and pick-up. So, I generally don't do distractions. Limited time = motivation to push through.
How has your experience changed your thinking on working from home?
I have been going less to the co-work since COVID, maybe just because my wife and I are both home and can share lunch time together.
What does your at home workspace look like?
1 spare bedroom, dedicated desk and monitor to plug laptop in.
Have your working relationships changed or grown in working virtually with each other? If so how (i.e. benefits, challenges, improvements)?
We are 100% remote team anyway, however, the team started to turn on their cameras during COVID, whereas generally we wouldn't. One team member started it saying ‘hey let’s do cameras’ and it has grown from there.
What’s your working from home ritual? (i.e. your morning routine, something that helps you feel in the zone or you enjoy now you’re not in the office)
Kids ready for day care (brekkie, dressed teeth etc.)
Drive Kids to day care
Drive home
Start work
Coffee 11ish
Lunch 12ish - for 30mins
Work to 4/4:30
Day care pickup
If something is burning I will work again after kids go to bed so generally 8:15 but I’m trying to stop this