Adjusting to the ‘new normal’ at Clearbell
No business has been left unaffected by the unprecedented situation we all find ourselves in, and we have all had to suddenly adapt to new ways of working. Just like any other business, our team has had to acclimatise to the ‘new normal’ and is supporting one another to ensure we’ve all got what we need to continue working.
When the UK government advised that as many businesses as possible should be working from home for the foreseeable future, and with little clarity on the possibility for travel over the next few months, I was keen to return to my hometown of Cape Town to be with my family. Everyone at Clearbell was extremely supportive of this decision, and we’ve since learnt that there isn’t much of a difference between being 10 miles and 6000 miles apart in the new remote-working world.
I’ve personally been surprised to find how smooth the transition to working from a different continent has been. Most of my work can be done with the rest of our team online, including drafting reports and running analysis. Regular team catch-ups have definitely made the transition easier, and our digital tools have been essential in keeping us connected.
When the divide between your office and your home is taken away though, it’s important to keep as much of a routine as possible. Clearbell has kept the health and wellbeing of its employees front of mind by encouraging us to take regular breaks, exercise as much as possible and stick to our normal working hours. I’ve also really enjoyed the Clearbell quiz which we do each week, it’s a great opportunity to catch up with the team in a non-work capacity. Restrictions to movement in South Africa are stricter than in the UK, but fortunately I have some outdoor space which I can take advantage of and am being sure to check in regularly with friends and family, as well as colleagues.
The past few weeks have been incredibly challenging for everyone, but I know the skills we’ve picked up from working remotely will enable us to emerge stronger and more united as a team. Although COVID-19 has driven us apart physically, it has brought us closer together in a myriad of other ways.
Angela Ruck, Analyst
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