Kieran
Working from home has been enjoyable on so many levels - my favorite being right next to my little companion (My dog), keeping spirits up and letting me know when it's time to stop working! But on the other hand it has been a learning experience for all of us however, for me I have learnt that I am able to produce the same level of work from anywhere and that we are all a fully functional company whether at home or in the office.
The not so enjoyable part of working from home is not being able to work alongside my colleagues in person and on a friendship basis, it's not actually being able to see them. I get that we message a lot during the days, but messages dont cut it all the time... We are like a family after all.
Emma
Working from home definitely took a little bit of adjusting to, but overall I’ve just felt so grateful to be able to keep working, and working with a wonderful team at that! I’ve also loved spending more time with my dog. Having her here has pushed me to get outside for a walk every day and appreciate where I live so much more. It’s been lovely to have a little extra time in the morning too, being able to head out for a walk or do some house jobs before logging on.
I’ve also realised how close the Purple team are too, we might not be in the office together but I know they’re still there for a help or a catch up when needed. We’re all cracking on doing our own work on projects but we can all still pull together to help each other and celebrate successes despite the distance! Jess and I still work really closely together as she gets closer to qualifying, but it’s been great to see her answer more of her own questions through research, as I’ve not been sat next to her!
I definitely miss seeing the team in person and the general chat in the office with far too many Dad jokes from Phil and Allan! Sometimes working in my spare bedroom is just too quiet and I want to hear about Kieran’s latest DJ gig or Scarlett's new makeup purchases!
George
I cannot believe that we have all been working from home for 5 whole months. Initially it was a very new and strange experience to us all, however I feel that we have adapted both as individuals and as a company brilliantly. I have learnt an important lesson whilst working from home and that Is to never take things for granted. Here at purple we have an amazing team, and not being able to physically see them in all this time has reminded me of how much I rely on these guys. Even though they are only a click away, not having them there for regular catch ups about day to day things and the latest Netflix binge worthy box sets makes working from home quite a lonely place.
Jess
Working from home has been a real learning curve for me, especially with going into lockdown less than 5 months into starting my job at Purple - it’s hard to believe I’ve now spent more time working from home than in the office!
Working from home has really pushed me to take ownership of both my work and my learning, without an office full of team mates on hand to answer any and every question and uncertainty, I’ve had to trust my judgement more and gained lots of independence. At first it was super daunting to think I’d be on my own but I got used to it quickly, especially with the entire team being only a message or phone call away. It’s certainly not the same being at home and not seeing everyone every day though, I’ve really missed the positive office vibe and daily chats with the team.
I’ve also learnt that in fact there are enough hours in the day - it’s just how you spend them that make them count. The time I would usually spend getting ready and commuting, I’ve spent reading my huge pile of books that often went unnoticed pre lockdown. I’ve always loved reading, but I ‘never had time’ for it until lockdown. I’ve since got stuck back into reading and now know it’s something I need to make time for going forward - I’ve even created an Instagram account dedicated to all things book related!
Amanda
February 2020 was the start of a new job, new challenge, new people - exciting times ahead with the Purple Team. How little did I realise that it would be a rollercoaster induction! Four weeks later and Purple Offices were brought to a halt with the announcement of the UK Lockdown.
I’ve made myself treat my new ‘office’ as a real workstation and to accept that my working day would be different but nonetheless interesting and fulfilling. I do yoga to kick start my day before enjoying a healthy breakfast then armed with a coffee in my office mug, begin the day with an online shout out to all my colleagues. Exploits from the weekend or previous evenings are shared and it really makes me feel part of a caring, friendly team. Work has been my salvation to be honest and treating my home office as the Purple Office has kept me focussed.
Once the tasks for the day are completed, it’s time for a walk in the countryside. Lockdown has allowed me to focus on my health which gives me a real ‘buzz’. I’ve kept up my morning yoga regime and can certainly tell the difference. I’ve really got into vegetarian cookery too (Amazon has certainly had a hit with the recipe books I have purchased), and my experience with a cheeky early evening Gin has taken me from Pear Drop to Seville Oranges – both highly recommended.
Maisy
When I officially became a Purple person, I found myself trying to think how I would now adapt to another change in circumstance during lockdown, having been furloughed for the first 9 weeks and then back to full time employment at a fabulous local deli/ takeaway, I was now, in a sense, combining the two by working from home.