MY EXPERIENCE!
“Working from home during the lockdown was a bit challenging for me because it was not planned. For example, I did not have a nanny to help take care of the kids while I work as the kids would be in school from 8am to 5pm. Everyone being at home meant additional work of cleaning, cooking and at the same time getting my job done.
There were times I had to work till late just to ensure reports were completed as scheduled because you cannot give excuses of being stressed with other activities at home ( I have to make up for anytime lost in trying to sort out home activities). During virtual meetings its either I am praying for the kids to be asleep or their dad not been scheduled for a virtual meeting at the same time. It was interesting and challenging at the same time. The interesting part was the family bonding and the opportunity to reflect on the fact that the life God gave to us is just a privilege not a right.
When I was asked to resume on the 4th of May, 2020, I was so scared because I had a lot of thoughts running through my head on how to cope with the kids since schools are still closed, the fear of contracting the virus, not knowing how soon the whole pandemic will be over and at the same time grateful that I still had my job. But thank God for the Management that organized a counselling/training session for all team members that were scheduled to resume in that batch, the doctors explained the precautionary measures again and again and where to go for help if anything. Before the session above, we had a virtual training on mental health in times of the pandemic and that was really helpful.
The Management kept on encouraging us to adhere to all the precautionary measures, for those that were mobile, we were encouraged to avoid public transport, pick up any team member close to our residence and regular enlightenment of our family members and neighbor’s on the need to take all precautionary measures. Packs of face mask were distributed to us, hand sanitizers strategically placed for regular use and easy access, temperature checks were done at the entrance and social distancing ensured in office spaces.
That was a great deal of help for me.”
PERSONALLY…
“was an interesting and scary experience as I became configured to wash my hands, open the door with my elbow and even wear face mask while at home. Each passing day was like another chance to live and that was not taken for granted. Every discomfort led to checking Google just to be double sure it is not a symptom of COVID-19. I was always watching out for the latest update from NCDC and as the numbers were increasing, it was scarier as I kept on praying and trusting God to keep us all alive.
It was interesting because it was a family bonding opportunity because even while on our normal leave, the kids might still be going to school or my husband is not around or I have an engagement somewhere else that needs me to travel and all that. It was time well spent with my kids that learnt to cooperate whenever I was working or attending any virtual meeting/training.
It was an opportunity to draw closer to God and appreciate Him more for being so merciful and kind to me and my family.
I wonder how soon I will be able to move on with opening the door with my elbow, washing my hands often and leaving my Mouth, Eyes and Nose untouched until I get home.
I have come to the realization that the covid-19 may not be going anytime soon like malaria and all we can do is ensure we adhere to the precautionary measures as well as trust God to keep us safe!”
Violet Oyanoghafo
Head, Social Capital Management