Warwick people: Staff experiences
Working at Warwick has been very different during Covid-19: many of us have been working away from campus, and working on campus has been very different - and difficult. What's it been like for you? What are staff most looking forward to, as the restrictions on all of our lives begin to ease?
First off, we spoke to people from Warwick's Estates team who have been looking after campus so brilliantly throughout the last year, to find out how they've found it and what they are looking forward to.
We'd love to hear from you too. We'll be getting in touch with more teams over the coming months - if you'd like to be involved, let us know at internalcomms@warwick.ac.uk.
Andy Rothwell
Stores Manager
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"I want to look back and say I played my part working continually throughout lockdown. I have found it to be interesting to see how the campus has changed and responded during lockdown and documented this through my own photos.
During these very uncertain and worrying times it has been, for me, a very satisfying and challenging time, to help so many people across all University departments, in the knowledge that I have done as much as possible to protect and put staff and students at ease with the supply of PPE, sanitiser etc, including supplies for Test and Trace."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"After having so much taken away from us, I look forward to getting some freedom back and not taking things for granted.
I’m looking forward making more time for the things I enjoy, to seeing and socialising with friends in person, attending music events and being able to travel in the UK, to venture a bit further than our local vicinity, to get out with my camera to take photos."
Ben Rowan
Plumber
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Working on campus throughout lockdown has been challenging with so much uncertainty, but also it’s given me a routine with being able to come to work, socialise on a different level and given me something positive to focus on."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"What I’m most looking forward to when the lockdown is lifted is being able to see my family and friends, hopefully going abroad, and also attending sporting events and concerts. Oh and also the pubs opening!"
Donna Chaytors
Cleaning Assistant
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"It was very quiet at the start of lockdown in March 2020.
October was very scary, I was frightened of catching Covid and taking it home to my family."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"I'm looking forward to interacting with students and team members.
Children getting back to after school activities.
Going to the pub!"
Darren Slattery
Assistant Waste Services Manager
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"It's good to know you’re an essential element in keeping the University safe and clean."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"Seeing people and watching the campus come alive again."
Andy Wood
Senior Gardener
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Campus has been very quiet during lockdown with remarkably less students & staff.
However, it has remained the same for the Grounds & Garden Team as nature doesn’t stop – grass still grows, leaves still fall and even snow will still make an appearance!"
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"I am looking forward to being able to meet up with family and friends again and getting back to ‘normal’."
Debbie Clarke
Campus Cleaning Services Supervisor
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"At times it has felt quite scary but I know things have been put into place to make all of us on campus as safe as possible."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"I know it will be a while before all restrictions are finally lifted, but the main thing I am looking forward to is having my whole team back and having a nice catch up with them all."
Richard Field
Electrical Services Officer
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"It’s been a challenge to re-invent the way in which we have worked for many years in just a few weeks. But the challenge has been exciting and with it has bought new more efficient ways of working, such as now using drones to carry out roof surveys and provide project progress information to project managers working off site."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"I’m looking forward to be able to go out for a meal with my daughter, family and friends. Being able to leave the house for non-essential reasons and making Friday the best day of the week again!"
Andy Bastable
Building Facilities Manager
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"It's been different! I have been working on campus throughout the lockdowns and it was very odd to start with. I often struggle with how quiet it is during vacation but this was another level of quiet! However, after a few visits, it was surprising how quickly you get used to it.
I was kept busy initially by carrying out building inspections and helping with maintaining water hygiene. I then got involved with making buildings Covid safe and that was a very busy few months. So far this year, I have been on campus much less and really appreciate the days that I am on campus."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"From a work point of view, my job involves helping people who use the buildings that I am Buildings & Facilities Manager for and I am really looking forward to having them back on campus. Equally as importantly, I am looking forward to being able to get a coffee a bit more easily!"
George McBride
Programme Manager
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Throughout lockdown, I have generally been on campus one or two days per week. These days on campus tend to be incredibly busy as you try and squeeze as many meetings, site visits and surveys into the time available – frequently clocking up several thousand steps per day. Generally the campus has been very quiet – at times almost eerie! Virtually no people around and no buzz.
On the positive side, it has been great to be able to progress projects and to get things moving. On occasion, you also tend to bump into a colleague whom you haven’t seen in several months, so it is great to have a quick catch up and to know that life goes on – outside of the four walls of my home study!
It is also a welcome relief to actually visit the campus to escape the intensity of back to back Teams meetings – being mobile and getting some fresh air is good for the soul."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"It will be nice to be able to meet up with friends and family again – during 2020, I have had to rearrange two trips to see my elderly parents in Ireland, meaning it has now been well over a year since I have seen them.
It will be nice to work with my Team and all of the colleagues at the University in person and working together to deliver our projects.
Although I do hope that the easing of lockdown restrictions is done with care to prevent another wave of the virus spreading across the country."
Graham Williamson
Facilities Assistant
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Very rewarding, but also very challenging. "
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
" A more relaxed working environment."
Andy Clews
Water Hygiene Manager
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Quite lunar. A feeling of being in a Sci-Fi thriller where people had been abducted and I was the only one working frantically to prevent issues if the return to normal was to happen."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"To be able to say we made it through to the other side.
To enjoy the ‘one hell of a party’ that Stuart Croft referred to.
To be able to enjoy the freedom of seeing family, visiting local pubs / sports clubs to watch local sport and socialise, to be able to travel."
Richard Gerrard
Senior Carpenter
What has it felt like working on campus during lockdown?
"Initially I was a little anxious, but the support from all work colleagues helped. Knowing that hand sanitisers had been placed around campus and systems put in place to protect us as much as possible reduced the anxiety."
What are you most looking forward to, once restrictions ease?
"Watching the football in a pub, my early morning swims at the Sports Hub and a haircut! Also going for meals with family and friends, freedom!"
Estates photo gallery