As we reach the ‘one year on’ anniversary of the first lockdown, we thought we’d take a moment to reflect on this ‘unprecedented’ year.
Remote working
Like many businesses, Smart Cow has worked remotely for almost the entire year with a mini hiatus after the first lockdown which allowed some time back in the socially distanced office.
But as the majority of the year has been spent adapting to remote working, which involved (like everyone) the rapid adapting to Zoom meetings and utilising platforms for collaboration for sharing documents, messages, planning and well everything else.
So, as our homes became our office / home / school / social hub, we missed the coffee break chats and general office catch up after weekends. So, we conducted a mini straw poll around our virtual office to get a glimpse into our year.
In short, what we’ve learnt about each other is that it’s the ‘little things’ that became our highlights. Getting back to basics and enjoying the simple acts that perhaps had begun to pass us by in this fast-paced world.
So, here’s a short summary, which we’re sure many people reading this will be familiar with.
The simple things that became special moments reclaimed
Daily walks were a must and precious moments for some. Re-discovering the vast choice of green spaces that Croydon and Purley have to offer.
A simple early morning coffee in the garden with a favourite mug and cafetiere.
With some combining the two with this last lockdown turning a walk into a ‘coffee crawl’ supporting local Croydon cafes that were able to remain open.
Observing how it became so quiet and peaceful, especially in the first lockdown with much less traffic.
Taking time over conversations was perhaps another special moment and re-discovery.
How technology helped with socialising
Prior to the start of the pandemic, we were already using Zoom for some of our meetings. Although it still felt a strange with online meetings, we knew this was the way things were going to go in the future. So, roll on 2020 and perhaps we did not realise just how soon this would become the norm for everyone and we would be longing for the face to face meetings again.
So, Zoom very quickly became a part of everyone’s vocabulary – even the grandparents. So, not just vital for office communication, video became part of our social routine as we all embraced Zoom meet ups with friends and family. The Friday night drinks could still continue virtually with wine and beer tasting and Christmas work parties.
How did we get creative and discover new things?
Like many, cooking was a theme for some in the office. Being able to cook fresh homemade meals from scratch every day for lunch and dinner has been enjoyed by half of the team.
The garden or balcony has been a highlight for some getting involved in gardening, potting colourful plants and growing herbs. With one team member painting garden items and the back of their house! She says “it was a now or never situation”.
Perhaps no surprise, but films were on top of the entire team’s list. Embracing classic films or re-watching old TV shows to relive the series they enjoyed growing up. Some formed film clubs in their home to make sure they explored new genres and discovered new favourites.
Getting creative trying a few new hairstyles was a highlight for one of the team.
As well as learning about stocks and crypto currency – we will be asking for his tips!
Drawing was a theme for half of the team with the exploration of digital painting for one and weekly life drawing sessions run by experts @sirenslifedrawing attended by another.
Best purchases
- The RODE wireless mic is great for the sound on video creation and for Zoom meetings, really cuts out loads of the background noise
- Booking the expertise of Phil Curtis for remote personal training helped with changing mindset about personal health, which equated to up to 2 stone in weight being lost by one team member
- Disney+
- Sketchbooks
- Proper filter coffee
- Slate stones for the garden
- Toilet roll!
What we’re looking forward to…
What we’re most looking forward to is life returning to as ‘normal as’ possible as soon as possible and getting together with family and friends.
We have missed those face to face catch ups with groups of friends and are looking forward to going out for a meal, popping to the pub, having a natter in cafes, enjoying a film at the cinema, and supporting community hubs.
We long for our local businesses to return and look forward to being able to support them as soon as they are open, if not already of course, as we’ve all enjoyed takeaway food and pay it forward campaigns to show our support for when places re-open.
It’s not just about craving to socialise, it’s about having these places to socialise in that is so vital. This is what makes up the heart of our community so get out and support when you can – shop local and support local.
Importantly, promote your favourite local businesses:
- Share posts on your social media channels to help widen reach
- Write testimonials and reviews on their Google My Business pages
- Book ahead for your haircut and meal out
- Buy their products or services
As a local Croydon business based in Purley the BID is a community group to be aware of
As a local Purley business Smart Cow is part of the Purley Business Improvement District (BID). The Purley BID enables the Purley local businesses to make a difference and significantly improve the area as a place to live, shop and work.
So, as we’re all from around Purley and Croydon, the local businesses are so important. With so many great, shops, restaurants, pubs, shops and activity places it is worth exploring when lockdown is lifted. Look at the Purley BID business directory and sign up to its new Purley Loyalty Card Scheme for the latest offers.