We speak to Sarah Atkinson from our UK team, about how she’s adapting to work during the COVID-19 restrictions, and how it’s given her a renewed appreciation of the beauty of her surroundings - the famous Yorkshire Dales.
Hey Sarah, tell us about your role at Iress
I manage training and a team of project managers involved with implementations here in the UK. The project managers implement Iress solutions into our clients’ businesses and the training consultants help them get the best from their software. Usually this would mean a lot of travel but at the moment, like many of us, my job is now done all online.
You’re used to working closely with people, how have you and the team adapted to the lockdown?
We’ve adapted really well. All our training and project meetings moved online quite seamlessly. At Iress we already had brilliant workplace technology and had business continuity tests to prepare for something like this. We haven’t actually had to learn anything new, we’re just using what we always have done, but a lot more. We are missing being face to face with our clients, but things are working well.
We’ve seen a big increase in online demand for our training. I think with our clients being at home, they’re using this time to learn something new - for some it’s juggling, sewing, or honing their Xplan skills!
Things are different obviously at the moment, but there is a real culture of checking in on each other.
What is Iress life like during lockdown?
We still want to do a great job and enjoy what we do at the same time - it makes for a great culture of balance. Things are different obviously at the moment, but there is a real culture of checking in on each other. Most teams have regular virtual coffee breaks throughout the week, it’s a chance to have a chat and we are learning things about our colleagues we never knew before! Bonds are being formed.
What is the best thing about working at Iress?
A job title and job description does not define you. I get to work with multiple teams globally and I’m exposed to projects. The opportunities to expand my knowledge and stretch me professionally are endless and that’s why I love it here.
What have you gained personally from your career at Iress?
I’ve been working with the same team for 15 years which may look like I’ve stood still, but I really haven’t stopped. I’m not motivated by job titles and promotions, what gets me going is doing things I enjoy. There’s variety, the chance to learn and be challenged.
I've been supported to grow as a leader. I’ve had the opportunity to train our clients and develop strategies on a whole variety of solutions, presented to hundreds of clients at conferences, travelled and I’ve been nominated for a Women in IT award.
Outside my leadership role one of the best things I’ve gained is an understanding of the view of our clients because I’ve spent so long out in the field with them. I love to use this skill to help other teams and projects wherever I can.
What advice would you give your younger self, starting out in your career?
Be yourself. I used to fret about talking to someone senior and saying the wrong thing. I’m a chatty person who likes to have a laugh, and that’s ok - be confident to be yourself and get involved with things outside the remit of your day to day role. If you have an idea, or see something you could help with, have the conversation, get involved and believe in yourself.
What career advice would you like to pass on to anyone at the moment?
I think we all need to stay connected to each other no matter what level you are or your aspirations. Now might be a good time to think about what you want to do next and set yourself some goals.
We’ve learned a lot of things can be done remotely online, but also some things are just better face to face.
What makes you tick outside work?
I love being outdoors and am always up for a random adventure with my two daughters in tow. We have to comply with social distancing rules at the moment but always make sure we go out together to get our exercise. Having the Yorkshire Dales on our doorstep, it usually means crossing fields of sheep.
I decided to embark on a big lifestyle change four years ago and have gone from a total couch potato to someone who runs half marathons for fun. It’s even more important to try and make sure I find time to exercise a few times a week now. I’m really looking forward to being able to enter a few races again.
Do you think the coronavirus will change the way we work in future?
I think we will consider the importance of interactions and recognise that online and face to face both have their place. We’ve learned a lot of things can be done remotely but we will have a different perspective on the best way to get things done after this crisis. There isn't one size fits every scenario.
I’ve also learnt homeschooling is not a long term career option I want to pursue.
Finally, do you have a working from home tip to share?
Set yourself start and end times and make time for lunches and exercise.
Accept that the moment you don’t want any disturbance when you’re on an important Zoom the doorbell will ring with a delivery. That’s life - don’t stress!
Find out more about life at Iress
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