Realising change was coming
On Thursday, 12 March, advice about the coronavirus was still unclear. We did what we do best, we looked at the numbers. The modelling made it clear that, for the health of our team and community, we should move to remote work and begin social distancing.
Adapting to remote work overnight
It was a sudden change. Yet, being a digital (and people) business meant that this transition was a relatively easy one. We don't exactly have a factory to dismantle and move. Our work can be done in the cloud and with a laptop, so we are lucky in that regard. The next day people were set up and we were having our first virtual stand-up.
It has been quite a week - both Adam and Victor have posted about their experiences so far. I'm sure there'll be more to come.
Keeping our team culture alive
We are still learning what works and what doesn't. Our culture is the backbone of the company. We are a small team and we have all established some amazing social bonds through work and socialising that strengthen the way in which we all collaborate. Now we are learning that while videos calls will not replace the real thing, they are invaluable in maintaining clear communication - so much can be lost in Slack or email. We even had a Friday evening remote beer in place of Friday evening IRL beer - and it was nice to all wind down together at the end of the week.
Managing anxieties and responsibilities
We all have understandable Coronavirus anxieties and it helps to know that everybody is in the same boat - both on a personal level and a business level - in some form or another. For me, on a personal level, I worry about my friends, my family (not just my young kids and my wife, who works for the NHS, but everyone - they all have stuff going on) and my parents in particular (my Mum is caring for my very vulnerable Dad at home, with the incredible help of others). On a business level, the financial support measures announced on Friday have certainly helped with some immediate concerns. So much is changing so fast.
Seeing the best in our communities
One thing that really has struck me is how our local communities are helping and looking out for each other. Online or offline there are caring people offering all sorts of support - and that is truly strengthening to see.
Measurelab doing its part
I want Measurelab to be part of these efforts in its own little way. The first thing we can all do is stay at home. People on the frontline of the NHS are already overwhelmed and they need every bit of help they can get. Beyond this, we are busy putting our heads together (albeit at an acceptable social distance, i.e. virtually) to see what we can best do as a business.
Moving forward together
Times, they are a changing. Let's do what we can to help each other get through this and out the other side.
