After the government's announcement that the 'delay' phase of Covid-19 is due to roll out imminently, many businesses across Kent are facing the prospect of potentially working from home in the near future.

It will not happen immediately, but when it does how will it actually impact workers, and what can they do to mitigate burnout and keep moral high? One Folkestone company is determined to find out.

Sleeping Giant Media announced that it is running a test by asking their workforce to work from home for a two-week period.

During this time they will be able to see whether or not they can carry out day-to-day processes, as well as keep their own spirits and mental health up.

Managing director Ant Klokkou said: "We did a similar thing for two days in September last year during the build up to Brexit.

"We were preparing for an M20 nightmare which thankfully never surfaced but it gave us the idea for this when Covid-19 started spreading.

"We are lucky, in that our work makes it so that we can work remotely, of course this won't be the case for everyone but for those who can work from home we hope that what we learn might prove helpful in some way."

Instead of working on desktops and landlines, the team will be using their mobiles and laptops and set up with Google Hangout, as well as regularly video calling to maintain contact with each other.

Mr Klokkou says that the video chats are a fantastic way to keep moral up, and that others forced to work from home in the future should consider them.

He explained: "It's ironic in a way given that you're told to avoid your colleagues, but the most important thing to keeping yourself sane is keeping some form of face-to-face contact, which in this case is via videolink.

"That way you still feel like you're still dealing with actual people, because it's important to avoid becoming completely cut-off from the outside world socially.

"Other activities are important as well, like getting out for a walk and some fresh air, obviously while trying to minimise the risk of infection."

The team have had an extremely positive reaction from their clients, but hope that it will not have to be used properly following the test.

CEO Luke Quilter said: "We need to keep this in perspective and deal with this as we would with any other challenge to the business.

"This is just a test, a trial to make sure we have the capability to operate like this, which is good for now, and for possible future events.

"The welfare of our staff and the quality of our service is of our utmost importance.

"Ideally, the perfect outcome will be a built and tested robust process that will hopefully, never need to be used for an extended period of time.”

Would working from home affect your business? We want to hear from you.

Get in touch via email to ajee@thekmgroup.co.uk

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