International Woman’s Day – Our inspiring women
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisors, Lisa Little and Senna Richardson give us an insight into what a woman can bring to a team, what the last year has been like for them and how they are getting on during lockdown.
Women are at the front and centre of the College. What do you think women bring to a team to make it effective?
Lisa: Women can bring different points of view to a team, learning from previous experiences which in turn may lead to different approaches/ideas. Women are seen to be more open and approachable which is beneficial in the work that we do as it enables us provide the correct support and advice.
Senna: I think women (though I appreciate this is a very generic statement!) often bring strong empathy skills to a team. Women tend to be more open and likely to talk about how they feel which others can then relate to more honestly.
What’s the past year been like for you both in your role as a H&S&W Officer?
Lisa: This year has been challenging as no one has ever experienced a pandemic before. We have listened to Nicola Sturgeon frequently as well as reading Government guidance, which in the early days of lockdown seemed to change on a weekly basis. We managed to work together to introduce control measures to protect staff and students when they returned to campus.
Senna and I have continued to support and advise staff albeit from our own homes. We are always available for staff to talk to, both work related and for those who just want to say hello. Staff wellbeing is so important to us.
Senna: When the College closed our initial focus was to pull together wellbeing and working from home resources for all staff, for which we worked closely alongside our colleagues in the wider HROD team on. Then there was a period of relative quiet where I was able to focus on other projects and training that I would normally struggle to find time for, which was great!
But then preparations came for campuses reopening and that was a really busy period…Since the festive break, the focus is back to supporting staff wellbeing at home. A speaker in a webinar recently hit it spot on “We are now living at work as opposed to working from home” due to all the continued restrictions on normal everyday life.
What’s been your greatest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Lisa: Throughout my career I have always travelled to work to be with friends and colleagues, so to be in lockdown, working from home (I live on my own), not being able to see family/friends, do the things that I enjoy was challenging and If I’m honest I struggled with it in the beginning. I knew that there was nothing I could do to change the situation so I had to make the most of it. Thank goodness for Teams and Zoom so that I could see people even though it’s through a screen, it’s better than not seeing them at all. I am in a bubble with my Mum so I see her frequently which is good. I also have 3 young cats who have kept me entertained during the year, they have even made a few appearances during Teams calls.
Senna: For me, a big challenge in work was that as a HSW advisor we would be approached by staff for answers and guidance (which was to be expected) but this was an international pandemic crisis, and information from key sources such as the Scottish Government and HSE was far from black and white at times. As a team we would discuss and agree what would be proportionate and sensible to implement in the College.
What have you learned from this time?
Lisa: Having a good support network within and out work is essential for my journey through life. To share my thoughts, ideas and dreams with someone else helps with my determination to succeed. Also, I didn’t think I was a touchy feely kind of person, but I sure do miss getting hugs!
Senna: It was invaluable to have other team members to bounce things off. We are the key team for health and safety advice for our staff and students and it would have been really stressful to have had to approach this alone. We did plan ahead for some longer term things e.g. the homeworking DSE assessments, just in case and that was really useful. It proves to be organised and think a few steps ahead!
How has it changed your perspective?
Lisa: Being grateful for the people I have in my life and having the time to enjoy and share adventures with them is priceless.
Senna: Gratitude. I have definitely found myself being more grateful for things in the past year. I find something enjoyable in every day.
Often from a challenging situation comes growth. How has 2020 changed your outlook for the future?
Lisa: Adapting to working from home, I do feel more comfortable and have made my spare room an office in which I have frequent visits from the girls (cats) checking up on me. I have a better appreciation and love for my family and friends, not being able to spend time with them has definitely had an impact on my wellbeing.
Senna: Flexible working is definitely the future when it comes to achieving good wellbeing. 2020 has made me appreciate quality time with my husband as well as being able to explore my own hobbies. I took up art again and I will definitely stick with it. I think it is so important to have creativity in your life. Not only do I enjoy it, I also think it actually helps me maintain other skills such as problem solving.
Both of you ooze a sense of calm – please can you pass on your 5 top tips for staying calm in a crisis.
Lisa: I’m glad we come across as being calm but what can I say…..we do have our moments! Here are my top 5 tips for staying calm in a crisis:
- Make a plan of what needs to be done and when
- Focus on the positives
- Take time out to relax – go for a walk as this boosts those endorphins (happy hormones), makes you more effective, efficient and energised.
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Remember to breathe
Senna: This made me giggle. I am glad we ooze a sense of calm, even when chaos may be going on behind the scenes! My 5 tips are:
- Absorb everything and think before taking action.
- Concentrate on something you can’t control. For example, I will look outside at birds in the garden or the view as it calms me.
- Then focus on what you can control and influence.
- Write down your thoughts, feelings, and actions you want to take. Writing it down can feel like you are dealing with those worries.
- Get fresh air if you feel overwhelmed. This does the world of good.
You have encouraged lots of people to review their lifestyles because of Covid-19. What changes have you made to your health and fitness regime?
Lisa: I bought a bike in June – love getting out and exploring new paths and routes that I’ve never been before. Excited to see what’s over the next hill. I’m more of a fair weather cyclist so longing for the longer / warmer days to arrive. In the meantime I have been going walking every day at lunch time, really to clear my head, get my body moving and off course fresh air.
Senna: Since lockdown began in March 2020, I am jogging much more frequently. I have a very motivational work partner (Lisa) who regularly checks in how I am getting on! Due to working at home every day I have also tried new recipes for various pasta salads to eat more varied lunches. We have cut back massively on our meat consumption and enjoy fish and vegetarian meals more often.
How have you managed to stay so positive over such a long time?
Lisa: There have been some down days where I have felt to unhappy and lonely but life is full of challenges and I think it’s important to keep focused and adapt to change. My faith is a big part of my life and without it I don’t know where I would be.
Senna: There have definitely been tearful and difficult moments, but I have always had someone else there to comfort me and that provides so much strength. I also make sure I have a purpose every day, even if it is something as simple as re-organising my wardrobe!
How have you managed to take care of your own headspace?
Lisa: Getting out for a walk everyday helps me relax, enjoy nature and at the same time clear my head. It is a known fact the exercise is good for us, it increases endorphins which in turn improves our mood as well as other health benefits. I don’t really sleep well, so I have been working on improving my sleep hygiene as this is key to looking after my mental wellbeing. Some nights are better than others – work in progress for sure.
Senna: Our dog, Floss, has been incredible to have around this past year. Playing with her, training and cuddling makes me feel so much better. I also spent a lot of time outside at the beach or in the garden. It really helps clear my mind and be closer to nature. I sleep like a log every night and I think that is largely down to fresh air every day.
Apart from seeing family and friends again, what are you looking forward to the most after lockdown is over?
Lisa: I’m looking forward to travelling out of North Ayrshire and taking my Mum to visit the beautiful countryside and historic places that Scotland has to offer.
Senna: Going out for a meal in Glasgow, either with my other half for a fancy dining experience or a good old catch up over a pub meal with all our friends. Oh and agility training with Floss!