The world of helplines does not stop, many services are 24/7, others operate additional hours over the weekend or overnight services. Many services operate with a combination of office and remote staff, for some this is new and for others this has always been the way the service was delivered.
Supporting the team that responds to calls is a core task of a helpline manager and establishing good routines especially if the service is now operating on a hybrid basis is critical to ensuring staff feel supported and connected.
We’ve been talking about the self-care that individuals can implement when working from home. These include creating a designated space, taking breaks or mini workouts in the day. One key factor, applicable to those working in an office or at home is making sure you receive enough daylight. Obvious, but often not considered.
Not to be all doom and gloom, but as we leave the summer months behind it may be helpful to consider how much daylight are we actually receiving. We know that appropriate light signals during the day and darkness at night are critical in maintaining key aspects of our overall health. Daylighting has been associated with improved mood, enhanced morale, less fatigue and reduced eyestrain (Robins, 1986). Ways to increase daylight into your work environment can include, adding a mirror on the wall to bounce light off, a desk near a window can be helpful. During the day, a lunchtime walks, or a rooftop garden might be helpful in gaining those extra rays of light. Gaining the natural daylight is important, it doesn't need to be sunshine.
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