20 Mar 2020

Diversity Lens - Issue 18

Diversity Lens - Issue 133 Diversity Lens - Issue 132 Diversity Lens - Issue 131

Mar 20

Diversity Lens - Issue 18

Diversity Lens

Welcome to Diversity Lens, the newsletter from BAME Recruitment and Diversifying.io!
In a week of unprecedented change, we face one of the most challenging periods of time and on an international scale. While this is not easy for anybody, we have been reassured and comforted by the stories of human connection and people finding a way to give love, empathy and support even when not physically present and together. We contemplated not having a newsletter this week but feel it is important to carry on with our normal routines and schedules as much as possible.
Today is International Day of Happiness with this year's theme being Happier Together! This could not be more poignant at this time so let's all commit to being happier together, even at a distance, over the coming weeks and months.

Latest News

How to remain productive and motivated when suddenly working from home
Here at BAME Recruitment, our team is now working remotely in order to practice social distancing and do our bit to minimise the spread of coronavirus. Luckily, we are still able to operate at full capacity away from the office via video and phone calls. Have your work interactions moved into the virtual world?

Millions of workers have now been told not to come into the office to practice social distancing and work from home. Remote working can be very effective and just as productive or even more so, but this is only if it is done correctly; staying in bed with your laptop propped on your chest will likely get tiresome quickly. One of our team, Cressida, has shared her guide to working from home and what works best for her; click the photo to read her advice on our blog page. Most importantly, remember to look after yourself and check in with your colleagues regularly.

Our Recruitment Outlook
While a number of organisations are understandably in the process of reviewing their short term hiring needs, there is a sense that many companies don't want to react too quickly and keep to business as usual as much as possible. Our Diversifying platform has seen a number of new roles posted this week, many of which will still be going through recruitment processes but using video interviewing in the first few stages and even considering the possibility of onboarding someone to work from home initially. Our message to job seekers is to stay positive and find a way around the challenge.

It is vital we approach coronavirus through the lens of community
In this uniquely unsettling time, it is more important than ever to support those who are vulnerable, and use our privilege of good health to help those who may be struggling or at risk. Nathan-Lane, having been chronically ill for nearly ten years, implores people to think of others when they are speculatively stockpiling 50 bottles of hand sanitizer. Able-bodied people have the privilege to make life a little easier and less uncertain for those that have a disability or are immunocompromised by thinking outside of themselves. We must fight this disease as a collective society not as individuals, and this means supporting the disability community. Nathan-Lane implores, "this is the time to step up your allyship and support those who are most vulnerable"; look beyond yourself. Click the photo for ways in which you can help those who need it. (Illustration by Rama Duwaji)

Silver linings amid the Covid-19 pandemic
Despite social distancing spreading across the globe, some communities are coming together in unique ways. In Eastbourne, hundreds have registered to be part of a telephone befriending service. Supermarkets are opening earlier to ensure stocks are available for the elderly, The Chelsea Hotel offers free rooms to NHS staff, and fashion giant Louis Vuitton is manufacturing free hand sanitiser. Many organisations are giving back in order to support the practice of social distancing. Below are just a few things you can enjoy from the comfort (or discomfort) of your own home (for free!):

Remember to keep active, check in with friends virtually and be kind to yourself.

Video conference call tips for the self-isolating
Video conference calls are sky rocketing in popularity in the current crisis, a number of conferencing software even crashing from the steep increase in users. However, if this is your first foray into the world of video meetings, there is some important etiquette to follow. Most importantly perhaps is dressing appropriately, approach the call as if you were going into the office. Secondly, use the technology to your advantage - mute your microphone when not speaking, use the sharing screen tool. Make sure you are focused on the call, avoid the temptation to use your phone off camera. Practice good work etiquette as you would in your normal work day, despite your abrupt change of location. Also, remember to treat each other like humans! We're all going through the same uncertain time and it helps to acknowledge this and engage with your coworkers. Read more tips by clicking the photo below.

Coronavirus and your wellbeing
With self-isolating and social distancing taking place across the country, it's important to be mindful of our mental health as well as our physical. Routines have been disrupted and plans have been cancelled and this is likely to cause feelings of anxiety and stress. Consider the following ways to look after your mental health in these troubling times:

Connect with others. You can keep in touch digitally via telephone or video. If you are worried about running out of things to talk about, you could play a game together online whilst video chatting, like chess. Or watch a television show together remotely.
Keep a routine. Having a loose schedule to follow in your day can be very reassuring. Get up and go to bed at your usual time, and plan your activities for the day, whether that be reading, cooking or practicing yoga.
Try to keep active. Schedule physical activity into your daily routine. There are many guides to at-home workouts online, or you could take a walk or learn a dance routine.
Keep your mind stimulated. While there is nothing wrong with binging that show you've been meaning to watch, try to do something more productive as well. You could read a book, listen to a podcast, or take a course online.

For much more advice on looking after your mental health, click the photo below.

Diversity and Inclusion Insights

Dogs working from home during coronavirus crisis
An Instagram account has been made which is solely dedicated towards showcasing your canine friends looking hard at work. The page received hundreds of submissions from its first day of pups getting involved in the movement of remote working. Pets can be both comforting and troublesome when working from home, whether that involves barging into a conference call or trespassing over a keyboard. Yet owner of the account, Mark Polchleb, thinks "we all need a bit of happiness in our lives right now" and works to provide "a constant feed of happiness" in the form of adorable dog friends. Click the photo below to meet some of the 'unsung heroes of our webcam meetings'.