One of the biggest issues that had to be addressed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was how office workers could continue to do their job while practicing social distancing. For many that meant working from home.
Moragh Ferguson-MacDonald of North Sydney works as a job developer/employment support practitioner for Nova Scotia Works, formerly known as Northside Employment and Resource.
She has worked for the centre in a number of different capacities for the past 13 years. Prior to her current position, she was employed as project coordinator, older worker navigator, target innovative for older worker, coordinator, information resource specialist and job coach.
“I transitioned to working from home on March 27 and if I am being completely honest it has presented a few challenges. I have never worked from home before so it took a lot of getting used too. I am a social person and I like the interaction with my fellow co-workers. I also like structure and routine in my life. I realized early that if this was going to work I needed to create my own schedule and focus on a new routine.”
Ferguson-MacDonald said in addition to the challenges, there have been some positive things that have come from working at home. “I find I am a little more relaxed. I am able to complete tasks prior to going to work and not feel the stress if I am not at my workplace on time. I usually work from 8:30 to 4:30 so if I start at 9:00 am now I will finish at 5:00 pm. The flexibility is good.
“I like to stay healthy and part of that involves eating nutritious meals. The flexibility of working from home has allowed me to plan my meals a little better. It not only helps keep me focused, but it also gives me the energy I need to deal with the events of the day.
“Remaining physically active is also important for me to support my overall health and wellbeing so I continue to do yoga via Zoom. Thanks to an app on my phone I can take part with fellow yogis who attend the same class I do here in North Sydney.”
When asked if she feels working from home allows her to service her clients in a manner that meets their needs, Ferguson-MacDonald said she is kept well informed of what is happening in terms of changes in the workplace.
“My executive director is very proficient with the information she receives daily keeping staff up to date with changes relating to the pandemic. Despite all of the concerns that are not in our control, I feel our workplace, and all Nova Scotia Works across the province are doing very well.”
The centres are not offering in-person service, however, they are still open for business and continue to support people through a number of options. Checking phone messages and emails regularly as well as social media. Staff continues to post updates, job opportunities, information relating to COVID-19, as well as providing information on ways to manage your wellbeing during this difficult time.
Her current position requires her to work with people with disabilities and multiple barriers. Ferguson-MacDoanld said she is better able to understand the individual needs of her clients through a series of webinars that she has recently participated in. “It can sometimes be challenging to assess the needs of each of the candidates and it can become even more difficult in a virtual/digital setting. Thankfully, through a series of online learning/webinars and workshops, I am shifting my focus to learning a new approach to doing my job.
“I took part in a recent webinar that talked about how we can watch body language, see facial expressions, ask questions for interviews, practice ethics and confidentiality the same as we would in person. It is very helpful.”
Overall, Ferguson-MacDoanld said she is able to weigh the pros and cons of working from home. “I am slowly adapting, but I feel I have a long way to go before I can say I would like to work from home in the future. I try to keep my schedule as normal as possible like it was when I worked in the office. It seems to help.”
Sherry Mulley MacDonald is an author and freelance journalist. She is a lifelong resident of the Northside with an affection for the community in which she lives.
