Category Archives: E-Learning

Accountancy & Accounts, E-Learning, News, Scotland

Scottish-based bookkeeping home study experts and family firm Ideal Schools celebrates 40 years in business and looks to the future

At an event to mark the 40th anniversary of Ideal Schools, a family business which specialises in online and distance-learning bookkeeping and accounting tuition, founder Elias van den Akker has reflected on his experiences starting and developing the firm, as well as looking to the future, announcing changes in the management of the company going forward.

The 79-year-old Dutch entrepreneur, who established the multiple award-winning Scottish-based firm in 1983, announced that he was retiring from his active role in the company. He also indicated that the position of Managing Director would be taken by his long-term colleague and Director Brian McVean.,

 

Mr van den Akker, known as Al, also announced that his son, Scot would become Chairman of the training provider. The changes at the top of the company became effective from September 1.

The event, at voco Hotels Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, was attended by directors, business associates and tutors and students past and present, and accolades were given to Al, whose firm earlier this year was named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Luca Awards.

He said: “It has been a long journey, but over the years we have had some triumphs in not only guiding students to exam success, but also to improving their skills and job prospects. We have also taken on the challenge of facilitating accreditation, which is now a requirement for bookkeepers under money-laundering regulations.”

 

Scot talked about Al’s lifetime of achievement, from Friesland in Holland to New Jersey and Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US, including an honours degree in Economics and a return to his late wife’s home in Scotland to establish Ideal Schools and an MBA.

He said: “When Al started out, there was no internet, no Facebook, X or Instagram, no electric cars. Nowadays there is so much chatter that it is hard to make an impression, but I think the interpersonal relationships between staff and students have helped immeasurably.

“Ideal Schools has always been student-centred. From the early days we have taken our lead from Al, who takes a genuine interest in every individual and encourages communication. This allows us to get to know our students and to achieve not only exam passes but also to attain our shared goals.”

 

Brian McVean said: “Like Scot, I started out helping in the office on weekends and in the holidays and the 40 years have gone by very quickly. I have always had a good working relationship with Al, who gave me an insight into what a good business should be like.

“When I was getting qualifications in management and accountancy, I did distance learning courses and that is just what they were – distant and uncommunicative. In contrast, Ideal Schools has always tried to ensure that students are treated properly and given the support they deserve.

“We now have a very good management system for students and our social media helps keep them engaged with each other as well as teaching them to work as a team. I have been very privileged to work with our amazing teachers in this fantastic community.”

 

The Glasgow-based firm specialises in delivering home study bookkeeping, payroll and taxation courses.

It works closely with the ICB – the largest bookkeeping institute in the world – and the Association of Accounting Technicians, the UK’s leading qualification and membership body for accounting staff, with around 125,000 members in more than 90 countries.

 

E-Learning, News

The University of Cape Town Selects D2L To Enhance and Future Proof Its Digital Learning Infrastructure

Following staff and student feedback, D2L Brightspace was selected to support the University’s ambition for digital innovation and equitable student success

LONDON, UK – 8th June, 2022 – D2L, a global learning technology company transforming the way the world learns, today announced that the University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with reseller Visions Consulting to implement D2L Brightspace and enhance its digital learning infrastructure, in order to meet the needs of UCT’s teaching and learning community for the next decade.

UCT is South Africa’s oldest university. A leader in teaching and research, UCT is home to six academic faculties – Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science – with a university community of 29,000 students and 5,000 academic and administrative staff. UCT has a proud tradition of academic excellence and is one of the top-rated universities in the world.

UCT has had a learning management system (LMS) in place since 2006, which has served its needs well in the past. However, UCT has evaluated its future requirements, which included increased provision of digital learning functionality across the continuum of in-person teaching to blended learning, higher demand for fully online courses, long term sustainability and the need for a single solution to replace multiple platforms.

The Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) is a unit within UCT’s Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), that serves UCT’s academic and student learning and teaching needs, and in 2021, it launched a project to select a new digital learning platform to support the university’s teaching goals for the next 5 to 10 years.

“As part of our long-term strategy within Vision 2030 – we are working towards the university’s massive transformative purpose which includes holistic, innovative future-oriented education,” said Sukaina Walji, director of the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching at the University of Cape Town. “Our goal is to unleash the creative energy and intellectual capacity of UCT, and critical to this is ensuring equitable student success. As digital tools and technologies play a significant role in all faculties and departments, and at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, we sought a new, cloud-hosted LMS.”

CILT initiated a competitive tender process between June and December 2021. Staff and students provided input through surveys and focus groups. Faculty, student, and other stakeholder representatives also participated in a formal procurement process, defining their requirements, and evaluating bids from all major market players. When D2L Brightspace was selected, campus stakeholders were invited to a Q&A session and webinar to introduce the new platform and to register their interest in early trials.

“D2L Brightspace provides strong support for the priorities our stakeholders identified, and its selection is a major milestone in enhancing our digital infrastructure,” continued Walji. “Brightspace is intuitive, supports a wide range of teaching modes, provides strong communication and assessment features, a robust mobile app, enhanced learning analytics, excellent integration with MS Teams and comprehensive accessibility support for UCT students with disabilities. Importantly, the platform provides a competitive set of features right now, while also having the flexibility to adapt to our future needs in response to the changing higher education and technology landscape.”

“This is a great partnership for D2L, as we have a longstanding commitment to transform the way the world learns, and UCT’s own strategic roadmap is firmly rooted in meeting the needs of a new generation of diverse students and academics,” said Stewart Watts, VP EMEA, D2L. “We are excited to work closely with UCT as it aspires to become a premier academic meeting point between South Africa, the rest of Africa and the world. Our technology will underpin UCT’s Vision 2030 strategy, enhancing learning and teaching across the continuum of in-person, blended and online modes for its community.”

Driving, E-Learning, News, Training

AMEY CENTRALISES DRIVER TRAINING STRATEGY WITH E-LEARNING PROGRAMME FROM APPLIED DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Amey, a leading public service provider, has chosen Applied Driving Techniques (ADT) to provide e-learning across the business to promote road safety and mitigate identified risks. The online solution will deliver centralised training to over 9,000 drivers within the UK and Ireland, based on targeted requirements and analysis of driving performance. This latest extension to the partnership builds on a fleet compliance and risk management service that ADT has provided Amey for the past five years.

“We wanted a formalised driver training programme that would take a consistent, company-wide approach to address fleet risk,” explains Julie Davies, Group Fleet & Plant Compliance Manager at Amey. “We take the safety of both our employees and the local communities we operate in incredibly seriously, and working closely with ADT, we have developed an e-learning solution that will operate seamlessly within our internal health and safety portal to engage drivers with targeted online modules.”

The Single Sign-on (SSO) solution will provide direct access to ADT’s Riskmapp system via Amey’s LMS platform. Drivers will receive email requests to complete online training modules triggered by driver behaviour analysis taken from telematics data; new endorsements from licence monitoring; and collision data following insurance claims. ADT’s growing library of modules cover the most common causes of fleet risk including speeding, hazard perception, onboard distraction, aggressive driving and driver fatigue.

“We will be able to quickly address areas of fleet risk by triggering training requirements based on monitored driver performance or the exact nature of a mistake that has taken place. Because it is centralised, it will then be possible to measure the effectiveness of the programme over time and take steps to escalate any recurring issues, as well as support our future safety initiatives,” concludes Davies.

Nigel Lawrence, Director of Client Partnerships at ADT commented: “We were tasked with developing a centralised training programme that delivers a structured approach based on targeted requirements. Utilising our e-learning modules, available through our Riskmapp portal, we can ensure that drivers complete the appropriate training. This will enable Amey to communicate a consistent message, proving relevant guidance to reduce fleet risk and improve road safety.”

Applied Driving Techniques has been providing Amey with an advanced licence and document checking service since 2017, which is helping to achieve high levels of fleet compliance. The electronic licence monitoring service ensures that new and existing employees are legally entitled to drive while reducing the administrative workload. Additionally provided services also include a document checking system – including proof of insurance, tax and MOT – for approximately 800 grey fleet drivers.

E-Learning, News

Belfast Unemployment Resource Centre Provides Additional Support for Learners Whilst Streamlining Volunteer Training Processes Through a Partnership with Thrive.App

Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre (BURC) has today announced its partnership with Thrive.App, to help improve the access to learning resources for English language students as well as sign up and training process for its volunteers.

The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre was established in 1984 to provide support, education training and facilities to the unemployed and other groups living with social and economic disadvantage. During national lockdown, the centre needed to find a new way of providing training materials for volunteers, in order to continue its vital work supporting Belfast’s unemployed citizens.

The partnership with Thrive.App enables BURC to successfully provide learning resources and support of English language to non-native speakers, with virtual support and training.

The app enables students to access material provided during classes to enable them to practice and consider material at their own speed. An added bonus to the app is that volunteer tutors can easily sign up to various training sessions, all stored in one easy to access location within the app.  Other resources needed, such as zoom room codes and logins are all hosted within the app also, simplifying processes and saving valuable time.

Centre Co-ordinator at Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, Aisling Cartmill says;

“We needed an easily accessible, cost-effective way to provide all the necessary materials for our learners, between classes, to make the learning experience more effective. English language is one of the most important skills needed for the successful integration of new communities. No matter what, we always strive to offer learning and development opportunities, through enjoyable and sociable learning engagements, which result in definite actions and outcomes benefiting the individuals and communities represented. Our volunteers are key in enabling us to carry our mission, and choosing the right partnerships has been a cornerstone of our success. “

In the long-term, the app will become a one stop shop for information. Students will be able to access learning resources and additional support and volunteer tutors will be able to access everything they need such as course programmes, repository for admin purposes, a general information hub and training materials.

Cartmill adds;

“The app has meant we can successfully continue with our great work in the community, but also means we are set up for the future, with a central hub of resources and materials that are accessible to our students and volunteers at any time, from any place.”

James Scott, CEO, Co-Founder of Thrive says;

“We are delighted to be supporting BURC in their important work, especially during a time when unemployment has risen so rapidly. The work that the centre does is vital to helping with the economic recovery from this pandemic, and we are proud that our work with them is making a difference to both volunteers and the communities that they are helping.

We aim to help as many organisations as we can in shifting from traditional methods of employee communications, training and engagement, making all materials and resources accessible to all. Strong partnerships are vital for us to successfully implement mobile apps that employees love. Our work with BURC has only just started, and we are excited to be on this journey with them.”

E-Learning, FInance, News

Financial training specialist moves to new online platform

Vale Financial Training, the Oxford-based financial training specialist, today announces its rebrand to online learning platform, Oxford Learning Online.

Formed in 2011, Oxford Learning Online is a leading accountancy tuition provider, specialising in courses from professional bodies such as AAT and ACCA.

Oxford Learning Online has pivoted its services to become a truly integrated online provider of professional training courses. This online approach has proved to be very popular amongst current students, many of which balance learning with full-time jobs and families. The new platform is also a perfect choice for those considering training as accountants in the coming months, particularly students who have moved away from the Oxfordshire area.

Oxford Learning Online now allows for students to attend from all over the world, not just Oxford and the surrounding areas. It also allows for more flexibility around the courses on offer, all of which can be enjoyed in a virtual classroom environment.

Not only does the online nature allow for a more diverse student base, it also opens up further opportunities for tutors, enticing high-quality talent from all over the UK, who now have the ability to teach from home at times that suit them.

Liz Hulls, Director and Tutor for Oxford Learning Online, commented:

“Migrating to an online learning platform has been an exciting process for both our current students and existing tutors. We are now able to extend our geographical reach offering more high-quality courses to more students. We’ve also been able to expand our team of experienced tutors with new recruits from further afield.”

“This online learning structure is hopefully the start of many new course offerings for Oxford Learning Online, with future plans to offer other virtual professional training courses in areas beyond accountancy.”

App News, E-Learning, News

Five phone hacks to take your language learning to the next level

Google searches for “how to learn a new language” have seen an impressive increase of 108% over the last 12 months in the UK.

If more people were to learn a new language, this would improve on the current total of 62% of British residents who only speak English.

With this in mind, online smartphone retailer, Mobiles.co.uk, reveals how common smartphone features can help users to pick up a new language using only their handset.

As well as language apps available to download, most smartphones come equipped with features that can help make learning a new language more challenging and fun:

Use Google Translate

One of the most popular hacks for learning a new language is Google Translate. Easily accessible from your handset’s web browser, Google Translate allows users to quickly translate words or phrases into another language. It’s a great tool for on-the-go translations and supports 109 languages too.

The Google Translate app is available for both Android and iOS devices and supports 37 language translations via photo and 27 languages via live video imagery in its automated reality mode.

Switch the operating system language

This fun and challenging option is best suited for those who are a little more advanced and confident in their new language, so they’re able to navigate back to settings to return to English when needed.

Switching the operating language can really help users get to grips with a new language, as it allows them to pick up words and phrases commonly seen on a mobile phone that aren’t often included in learning materials. For those feeling extra brave, try changing the language in the handset’s map app. When exploring new areas, users can be directed in their language of choice. This is really useful for learning words and phrases such as “turn left” or “go straight ahead”.

For iPhone users, go to Settings > Language and Keyboard Settings > Select Language.

Android users can go to Settings > General Management > Language and Input > Language > Add Language.

Utilise the voice recorder

The majority of mobile phones now come with an in-built voice recorder feature and it’s a really great tool to help users along their way when learning a new language.

Smartphone users can record snippets of words, phrases or sentences and listen back whenever they need to. It’s a really useful hack for those words or phrases that are particularly difficult to remember and is also great for perfecting that pronunciation.

Sign up to a pen pal website

Another really useful way to pick up a new language is by signing up to a pen pal website. Sending letters overseas has been replaced by websites that are designed to help introduce users to a pen pal from another country and can be easily accessed using a mobile phone.

As well as being introduced to other people from other countries, it’s a great way to get first-hand, valuable experience, especially on-the-go. Users can choose to communicate with their pen pal in a variety of ways, including video calls, voice calls, or through texting, which makes this method a great way to practice conversations in your new language with a native speaker, either in spoken or written word.

Pick up a podcast

Podcasts are great for listening whilst out and about and there are plenty available that are designed to help those learning a new language.

Podcasts available in the Spotify app include Coffee Break French, a podcast designed to fit in with a coffee break, News in Slow Spanish which allows users to listen to current news at a slow pace, and Learn Italian, which breaks episodes up by focusing on one subject at a time such as numbers, greetings and days of the week.

Karl Middleton, mobile expert at Mobiles.co.uk, said: “Speaking another language can be really beneficial, especially when travelling abroad or meeting new people in your community. As well as the traditional methods of learning a new language, such as picking up a language book, tech can play a really important role in helping develop your language skills quicker by integrating another language into your everyday habits.

“Alongside utilising apps, we hope our advice on functions that are readily available on your mobile phone prove useful to those who are on their language learning journey.”

To find out Mobiles.co.uk’s top language learning apps, please visit: https://www.mobiles.co.uk/blog/apps-to-help-you-learn-a-new-language/

E-Learning, Education, News

The Learning Partnership, Right for Education and Crystal TV join forces to launch online learning platform World Challenge Club for children during coronavirus pandemic

An Oxford-based education programme has launched an online educational programme alongside a pan -African charity and an African television network for primary school children across the globe to aid education processes during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Learning Partnership has partnered with Right for Education, the largest e-learning charity in Africa with 6.85 million learners across Africa, and Crystal Television, a major television production and broadcast company in West Africa headquartered in Ghana, to launch the World Challenge – primarily for children aged 6-12 – across Africa, with plans to launch localised series in Asia, South America and Europe.

Sponsors of the initiative include technology giant Amazon Web Services (AWS), as well as engineering firms Rolls Royce and Arup. Further incentives include Rolls Royce and AWS offering future work placements to the competition winners when they are older.

The new platform is designed to create and increase participation and competition within school communities across a range of countries. Focusing on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the partnership is aiming to provide relief and support to families who have to resort to home-schooling during the pandemic.

The inclusive challenge enables families from all backgrounds and locations to take part from their own homes with programmes delivered to households via television or streaming services.

The World Challenge partners, have sought expertise in the respective fields, working alongside KarisMath, a leading primary Mathematics video learning provider with a library of 450 primary focused mathematics videos. The partners have also brought in Twig education – a leading primary science video learning provider with a library of thousands of science videos designed to support primary stage science learning – as a partner for the challenge.

The partners of the World Challenge Club will be collaborating with television networks across the globe, with sporting icons from different disciplines introducing and engaging families in the challenge. Each week will be sponsored by industry partners and the World Challenge will be shown regionally on television networks, with a focus on a specific sector such as mathematics or engineering.

Aulden Dunipace, Founder & CEO of The Learning Partnership, commented: “Families around the world are in lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and an extended lockdown period will only increase the difficulties for parents trying to home school their children and keep them engaged. This reality is more challenging where connectivity to the web is less universal and access to web-based virtual learning less democratised.

The Learning Partnership is experienced in delivering virtual, interactive programmes and by partnering with charities with such a large following in Right for Education and television networks such as Crystal TV and potentially others in different regions, we aim to make life easier for parents and deliver learning experiences to children that have a positive impact on our children’s education and future.”

Dr Susann Dattenberg-Doyle AfBPS, Founder of Right for Education R:Ed – “World Challenge Club is learning by doing, accessible for free in your own time, in your own home, and following your own interests. It inspires career planning in the opportunities of the world today.
The Challenge aligns these learning opportunities to subject learning in Science and Mathematics and makes learning democratic. Joining the WORLD CHALLENGE CLUB is joining a movement for global education and opportunity.”
Dr. Chief Crystal-Djirackor, President & CEO of Crystal Television Network, said: “Providing for teaching and learning through television have always been part of our programming policy since the establishment of the Crystal Television Network over twenty-five years ago”.

“Our partnership with Right for Education.org and The Learning Partnership.com, to deliver virtual learning to School Children across the globe, particularly in these times where COVID-19 is ravaging our world, is an extraordinary achievement and very fulfilling. Our greater joy is the opportunity provided for learners across Africa, who are able to network with other students around the world, as they aim to achieve their academic ambitions on a global playing field with equal opportunities. The World Challenge Club offers exactly the needed practical hands-on and activity-based learning to all primary age learners throughout the world and Crystal TV is glad to be a founding member of this global initiative”.

The World Challenge is set to run for a three-month period during the pandemic. Series one of the challenge is launching in mid-May, with a second series to follow in June and a third series will run throughout July.

The challenge can be accessed free of all charge globally at www.worldchallenge.club

E-Learning, Education

University of Lincoln launches celebrity cast for virtual classroom

The University of Lincoln has assembled an amazing cast of celebrities, broadcasters and world-leading academics who are all giving their support to young people during these difficult times.

Big names including comedian and writer Stewart Lee, BBC Radio 1 presenter and influencer Clara Amfo and environmental campaigner, broadcaster and associate lecturer Chris Packham will share their experience and knowledge with students from all over the world, through the University of Lincoln’s Virtual Classroom.

In a further display of commitment and generosity; Clara Amfo has donated £1,000 to Lincoln County Hospital, adding to the University’s ongoing donations of equipment and support.

Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, Professor Toby Wilkinson said: “University applicants would normally be attending a variety of events including open days and UCAS fairs, but the Covid-19 pandemic has made these face-to-face events impossible. The fact that the University has created the Virtual Classroom doesn’t just fill the gap, it shows incredible innovation and will make a real difference to young people considering their future.”

The University’s innovative approach includes a calendar of virtual events and activities that will engage, inspire and motivate young people to take their next steps.

Every Wednesday at 2pm a new ‘Lincoln Live’ talk will be hosted by an inspirational celebrity or a world-leading academic, giving a fully interactive talk on the issues they feel most passionate about.

Highlights include:

Chris Packham, 29th April; The broadcaster, environmental campaigner and University of Lincoln Associate Lecturer will address your questions about environmental issues and how we can all make a difference going forward.

Stewart Lee, 13th May; The multi award winning and critically acclaimed comedian and writer, will give his take on humour in times of struggle and what might be appropriate in the current climate. There will also be a chance to ask questions about his experience of higher education, life and career.

Clara Amfo, 20th May; The BBC Radio 1 presenter and social media influencer will take your questions and talk about how higher education helped her get to where she is now. Clara will also give her advice to young people thinking about making the step into university life.

Professor Nigel Allinson MBE, 15th April; Distinguished Chair of Image Engineering at the University of Lincoln and Director of Research, Professor Allinson will deliver his talk ‘Honest Science and Fake Science’ as well as answering questions about his research and the University of Lincoln.

Dr Patricia Jackman, 27th May; With research projects involving the optimal experience in sport and exercise as well as psychological wellbeing, Dr Patricia Jackman will discuss sport and exercise psychology, her research and her career.

Dr Craig Marsh, 3rd June; Pro Vice Chancellor and Director of Lincoln International Business School, Dr Craig Marsh will discuss management and leadership, as well as answering questions about what it is like to study in the University of Lincoln’s business school.

Director of Communications and Development, Elly Sample said: “This is an incredible opportunity for young people to be part of something that could genuinely help them make huge decisions about their future.

“It’s amazing to see such an esteemed array of people giving the Lincoln Live talks, people with genuine gravitas, giving their time so young people can make the most of theirs.

“These are extraordinary times and our experts and celebrities are volunteering in the best ways they know how. By giving them a captive audience and indeed the University giving young people a chance to be in that audience for free, makes this very much part of bigger national effort, to do the right thing and keep the country moving forward.”

E-Learning, Education

£35,000 Bursary Set Up For Retraining To Help Those With Job Losses

In light of the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, the world of work has never seemed so uncertain. However, determined to help educate, retrain, and upskill those who find themselves at a loose end, distance learning provider Oxbridge is supporting learners, with the launch of a fund that gives new students 20% off course fees across the board.

Believing that education should never be restricted, Oxbridge has been turning any room into a classroom since it launched. To help ease the financial stress for those that are facing new careers, Oxbridge has launched a fund of £35,000, which will provide relief and give students 20% off their course fees. Not only does this offer some respite to those who need it, but it also provides enhanced accessibility to education at a time where many people won’t be able to necessarily afford it.

Founder and Managing Director of Oxbridge, Matt Jones, says:

“These are once-in-a-lifetime circumstances we find ourselves in and we want to play our part in helping. Therefore, on behalf of Oxbridge, I have made available a £35,000 bursary fund to assist those who are in need at this time. We hope this goes some way to supporting those that find themselves in difficult situations and need to retrain.

“Oxbridge will remain open throughout this challenging period. Many of our teams work remotely as part of their normal working, and we are well-rehearsed in this way of providing our service.”

Oxbridge offers a wealth of courses from bookkeeping to beauty therapy to counselling, event management and more, giving a window of opportunity into new career paths or simply a chance for learners to further enhance their skillset. And as well as being distance learning courses, giving pupils the chance to study from home, the college’s curriculums are also available on a part and full-time basis, meaning that they can be adapted to schedules as needed.

“As always, our fantastic team will continue to deliver an exceptional, informative and safe course provision for our students and now, more than ever, I am overwhelmingly proud of the dedicated team behind who make our organisation so special by maintaining our “student first” approach to everything we do.

“We will never take this special relationship for granted, and know that we’re always here to help and support you in any way that we can. Stay safe, be kind and let’s do what we can to help each other,” concluded Matt.

To claim 20% off, new students just need to enter FUND20 at checkout. For more information on Oxbridge and the courses on offer, head to: https://oxbridgehomelearning.uk.

E-Learning, Home Working, HR News

How to Work from Home Successfully – CEO Coach shares Top Ten Tips

With many workers now working from home rather than an office, it’s easy to sit round in pjs, losing track of time, and achieve less than you would when physically at work. However, for some business owners, working from home isn’t just something they do in a crisis, for many, it’s a way of life.

As the current coronavirus crisis continues to bite, Peter Ryding, Founder of E-coaching software Vic Your Coach, and award winning CEO coach offers the following tips and advice to help those who work from home stay motivated and productive:

  1. Work normal hours with the right mind set – Ask yourself questions such as would I be doing this at work? Imagine there is a CCTV camera on you at all times. Structure your day ensuring that you are at your desk at a certain time and that you also have a set time to switch off.
  2. Get dressed! It can be tempting to spend all day in your pyjamas. You don’t have to be in a suit and tie but getting dressed and ready will not only improve your state of mind, it will psychologically prepare you to start work.
  3. Create a morning ‘in work’ routine – to get into an office mindset. Many people find simulating a ‘walk’ to and from the office helps. That might be just walking out of the house briefly and back in again or taking a walk from one room to the other. Alternatively, start the day with a video call to others in your team. Whatever you create as a morning routine, ensure it ends with you starting work.
  4. Create an office environment – Designate a specific work area that is decluttered and separate from your home life – that could be just putting your office in another room or if it is in the kitchen, making sure it is set away from distractions so you can separate yourself from family life. One of the most downloaded tools on the VIC website is background sound tracks emulating office banter. This also schedules in regular breaks and helps you feel like you are working in an office setting.
  5. Set a to do list and schedule time slots for each activity. Tick these off as you complete each task and always set ‘Tomorrow’s to do list” at the end of each day. To help complete tasks create ‘buddy time’ which is working separately whilst on a live audio/video connection.
  6. Set ground rules with other people in your home or who share your space for when you work. If you have children or partners that are also working from home they need clear rules about what they can and cannot do during specific times in the day when you are working.
  7. Take regular breaks. Short and frequent breaks are the most beneficial – this is so important for your general wellbeing and helps you stay positive. This could be a walk, yoga in your sitting room, 5 minutes in the garden or just some time out chatting with a friend.
  8. Stay connected – have online meetings with work colleagues or a virtual cup of coffee with a team member during a break. This can also include non working activity such as online book clubs, office parties, birthday celebrations. This will help keep you positive and boost general morale for your team
  9. Employee wellbeing – Make sure you are looking after your own mental health. One of our most used tools on VIC is our work to home corridor which helps you de-stress at the end of the day and transition from a work mind set to a happy relaxed home mindset.
  10. Utilise the extra time in the day when you may normally have been commuting or travelling to meetings for something beneficial to yourself – that could be upskilling, downloading relaxation techniques, stress management or even tools that help you become the person you want to be.

Peter Ryding says VIC have observed changes in the way users are interacting with their coaching software during the coronavirus crisis. He explains:

“Unsurprisingly at this time, we are seeing a change in the way users interact with our e-coaching tool. We’ve seen a 50% increase in employees seeking advice for home working and in particular downloading tools and modules to help combat stress, loneliness and anxiety.

Peter says he has also seen a different approach to skills development at this time, too. He continues:

“Where users normally explore the development of interpersonal skills (e.g. communications, conflict management and body language), our users are now exploring how to learn intrapersonal skills such as self-awareness, personality type reports, relaxation videos, self-belief and coping strategies for working at home.”

The company, who work with Business Leaders and HR Directors, are currently offering their e-coaching tool free for employees to support them through this time. To access it, go to: https://vicyourcoach.com/request-free-membership-vic/

Peter concludes:

“At this time of uncertainty and change, we want to play our part. Our goal is to help 20 million people across 20 countries achieve and celebrate more success with less stress. Hopefully our free support at this critical time will help employees achieve this.”