Working from Carnival House with Dan Yeates

The majority of us have been working remotely for over a year so it’s no surprise that the thought of working from Carnival House fills us with mixed emotions; excitement to be back with our colleagues and escape our own four walls, but also for some, nervousness to step out of our routines, and into a “new” Carnival House experience.

As we prepare to re-open Carnival House for more general use from July 2021, we want to set clear expectations. So, we’ll be sharing stories from our colleagues who’ve experienced working from Carnival House already. This week we caught up with Daniel Yeates, Wellbeing Manager.

Strangely for 06:30 on a Monday I woke up looking forward to something different, something a little exciting, dare I say. After months of sleep walking my way to the spare bedroom to start what felt like the never ending ground-hog day of eat, sleep, work, repeat, I finally had a new sight on the horizon. Monday 1 March not only signified the beginning of spring, but for me, a long awaited return to Carnival House, albeit one that’s only temporary until my internet service provider can set up connection at my new home.

The journey to work was one that I’ve not experienced for some time; the traffic was light and the sun was shining. As I approached Carnival House a sense of normality returned. I can honestly say that whilst it was lovely being able to be at home with my daughter and spending time with her whilst she’s so young (something that I never imagined possible) I was quite literally skipping up the steps of Carnival House, knowing for eight hours I wouldn’t have to listen to Frozen or Greatest Showman soundtracks for the 50th time that day.

Following the guidance on the door I pressed the intercom button and like something from a Star Trek film the door slid open and I took my first steps onto the white tiled floors of Carnival House’s reception. I proceeded to the reception desk where I was greeted by a friendly member of the security team, he set his Captain Kirk phaser to stun and zapped my forehead. Result! I had passed the initial temperature check and it didn’t even hurt. I had been worried that the physical exercise of climbing the eight steps outside would have made me break out in an uncontrollable sweat.

During our chat I had advised the security team it was my first day back and they kindly talked me through the new protocols and how to move around the office. This is all covered in the welcome back pack, but was useful to have the verbal reminder. They also showed me on the floor plan where my desk was located and the easiest route to get there.

After taking the opportunity to utilise the hand sanitisers located on the route, I headed up the east stair case to floor one, this stairwell is specifically for one-way upward traffic to ensure user safety and social distancing. I don’t ever recall there being soooo many steps, and I was only heading up one floor! I’m not sure how I will cope with the climbing to the fourth floor summit when we return on a more regular basis. I will start my training preparation now!

I had arrived at my destination… Desk 153. My new home was clean and desks either side of my working location were closed for use. On the floor around each desk are some floor tiles indicating your working space. I have heard a rumour that If you roll your chair outside of these tiles a siren goes off, the floor gives way and you fall into the undercroft, so be warned and stay in your zone, it truly is for your safety! After spending a few minutes plugging in a myriad of cables to my laptop, I was connected to the network and my laptop was running like a dream.

Now my desk was operational I was keen to see how the rest of the building had changed since I was last here. Like around the desks, the floors around the office had been kitted out with some very jazzy carpet tiles containing directional arrows to help maintain the one way system of the office and keeping us all safe… I can’t lie, I’ve had to do some pretty dramatic military “about-turns” to correct my direction of travel but I’m gradually getting used to the new routes as the morning goes on. I will certainly be clocking up some steps over the next couple of weeks.

Vending and drinks machines are still in use and carry the same range of product and hot drinks we have loved and not loved in the past. Like the Las Vegas strip the kitchen/breakout area, like many other spaces in the office, are filled with vibrant signs giving clear instructions of space capacity limits and again your essential directional arrows.

Having done my best to hydrate throughout the morning it was now time to test the new toilet facilities. There was a noticeable difference on my approach – to reduce touch points the outer doors were propped open to allow easy passage through and every other cubicle had been closed for use. After a quick game of cubical “Eenie meanie”, I committed to go inside… the cubicles were exactly the same as “the good old days” and were a reminder of simpler times pre Covid-19.

Skipping swiftly on, it was the very important stage of hand washing – three of the sinks were available for use, like the cubicles, the sinks in between were removed from use. After a few renditions of “happy birthday” and plenty of soap, it was on to the drying… but wait the hurricane force hand blower was closed off, instead the more appropriate disposable paper towel method had replaced it. After disposing of the wet towels I was on my way back to my desk, following the mapped out floor tiles like bread crumbs through a fairytale forest.

Being only one of a handful of people in the office the noise level was quiet, similar to a late finish pre Covid-19, where the air conditioning dominates the soundtrack. Those who were in the building were friendly and smiley which is a characteristic I will forever associate with Carnival House and the people that occupy it.

In summary it was a great first day back, which allowed me to feel safe and comfortable, There’s a strong sense of commitment from the business to look after my health and those around me in every scenario. A big shout out to the teams who’ve worked tirelessly to adapt the building to be Covid-19 secure. Stay safe and look forward to catching up with you in Carnival House in the future.

Read more on what to expect when returning to Carnival House here.