The importance of switching off from work

I remember many years ago, a new senior manager starting at my then workplace. This manager said some things so radical that my long-indentured City colleagues were sent into a tizzy: 1) take your holiday 2) leave your remote devices in the office when you do.  Now, this advice might seem fairly obvious; yet mounting evidence has shown that the technology enabling us to work more flexibly can be a double-edged sword when balancing our work/life obligations:

There is no doubt in my mind that flexible and remote working solutions have their place. From my personal experiences, it can give you back a sense of empowerment in being trusted to prioritise my deadlines when working remotely or on flexible hours. As well as less stress when trying to manage those previously wasted hours when the boiler unexpectedly broke and I had to be at home or those train delays whilst commuting.

Yet, I have been guilty of checking my emails whilst on leave and I know of many others that have done/do this too. I even remember one trader that sent me an indicative price, only moments after I had received his out of office stating that he was away for 2 weeks (further enquiries led me to understand that it was only day 4 of his vacation in the Caribbean…). Now whilst I was partly impressed by the dedication, not to mention the ability to find signal and afford the data charges – should I have been?

Epiphany came one weekend after an exceptionally busy year-end, when driving to see my family, and this little blue sign kept appearing: Tiredness can kill, take a break. The truth is, we all need time to rest, relax, recuperate – we’re not always ok and that’s ok too. As colleagues or managers, we need to recognise how we can support and also be supported. So, this mental health week I ask all of you to consider taking your holiday and remembering to switch off those work devices and remind your colleagues to do the same.

For more information, this is a great article to be starting with https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/comment/the-potential-stressors-remote-working

Blog by Lexie, raising awareness during Mental Health Week, May 2019

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“We have used BLG for development finance for over 8 years. During that time we have found their knowledge and expertise in the property development industry to be second to none. Their loan process, pragmatic and flexible approach to lending and flexibility when required has supported our business needs throughout the period and provided us with support to deliver new homes in Bristol and the surrounding areas.”

“As property developers you never know the curve balls that you may get and a project that is great on paper may prove a bit more tricky.  This happened to us on a project that BLG have funded and throughout they have supported us.  Our business likes to be collaborative and when we hit those tough moments it really felt like we were working as a team with BLG.  If you have a decent project you can get it funded, but what you really need is a business that is there to support and advise you as well.  For us on this project it was BLG.”

“I approached BLG Development finance with an opportunity I had in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, to build 5 new build houses in 2021. My main contact was Anil Bains who is a Director covering Asset Management. Within very quick timescales, BLG provided me with indicative quotes in regards the finance levels they could offer me. Having considered those levels, I requested a valuation to be carried out which again was dealt with swiftly. We proceeded to completion. The build went very smoothly with monthly monitoring being carried out by BLG and monthly drawdown requests dealt with in a very timely manner. Due to a difficult time generally in the market in regards selling, I was in need of a six-month extension to the loan which again was appraised very quickly and granted. Having dealt with numerous funders over the last 20 years, I can only speak highly of my personal experience with BLG and would very confidently work with them again on any future projects. “

"From our side it has also been a pleasure working with BLG and the team there. We have found you easy to deal with, proactive in resolving any minor issues that have arisen through the project and shown great flexibility in working with us as a partner. We will certainly like to work with you on future partners."

“I really appreciate your hard work. We really like the way you communicate & I must say I haven't seen many people who are that approachable.”

“A very efficient processing team, dealing with the DD once deal credit approved, through to completion”

“Many thanks for your efforts on this one and getting it approved and sorted so swiftly, very much appreciated. I am sure I will be speaking to your over the coming months.”

“We had other funding options, but chose to use BLG again, as we work well with the team, who always provide very clear information and advice with a friendly approach throughout the funding process. Very efficient and always very helpful.”

“Many thanks Anil, it’s been a real pleasure working with BLG so far.  We’re lining up the next project too”

“We would recommend all staff we have dealt with at BLG, as we are very satisfied with the team and the initial offer/terms presented, then you and the funding team, through to the draw down team at valuation stage.”

“All documents are clear and the way you keep clients informed, all the way along the funding process, is refreshing for us”

“With regard to what should be improved at BLG, we work with many lenders in our business and we do not get the help and response we have had on the two projects with all at BLG on our funding for our developments.”

“We would particularly mention Dave Edwards and Tom Pitts as being central to having a smooth working relationship and being positive and helpful at all times. Their guidance in helping us navigate the project from inception to completion was invaluable. As was their patience, particularly at the beginning. We look forward to many future projects with the BLG team.”

“We would like to express our appreciation for your support on our development in Bristol. We were very pleased that, from the outset, you shared our vision of the project to convert a dated but classical building, that had outlived its usefulness as a school, into unique luxury apartments with views overlooking the city. We found our dealings practical and streamlined. Monthly payments were processed in an efficient and timely manner.”

“BLG are very good at communicating with clients and all documents are very clear and all at BLG are always happy to help.”

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