Spotlight on Marcia Jacks

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the Institute Manager for Women's Health and I oversee professional services staff working in HR, Finance, Education and Lab management. I work closely with the Faculty team, our Institute Director and senior team to plan and implement strategies.

I also Co-Chair the Race Equality Steering Group and work closely with the UCL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) team and Race Envoy to lobby, promote and raise awareness around race equality issues.

How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your work at UCL?

The response around COVID-19 related issues has meant a huge increase in my workload. The first two weeks were the most challenging – getting used to working from home, learning to use Teams, and speaking to colleagues virtually. However, working from home is definitely becoming more normal to me and I have learned that I can work without paper, which was a challenge for me previously. I am sure coming out of this period will certainly help us to review how we can make changes to support environmental sustainability initiatives.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Apart from managing the workload, I found I was sitting at the computer for hours and it was difficult to take a break. It was also a challenge getting used to Microsoft Teams meetings but this is now in the past and has turned into a positive. For example, being able to speak virtually with colleagues that I've only ever emailed. The worst thing is having something urgent to do and the computer/WiFi not allowing me to – this happens at least once a week.

What are your top 3 tips for working from home?

Keep to your usual routine, if possible. I continue to start my working day from 10am, unless I have meetings scheduled earlier.

Take regular breaks, my body spoke to me and I had no choice so I now find 10-minute exercise videos on Youtube for my break times.

Be prepared for your WiFi to dip, don't stress, stay calm – you are not alone!

How are you managing to maintain a work-life balance?

It's quite difficult at the moment, especially when the broadband plays up and I have to work outside of my normal working hours to catch up. These are usually the times where I would take the opportunity to go to the shops and then work later. Once I have finished work for the day I don't check emails and completely switch off by watching TV with my daughter or reading a book. I also avoid working at the weekends which is something we often do as managers.

What is your focus for the next 4-6 weeks?

Getting through a long list of tasks that are incomplete due to COVID-related tasks. I also have a lot of reading to catch up on for various projects and action plans.

Have you taken up a hobby or decided to learn something new during this time? 

I haven't baked for years and have baked three tasty apple cakes in the last 3 weeks. I have also started to read fiction books again, I read the whole Noughts + Crosses series by Malorie Blackman in 2 weeks!

What is the first thing you’ll do once we can all begin socialising again?

I go to church and look forward to congregating again. I also want to visit the shopping centre to spend the gift voucher I was given for Christmas.