Dear Colleagues,
I hope you were able to enjoy your rest day on Friday and, along with the weekend break, are starting the new week feeling refreshed with the benefit of having had time to settle into the new family and professional arrangements we are all adjusting to.
I’d also like to take time today to extend a sincere thank you to those of you who are still working on the front line on our campus. While the majority of colleagues are working from home, your efforts are keeping the campus secure and allowing our vital services and functions to operate.
Your hard work and commitment to Strathclyde is ensuring that our students and staff are kept safe and well during this challenging time. I know there are challenges for you to undertake your duties and I want to reiterate that the whole Strathclyde community is incredibly grateful to you and your colleagues; you represent the very best of Strathclyde and epitomise fully our “Values led” approach to how we work as a team.
For those of you who are working from home, I hope the past three days provided you with a welcome opportunity to focus on your wellbeing, families and home life.
We have all had to adjust rapidly not only to a new way of working but to a new way of life. We have transitioned to these new arrangements remarkably well and I want to ensure that you continue to have the support and resources you need to do your job as best as you can in these circumstances.
It also remains a priority for me that we as a University continue to support your wellbeing and that of your family and loved ones.
Over the coming days and weeks, we will be providing more information and resources on our Coronavirus staff online hub to support your work and your wellbeing.
Once again, this week, I would like you all to take a rest day on Friday – or for those who must work on Friday, another day nominated in consultation with your line manager – to give us all an opportunity to focus on our families, wellbeing and other personal responsibilities before we go into the Easter period.
Let me thank you once again for your collective efforts to ensure our University continues to function and to provide a high-quality learning experience for our students.
Thank you too to those who have been in touch with me directly offering their questions, suggestions, thanks and best wishes. This feedback has been incredibly helpful for me to understand how this situation is impacting on your working and family lives. The positivity and community spirit shown in your feedback has been both encouraging and uplifting.
Thank you again for all your continued hard work and I wish you well for the week ahead.
Best wishes
Jim