No barriers to flexible work for Dan Jarvis

Dan Jarvis, who is profoundly deaf, shares his COVID-19 flexible working story, tips we can all consider, and what he sees as benefits of working flexibly.

Working flexibly during the COVID-19 health pandemic has steered in a new era of productivity, inclusiveness and connectedness for the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning’s, Dan Jarvis.

Dan, a Principal HR Consultant with the department, is profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant and a hearing aid to help him communicate. Here he shares his COVID-19 flexible working story, tips we can all consider and what he sees as benefits of working flexibly.

‘Working remotely has given me the opportunity to have regular meetings with my manager and colleagues, and work on complex and urgent tasks with minimal interruptions. I also found it effective to have confidential discussions with client groups and achieve resolutions over the telephone or via Microsoft Teams, said Dan.

‘Initially, I worked with my department’s IT team to ensure closed captions were available on my work device, including Microsoft Teams, and I provided accessories to set up my cochlear implant, allowing me to communicate on various platforms.

‘Having this technology has allowed me to continue to provide HR strategic and operational advice to my clients’ management teams and business groups, and in turn delivering on business outcomes for my team.’

When asked what advice he would provide a colleague wanting to work flexibly… Dan’s top tips are:

• think about ‘how you can make this work’ from an individual, team and departmental perspective
• consider if you need access to systems and determine if it would be effective to complete those tasks flexibly
• ensure you check in with your colleagues and manager for your mental health wellbeing
• remember to take scheduled breaks and get a breath of fresh air regularly by checking your letterbox, talk to friends and family, or go for a run or walk.

‘Working alone for a long period of time can have an impact on your mental health and wellbeing, so it’s important you reach out if you feel the need to,’ said Dan.

‘My philosophy to working flexibly is to work smarter, not harder.’

Hear more about Dan’s story.

Both the private and public sector have adjusted to new ways of working in response to COVID-19—including the increased uptake of remote working.

The Queensland Government’s already established flexible work framework allows our workforce to quickly comply with the Australian Government’s direction around social distancing and minimising the workforce’s exposure to COVID-19, while still providing essential public services to Queensland.

For some, working remotely may be a new experience. Find out how you can get the best out of working remotely.

For managers, check out the Manager’s checklist for supporting remote work (DOCX, 257.5 KB) to help establish a foundation for effective remote working, continued productivity and high-quality service delivery.

If you have any questions about Dan and his story, please contact Dan Jarvis on (07) 3452 6990, Microsoft Teams or email Dan.Jarvis@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.