Persevering with our Highlight sequence celebrating the ladies of Octopus, we’re speaking to Lisa Loftus, DigiOps destroyer, about being a part of Octopus’ customer support secret weapon.
Why did you be a part of Octopus?
Earlier than Octopus, I labored within the Meals Property staff of a serious grocery store model. I moved round quite a bit! I labored on refurbishing their meals shops and shopping for new ones, in addition to being concerned in communications and advertising and marketing. It was quick paced, demanding and required quite a lot of abilities units – creativity, numeracy and pondering in your toes.
Sadly, although, I used to be made redundant whereas on maternity go away anticipating my first son. I discovered whereas trying round for different work that now I had a child, in this sort of profession, companies appeared cautious about whether or not I might have the ability to give them the identical sort of dedication, so I took a while off to consider a profession change that was extra versatile with a brand new child.
I’d had earlier expertise in utilities from years again – working at a number of the Massive 6 – and was linked with Octopus by way of doing a course in social media.
Octopus had been occupied with my abilities, and understood that my being a mum didn’t imply I’d couldn’t work. In reality, it didn’t even come into the equation! I do know that Greg, the CEO, leaves work at 3 twice every week to do the varsity run – these are realities you simply need to work round!
What do you do at Octopus?
The Digital Operations staff (DigiOps) is a versatile, extremely expert customer-facing distant staff working out-of-hours throughout digital platforms. Particular in the truth that it’s at present made up fully {of professional} girls working from residence, the vast majority of whom are returning to the workforce after having youngsters.
What’s probably the most difficult a part of your job?
I believe typically the place you need to clarify why fairly complicated business processes could make issues really feel a bit sluggish and never very ‘Octopus Power like’.
What’s the very best a part of your job?
Serving to clients, actually – giving them a greater service than they’ve skilled from our rivals.
Additionally, you’re feeling a part of the household right here. I bear in mind feeling so out of the loop at earlier distant jobs and pondering that’s what it needed to be like. However at Octopus Power, it’s fully completely different. In the beginning, we’re a digital firm – utilizing distant working software program at each stage, from coaching to reporting to basic day-to-day communication – which makes it good for somebody like me, providing flexibility and residential working however with somebody to talk to on the contact of a button.
You’ve simply had a brand new child – how’ve you discovered getting again into the grind?
I’ve acquired two younger youngsters now – a two-year-old and a seven-week-old, so no time for hobbies and going out. 24/7 nappy adjustments and sleepless nights. Motherhood!
There’s no method I may go into Manchester for work on daily basis, 9 – 5, with the 2 youngsters. So the pliability this job provides is fab. I’ve simply come again after just a few months’ maternity go away. In the event you may’ve been a fly on the wall this week! Sitting at my desk typing out solutions one-handed with a child hanging off my breast. Fortunately the shoppers can’t see me with my hair in all places, in my dressing robe!
Any message for folks pondering of switching?
We’re the one Which? Beneficial Provider for 2018 and we’re so pleased with this, because it’s voted for by clients. And we’ve additionally not too long ago been named Provider of the 12 months by uSwitch. What’ve you bought to lose? I’m a buyer myself – I’ve been transformed! I’d by no means, ever return to the Massive 6, particularly now I work for Octopus and I do know concerning the large suppliers’ little tips…
Any message for individuals who’ve switched already?
Thanks for placing your belief in us. We love to listen to what clients suppose so please chat to us you probably have any ideas.