AdNews brings the stories of those doing HOMEWORK or working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Word of mouth agency 1000heads has tips, including dancing around the house, how to work with constant distractions (pets and kids) and how to stay productive without feeling isolated.
Managing director Robert Ford
- Tea breaks. Pick a colleague to have a 10 minute tea break with over a video call.
- Get dressed. Groom. Routine really helps and following your normal morning routine without the commute can help get your head in the right place.
- If you have a phone call that doesn't need you to look at a screen, do it walking. Walk around your home or if outdoors somewhere with very few people.
- Make some rules for yourself about drinking. Perhaps avoid the wine bottle a few days of the week.
- If working from home with a partner, make a rota for who gets to work where, so you can avoid any potential issues.
Relationships director Lena Habkouk
Now that gyms are closed and I am not as active due to less incidental walking I have decided to use what would normally be my commute time to go for a walk. First thing in the morning before work and at the end of the day after work. It also helps me wake up and unwind at the end of a day.
Social media manager Hannah Roberts
- Get good coffee. If you're a coffee drinker, invest in some decent home coffee options to have something delicious to start your day. In my house, we have a coffee grinder for fresh coffee in the french press.
- Get your WFH set-up right for posture. Ensure your monitor/computer is at eye level (prop it up if you need). If you can, get a wireless keyboard and/or mouse so you're not hunched over a laptop.
- Snap Camera - a program you can install on your computer which can overlay different Snap filters on your face while on conference calls/video calls. Great for a laugh for Friday drinks via video call, or instant make-up for video calls.
Account director Mark Lloyd
One thing I'm really focusing on is having a plan in place for how I'm exercising. Keeping fit and healthy is more important than ever, especially without the daily commute. Sitting around all day personally makes me feel very lethargic, so I think it's important to get at least two forms of exercise for both your physical and mental state. I try and do an in-house workout in the morning before starting work and a run at lunch or at the end of the day.
For the in-house workout, I'm following along with my local gym that are doing live streams at 7am - it’s a really interesting time for people who are figuring out how to keep fit without any gym equipment (or very minimal equipment) - these guys nail it showing you how to work on flexibility, mobility and strength in one workout. Also a small business so they need as much support as they can get.
Creative technologist Daniel Koublachvili
Have dance breaks - elevate the mood and get some exercise going.
Senior graphic designer Joanna Frank
The most important part of working from home is my morning ritual. Getting showered and dressed is crucial and sets the tone for the rest of the day. I still put effort into what I wear, even though there is no one around to appreciate it…except my cat.
Account manager Vincent Varney
- Taking breaks at home will probably make you feel lazy, but don’t beat yourself up. You’re technically taking a break whenever you chat to someone in the office, so if you occasionally want to stand up and do some housework or chill out on your balcony, that’s okay.
- Schedule regular catch-ups because you won’t have those impromptu in office chats. These don’t have to be check-ins on projects – could you even just schedule one for chewing the fat!
- Organise a fun virtual hangout for your team. Getting everyone to chat or play a game over video call on a Friday helps everyone feel connected.
Animator Shane Croke
- Pro: Quiet work environment and flexible work times.
- Con: More isolated less walking commute so less exercise.
Relationships executive Jana Dermelkonian
Although we are all isolated, I strangely feel even more so connected to others. Whether it’s the current mutual adversity, the humanisation of shared anxieties, or the increased time spent online, I've experienced a comforting support system grow within our company with wellbeing as the focus.
Communication is so valued when there’s a lack of physical socialisation - I’ve appreciated having to think of new ways to connect to my colleagues, and have witnessed a great deal of resilience when it comes to new ways of thinking and pushing past fear and uncertainty.
My tips:
- Communication is key. Stay in contact with your team throughout the day, and reach out if you need any support mentally too. Remember, we’re all human, and we’re all in this together.
- Routine is everything. Make sure you’re still getting up early enough, showering, writing out your to-do list, and making time for meals, water breaks, and mental breaks. During what would’ve been your commute time, go for a walk or do a little home workout.
- Deep belly breaths. Even a five minute meditation can set your day right.
- Separate home and work. As much as a couch could be comfortable, set your space for your ‘work’ time - no mixing with your ‘me’ time.
- Dance. Put on some music and move your body!
Graphic designer Wendy Huynh
The pros:
- I’m able to blast my music up loud or put on a movie for background noise without disturbing anyone.
- Work more independently on projects.
However, the cons of working from home is:
- I forget to take a break and move around.
- Even after clocking off at 5.30, I still feel like I’m at work.
- Snacking way too much.
- Communicating in person with team members.
My tips:
- Set a reminder to walk around the house every 30 minutes to one hour.
- Drink plenty of water.
Account executive Javier de Guzman
I live alone so my actual human interaction has severely gone down. What gets me through it is constant video calls with my family and friends, keeping busy with work and movement whether it be through work outs or solo dance parties! It's important to always look after our mental health!!
My tips:
- Move around. Alternate between workstations around your house, whether it's the kitchen table, couch or even the floor!
- Sit on a sturdy chair that isn't too comfortable, you may end up dozing off or turning on Netflix.
- Follow a schedule. It's very easy to get distracted when at home, having something to follow makes it easier to know what you should be doing.
Account executive Eldon Smith
Living on my own and working from home has been a challenge in solitude. Looking after my mental health whilst spending all day (every day) on my own has been key to staying productive and connected. For me that means moving my body as much as I can, even if it’s just a lap around my flat, and maintaining relationships online. Having someone to chat to throughout the day makes a big difference and reminds me that I’m really not alone, we’re all in this together.
Technical director Luke Stevenson
Improve Yourself. We often put things off because we don't have enough time. There's always something to be done which demands our attention. If you are cooped up in your home, time is something you will have plenty of. I know I have a backlog of Udemy and Stackskill courses which I haven't had a chance to get around to as yet, but even if you don't want to spend money on online courses, there are other ways which you can kick some self-improvement goals.
- Read a book
Getting to know someone by the books which speak to them can be really insightful. Ask your friends what is their favourite book - you might be able to borrow an eBook version online from your local library for nothing. It can be interesting getting to understand why that book is important to your friend.
- Practice something you have always wanted to do
Even if it is just something as simple as learning how to shuffle cards like a pro, or how to juggle, or how to play the guitar. We all have to start somewhere, and if you can emerge from a couple of weeks of lockdown with the basics established, then you're on your way.
- Get to know yourself
Be more mindful. Practice meditation. Again, it is something which many of us think we don't have time to learn, but if it helps keep our minds clear, then whatever time is spent doing it is made back in time spent being distracted later.
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