AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Luke Spano is managing director at Avid Collective.
How are you dealing with the silence?
Complete control of the music! My co-workers have very strong feelings about certain genres of music, so it is rare that I am choosing any of the songs that are playing on an office work day.
The silence is obviously different, so I'm trying to be grateful that I can make the most of the unique day-to-day setup. But I will definitely be excited to be back amongst talking and laughing voices as it helps me smile more.
What’s the upside?
The upside is the ability to design my days to fit in better with my energy levels. Being able to do exercise, read a book or (now) go for a quick swim at the beach, at the times that I want the space are super valuable as it allows me to refresh and get back into things with more focus and clarity.
My work days have ended up being longer overall, but I am far less rushed and thus less stressed, which makes me more present and more effective.
I can also shave a lot less, which to me is a good thing but others probably do not agree….
The downside?
Without a doubt it is not being around my co-workers to communicate with about everything and anything. When in the office we constantly offer each other a release valve for the stress that builds up and not being able to utilise that or offer that is frustrating.
I also miss the way we work off each other's energy and discussing the details of a project through the quick swivel of a chair or shouting of a question.
A big part of the utility I receive on a day to day basis is creating great things with the people I work with and the separation from them makes the high quality work and the different successes seem less exciting.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
I'm sleeping a full eight-hours every night. I am normally one to sleep five to six hours so it is definitely making a difference to my energy levels in the evening.
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
The team. The team. The team.
Work and being in a workplace is worthwhile to me because of what we are building together. I am very excited to be around them on a daily basis again. Even if it means I am made fun of and laughed at five to ten more times a day than is happening at the moment...
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