AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Tom Lander is a creative at VERSA in Melbourne.
How are you dealing with the silence?
Somewhat luckily, I live in a house with two other professionals (one red-headed housemate pictured), so silence hasn’t been a problem for me. Three people in one coworking-space (dining room) makes for a fair bit of noise. The biggest challenges for me have been more about the way in which we used to utilise the office itself.
As a creative, being in close proximity to other creatives and strategists is something that’s key to stretching a good idea into a great one. Moving to WFH has meant that a quick question is now a 10 minute Zoom call. The office also lent itself well to having spaces where people who don’t directly work together could still hang out and talk about not-work. In that respect, it’s been a challenge trying to stay in touch with the part of workplace culture that isn’t about the work itself.
What’s the upside?
Our offices work quite closely but are spread pretty far globally, so moving to fully online working wasn’t a massive shift for us as an agency. Also client meetings in trackies and a three-second commute. Say no more.
The downside?
Having to hotspot off my phone for Zoom calls because my wifi can’t take it.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
Sleeping longer or exercising in the morning, and cooking better food in the evening.
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
I miss seeing everyone at work. I’m excited for the day that going for Zoom coffee can go back to being a walk around the block for a real one.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.