AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Damian Royce is executive creative director at Havas Melbourne.
How are you dealing with the silence?
It’s definitely given me a lot more quality time to think about our client’s challenges. I also find myself talking to my dog a lot. As such, everyone in my household thinks I’m going mad. Maybe I am, but I don’t think my dog minds too much.
What’s the upside?
It has brought the Melbourne and Sydney offices closer together. We’ve been collaborating a lot more due to the addition of video meeting platforms and we’ve created initiatives like Havas Hustle, where we offer our respective skills to anyone affected by the current situation.
The downside?
I have missed being able to pin work up on the wall and collaborate with the creative team, and I have missed being able to sit with our clients in person to share the work. The tidal wave of new information has also been constant, so the challenge has been working out what’s important to engage with and what’s not. There are still only so many hours in the day.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
It given me a little more time to think and to exercise using all those new training apps that have sprung up. Ironically, ever since podcast engagement has exploded, I’m actually listening to them less than I previously did when I was commuting.
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
The increased alone time has been good for planning and thinking (and of course hanging out with my dog), but nothing beats being in the same environment as your team and clients when it comes to developing or discussing ideas.
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