AdNews is following the WFH Diaries with a series of Perspectives, asking two questions: What did you learn in 2021 and what are you looking forward to in 2022? We've also encouraged the industry to glam, dress for the best, and face next year with optimism.
Sophie Hodgson, Shopper NSW Agency Sales Director
What did you learn in 2021?
The most significant learning for me going through a second wave of the pandemic this year, was that above everything my health, wellbeing and loved ones come first. Not only my physical health but realising the importance of mental health and accepting that sometimes it’s okay to not be at my best. When we strip back the glam and glitter that sometimes comes with working in media and the speed of which we live, it became very apparent to me that there is real joy in slowing down and reconnecting with the simple things in life. Sydney is a stunning city to be locked down in and I am forever changed because of the extra time I have had to reconnect with my family and friends both here and overseas.
During the lockdown I took time to also connect with my team on a personal level and we spent more time supporting each other with deeper empathy than we had ever before. Let’s face it, we were zooming in to each other’s lounge rooms or kitchens every day for months. We had meetings with our colleagues’ pets, partners and kids in the background and the old “normal” was forever changed. I loved that I had more meaningful conversations with my team, my clients as well as my own friends. Who knew that a good heart felt chat could give me so much energy? This feeling of deep connection became a bit addictive and this is something that I was extremely grateful for.
What I am most looking forward to in 2022
I’m genuinely excited to be taking everything I’ve learnt during the lockdown with respect to connection and wellbeing and maintaining my commitment to that. Lockdowns are behind, us but the importance of living more mindfully is something I want to stay committed to both personally and professionally. I want to continue to respect that not everyone has the same values, and we don’t all get the same level of satisfaction at work from the same things. I am going to continue to help my team and my clients find more balance in their lives. For some, that might be less boozy lunches and for others that might mean greater flexibility to pursue their passions outside of work.
We have learnt to adapt to working differently together and next year we will keep looking at different ways to get the best out of our people. We have become more human because of the lockdowns and next year I will keep working towards the small things that ensure my team and my clients feel supported and challenged to do their best work.
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