AdNews last year launched the WFH Diaries during the depths of the fallout from the pandemic, a way of sharing how people managed their days.
This time, with lockdown running again, we're asking for a run down on how everyone likes to start their day working from home. Some dress to impress, others slip on the t-shirt. And everyone has their own way to carve the day into manageable chunks.
Charlotte Valente, chief marketing officer, Seven West Media:
My day starts at 5am, without fail. Lockdown or not. I am a sucker for routine.
As soon as that alarm goes off, my feet swing out of bed and hit the floor. A routine of stretching and a poor attempt at meditation follow. A little before 6am, the trainers go on, I meet my one exercise buddy COVID restrictions allow me to train with and we head out for a run or an attempt to replicate our normal outdoor bootcamp workouts. A dive in the ocean completes the routine.
From 7am the race is on, although during lockdown I am no longer racing to beat the traffic and get three children organised for school. I am still going about my daily rituals of hair and make-up and getting dressed “properly” from head to toe (UGG boots count). However, the work blouse has been replaced by some form of jumper, with the only decision being knitted for the more formal days or sweatshirt for a more casual vibe.
The race in the morning is now dedicated to giving myself some time for a proper breakfast (no more choking on cold, burnt toast in the car), reading the news headlines and possibly throwing on a load of washing before my first call at 8.30am.
I have great intentions to balance the day by trying (and, more often than not, failing) to not have too many video conference calls and give myself time for deep work and connecting with my team over the phone.
My people are my greatest concern at the moment. Lockdown is not easy for anyone. Whether you are in a family with three kids, living in a share house with three others, or single and living alone, it’s tough. So, I prioritise connecting with different people in my team to check in and ensure they are ok. We can’t underestimate the impact this virus has had on all of us, personally and professionally, no matter your age or situation.
The end of the day is the hardest for me. I am so used to having the drive home from work to process the day’s events and unwind before walking into the house to an avalanche of demands! Today, the lines are blurred between the dining table (work) and the kitchen bench (home). It’s important to find ways to mark the end of the day and give yourself some space. I have taken to walking the dog at the end of the day before settling back into family life and that really helps me reflect and unwind.
One of the perks of working from home, however, is having more time at night. Being able to have an early dinner with the family (and a cheeky glass of red) before settling into the couch to watch the TV together in one room, is a luxury. At the moment, we are watching the Tokyo Olympics on Seven (go France!) and we can’t wait to for The Voice to start on 8 August. I tend to sneak off to bed around 9.30pm with my Kindle before repeating it all again the next day. As I said, I am a sucker for routine.
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