Head of Sales – STAAH Australia, John Clune is working from home at Sydney. Not new to this style of working, he shares his experience and some suggestions that has helped him cope with this environment, that could soon be the norm in future.
1) How did you prep up for the lockdown? How are you finding the adjustment?
Surely everyone would have their own way of dealing with this lockdown and coping with the shift to working from home. But having worked from home in past and being aware of importance of setting a routine, here’s what i did.
I spent the first day ensuring I was prepared for this set-up. Creating a specific office space was important and i did just that. I transformed a corner of my room to an official work space. Functioning of laptop with required connectivity and cross-checking if my laptop and monitor were in sync was extremely important. I also created a priority task list so that I remain focused on important things first. And lastly, I set up processes for handling customer requests and calls.
2) Tell us about your home setup?
I have an allocated space for office work. I have a Google Home for music in the background and I have a courtyard where I can sit, have a coffee, make phone calls and re-calibrate my mindset.
3) How are you interacting with your office team?
I use Skype for all my work related internal communications. I make sure to connect with my Regional Manager, at least once a day [usually it is more] either through Skype or phone – using WhatsApp. I also chat with my team mates in Melbourne at least once a day – on the phone.
4) How are you keeping up your morale?
I try to do all things I love and that peps me up. I try to have a bike ride each morning and cook a meal every night. I also chat with my partner every evening. We still make each other laugh every night, even after 31/2 years. We live a long way apart … about 120 kms, so we try to make every conversation count between Monday – Friday.
5) What are your Friday plans?
I try to enter the weekend with a clean slate from work so I can enjoy my short time spend with my partner – with a clear mind. I really try and limit the laptop time on weekends and come back on Monday, nice and refreshed – physically and mentally.
6) Have you and your family/loved ones got anything special planned during the shutdown?
We are doing the tasks at home that have been put off for long now. This seems to be a good time to get them sorted and done. Also, we make efforts to be outside the house, at least for a little while for the fresh air. Catching up with my son regularly is something I look forward to, and he makes me laugh a lot. Weekend fun also means, Cooking new recipes at home along with my partner :-).
7) Any messages of support you would like to share for the industry?
Just be disciplined in your isolation working from home but never, ever let any sense of loneliness wash over you. Eat healthily as you normally would, and be connected with your friends, family, and colleagues.
How are you faring with the lockdown routine? Let us know at marketing@staah.com