HG from Home: Laura

What’s your desk set-up like from home? 

I live in an apartment, so I don't have much office space. When we started working from home, my husband brought his monitors home from his office and purchased a desk, which he set up in the only desk-sized (and available) space we have (for him to work from), and I've spent the time working on the dining table. Recently, I was upgraded to the desk while he took some time off work. I much prefer it, plus he has two monitors, so I don't know how I will cope when I have to return to the dining table. I even made the space my own — I love a personalised, but minimalist desk and have to have some hand cream nearby; and I brightened it up a bit with the Elder Wand and a bowtruckle from Harry Potter, a photo and Lewis Hamilton's 2019 half scale F1 race helmet, all of which give a little insight into who I am.

What have you enjoyed most about WFH?

I have always enjoyed working from home whenever I have had to focus on big tasks, particularly planning. I do a lot of planning in my role for my clients, so I have actually loved being able to get my head down and work. I also love the flexibility of being at home and while I really can't wait to get back to the office, I can also see myself working from home more often. 

Have you overcome any challenges while WFH? 

I was less than two months into my role at Hotglue when we began working from home, so at the start, it was a bit of an adjustment to make. I was still settling into the role and getting to know my clients and brands, and without the rest of the team physically around me, it felt quite surreal. But the team and my manager have been so supportive (virtually), so it didn't take me long to overcome the challenge. 

What do you miss most about being in the office?

My colleagues and the banter. In many ways it now seems strange to say that, considering I have been with Hotglue for eight months and spent six of them WFH with my husband as my unofficial Hotglue colleague! But I remember my time in the office so vividly and really want to get back as I loved being part of the family. They're such a great team and I miss being able to collaborate together. The FMCG team has also grown in lockdown and over half of the people I now work with on a daily basis I have never met in person, so I am also looking forward to meeting them! Mostly, I really want to have a face-to-face meeting with my manager, Georgie and chat through what's going on in the FMCG world over a chai latte. 

What have you been working on lately?

Over the past six months WFH, I have been working closely with Devondale on their Instagram strategy and in particular, their campaign with OzHarvest called #HereForHope, featuring some delicious recipes by some well-known Aussie chefs. I've also been working on campaigns for Rescue Remedy and Spatone, which included a couple of socially-distanced photo shoots. There's also lots coming up in the FMCG world as we head towards Christmas, which I am really excited about. 

Have you been doing anything differently?

I don't think so. The only thing that is different is that I am wearing make-up less often. That was a bit strange to begin with, but it means I get a little longer in the mornings to sleep in, so I'm not complaining! 

What is your go-to snack at home?

Believe it or not, I am snacking less at home than I was in the office, although being British, I am partial to a cup of tea and a chocolate Digestive biscuit in the afternoons!

Have you…

… done a virtual meeting with trackies/pjs on? YES!

… shopped more online because you’re home to receive it? Not really, which even I find hard to believe!

… had to balance working with a partner/housemate? Yes — we're always in virtual meetings at the same time, which can be a challenge!

… enjoyed longer sleep-ins? Absolutely!