HG from Home: Nick

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

I'm lucky to have a study space in our place, which is great for doing work at home. I spend a bit of time on the phone, so having a nice chair to kick back in helps a lot. Being able to grab the guitar and thrash out some riffs is handy too!

What have you enjoyed most about WFH?

I've probably saved around 10-15 hours a week not sitting in traffic, which has helped with the stress levels, and also allowed me to spend a lot more time with the family before and after work hours. 

Have you overcome any challenges while WFH? 

I think the biggest challenge is maintaining a sense of what is actually going on in the business. Taking time to hear from individuals is something that organically happens when you're in the same space - but when you're not, you really have to plan for it. When WFH, it's a fine line between forcing those conversations, and letting them happen - and that's something I've really struggled with.

It's also really hard to on-board new starters. I really feel for the handful of people who have started with us since March - they're doing a great job, but getting about 10% of the cultural benefits that come with working in an agency.

What do you miss most about being in the office?

I miss the energy that our amazing staff bring every day! While I'll promote the benefits of 'digital everything' all day, you just can't replicate office culture through Slack and 5pm drinks over a video call. I think we'll use the office very differently when we eventually return - it will essentially be a team meeting and culture hub, and we'll allow our people to 'work' in whatever environment they feel most comfortable and productive in.

What have you been working on lately?

The end of the financial year always presents a bunch of challenges for me, not just in getting our books sorted, but many of our clients also work to a financial year, so there are new contracts to negotiate, new plans to develop, and new strategies to roll out. This time of year also sees many new budgets released, which often means we get quite a few new briefs.

Have you been doing anything differently?

We recently switched from using MS Powerpoint to Google Slides, which has been a lifesaver when working remotely. In terms of my daily routine, I've been trying to force myself to take breaks during the day. It's so easy to get lost in work, so I've been taking walks around Elwood, meditating or playing guitar to break the day up.

What is your go-to snack at home?

Cheesy-mite scrolls!

Have you…

… done a virtual meeting with trackies or pjs on? Trackies, yes. But I make sure I get dressed everyday!

… shopped more online because you’re home to receive it? In the first few weeks, for sure. I've run out of things to buy now!

… had to balance working with a partner/housemate? Yeah, at first we pulled our daughter out of child care (she's 3), but after two weeks of juggling her with work, we put her back in to childcare and things have been great. My wife has her own office space so we see each other at lunch and that's about it!

… enjoyed longer sleep-ins? Not really possible with a 3-year-old, but not rushing through traffic has been a life changer.