Working from Home Routines – Volume 2

As we continue working from home, we asked a few of our US colleagues what their routine looks like, what gets them through their day and what they miss from an office environment. Hint: its people – it’s always the people.

Here is the second interview from our series:

Tim Middleton, Agency Director
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If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Fernweh (German word for the ache for distant places/travel. Opposite of homesickness.)

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? I’ve been thinking a lot about routines. It’s been important to find ways to delineate the start/end of my days now that I don’t have the walk to/from the subway and rides to make that clear. So, whether that is stretching or actually getting out of the house for a walk – I take some time to make that distinction clear.
Beyond that, I’m trying to avoid establishing too much of a routine or rigid approach to WFH. While this time may go on for longer than I hope – I’m trying to avoid establishing any ‘new normal’ I’ll have to abandon later on.

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! Currently, I’m in the kitchen using my island as my de-facto office. I typically have a podcast, YouTube nature stream, or Twitch stream running on the TV for some background/white noise. Once it gets warmer out, I’ll shift to the balcony for sure!

What's you go to way to beat the afternoon slump? In the office, it used to be another cup of coffee. That meant cleaning my mug, taking a walk to my favorite coffee machine, maybe meandering in a conversation or two, before getting back to business. That’s not a ritual I’ve found success mirroring at home yet. On good weather days, I take my bike out for a quick ride. On days I can’t make it out, I just end up bothering my cats a whole lot!

What's one thing you now know you took for granted about working in an office? Doing more than just a nod and hello when I pass by someone in the hall or wherever. There are people I have seen almost every day for years where that is the depth of our relationship. Now I’m not saying that necessarily needs to or will change in all cases. And I’m probably not going to magically transform into the most gregarious, outgoing person ever. But, wow I really miss all of the small talk and being around familiar faces that aren’t part of my day-to-day team. The folks you wouldn’t really ever work with who are still part of your working experience.