Tips from the Caffelli Crew
Caffelli has been working from home since mid-March and will be for the foreseeable future. Our friend and CEO Marcelo made the call early on to keep our offices closed for at least as long as school closures are in effect, which has been an incredible blessing.
But working from home can also drive you nuts!
That’s why we asked the Caffelli family to provide some tips on maintaining life during the WFH times. Here’s what we came up with.
From our fearless social media and content director, Ian Bragg, comes some common-sense advice:
“Getting up, showering, and making breakfast before starting work helps me keep a normal schedule.”
Matt Lindell, technical director, continues thinking about ways to keep our bodies healthy:
“Setting a timer for myself to get up and move around every 30 minutes helps me feel like a human instead of a potato. Run stairs, do air squats, just anything to get the blood moving.”
Associate media director Jeanie Carlson has some advice for the parents out there:
“A lot of advice is around how to keep a schedule, but I think it’s equally important (especially for parents) to accept that it is okay if things are off schedule. Let the kids sleep later, accept that there will be more screen time than normal, and connect with them at moments that work for the whole family.”
Designer Alysa Phan took this request very seriously and responded with the following advice:
“No pants dance.”
She then followed it up with:
“I mean … Iced mocha and yoga keeps the brain and body sane.”
Media coordinator Jet Lathrop normally encourages us to keep fit, and her advice was no exception:
“Running outside is how I’m staying somewhat sane during these uncertain times. I like to wake up early and go before anyone is really up so that I can still maintain the suggested six-foot distance.”
From our Lima office, designer Nicole Calmet gives some of her personal recommendations:
“Write down three mini-goals for the day (ex: drink eight glasses of water, do 10 jumping jacks, finish something you’ve started, read 10 pages, etc.). It’s a good way to stay focused. Be sure to make a physical list and tick them off once achieved. It’s proven by scientists to release dopamine in your brain!”
Todd Bramwell, our business development director, had great insight for our client relationships:
“Be sensitive to clients/vendors/partners. Business of all shapes and sizes are coming to grips with a new reality and uncertain timeline. From a business development/sales perspective, you have to recalibrate. Sure, some functions must continue, but knowing that mandated WFH changes some priorities, be a good partner. Email, call, or video chat just to service the relationship – not necessarily pitch.”
Designer Jessica Hoke reminds us that if the weather allows it, remember to enjoy springtime:
“I think just getting outside during break times can help a lot, especially during these times when the weather is really nice. Even better to go on a walk and do stretches every so often. What helps too is having a routine and a space you can call your own, limiting distractions. We have a dog gate in the stairway so I can work in peace upstairs, but sometimes having a companion sleeping by your desk is nice too.”
Studio director and father to Fred the Dog, Alex Burwell, keeps it business as usual:
“Maintaining a consistent level of face-to-face interaction through video conferencing has allowed me to keep up to date with my coworkers (both interpersonally and professionally) and given me a sense of normalcy.”
Project manager and stellar event planner, Andrea Anthony, has more good pet advice:
“Cats make excellent coworkers. They’ll keep your lap warm and purring helps anxiety and promotes healing. Be prepared to share your workspace and lots of treats.”
Design director Alec Hill has more from the parent perspective:
“Working at home with kids can be challenging, especially when they get bored and the interruptions start. I’ve found it’s best to give my son a time when I will take a break and do something with him, even if it’s only for 10 or 15 minutes. This gives him something to look forward to while I keep working, and also gives me a mental break that I otherwise might not have taken.”
Finally, Brooke Bryan, our accountant and the person who keeps our office chugging along, has advice to keep your mental health positive:
“Clearly define your workspace and, when not engaged in working, physically step away from that zone so you can separate your home life from work zones.”
Caffelli, Signing Off
If you’re needing some help from any of our lovely teams, or you just feel like joining one of our fun video sessions, you can reach out to us at info@caffelli.com. We’d love to chat soon!
