Key takeaways:
- Mia Kitshoff and her husband took time to adapt and find a new rhythm during the difficult period.
- They discovered that challenging times reveal personal resilience, and that people are capable of handling more than they initially think.
- Technology, particularly online meetings, became a key lesson, saving time and allowing for more flexible meeting arrangements.
- Despite the benefits of online meetings, Mia missed the face-to-face energy in the office and the collaborative dynamic it provided.
- The lockdown period highlighted the importance of friends, family, and the desire for simple pleasures like going out for a date night without distractions.
“The first 5 weeks of #lifeinlockdown was definitely a juggling act between working productively, stimulating a 1,5-year-old and almost 3-year-old, cleaning and doing loads of laundry. It took some time for my husband and I to find our new rhythm, but once we found our feet, we realised that there is something special to take from this very uncertain and difficult time. We learned that the more you have to do, the more you are capable of doing, explains Atterbury Business Development Manager: Western Cape, Mia Kitshoff.
“I think we all learned valuable lessons on the use of technology, especially online meetings, but I also realised that I prefer to work from the office and that there is something about face-to-face contact that cannot be replaced by technology. Online meetings save a lot of time, especially when meetings are off-site and meetings can now be arranged at short notice, as no one needs to travel. We will definitely make use of this on a more regular basis. But I really missed the energy in our small office – being able to bounce ideas off each other and keep everyone in the loop.
“We missed our friends and family, and still do. I look forward to a date night in a restaurant with a nice glass of wine…and no noise.”
