Key takeaways:

  • Routine & Exercise Matter – Sticking to a daily routine and incorporating exercise helped maintain balance while working from home.
  • Key Skills for Remote Work – Time management, self-discipline, communication, and tech skills are crucial for success.
  • Face-to-Face Interaction is Irreplaceable – Emotional cues and relationship-building suffer in virtual meetings.
  • Personal Milestones Were Missed – Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries without loved ones was challenging.
  • Post-Lockdown Priority – Reuniting with family and friends with warm hugs was the most anticipated moment.

Atterbury Asset Manager Zandri Wells tells us how she coped with working from home during lockdown: “Working from home became our new reality overnight. I tried to keep to a daily routine and also made sure that I exercised every day – although it can become very boring to run up and down in your drive-way for the 100th time!”

What was your most valuable lesson and what are you going to keep from the experience?

I quickly learned that time management, self-discipline, communication skills as well as technological skills are very important if you want to work from home successfully.

However, I also learned that nothing replaces face-to-face interaction – especially in tough times when you have to be able to not only focus on what your team members and clients are saying but also how they are saying it and the emotions that they are experiencing. Those things cannot be picked up if you are having a meeting via Zoom or Teams. Whether it is a friendship, a client relationship, or simply a good working relationship, developing and maintaining a real relationship with someone is far more difficult if you do not ever get to speak to them face-to-face.

Anything significant celebrated?

Yes, my birthday, wedding anniversary as well as Mother’s Day. I really missed my people on those days.

What is the first thing you will do when lockdown is lifted?

I am looking forward to hugging my family and friends most of all!

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the most important skills Zandri identified for successful remote work?

Zandri learned that time management, self-discipline, and strong communication and technological skills are essential when working from home.

Why does Zandri believe face-to-face interaction is superior to virtual meetings?

She found that virtual platforms like Zoom or Teams make it difficult to pick up on emotional cues and develop real relationships compared to in-person meetings.

How did Zandri maintain her physical and mental well-being during the lockdown period?

Zandri stayed balanced by adhering to a daily routine and making a point to exercise every day, even if it meant running in her driveway.