SINGAPORE (May 29): IÑIGO OHLSSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST ASIA & OCEANIA, JAEGER-LECOULTRE
“I am used to travelling frequently and meeting people for work, so I must admit that I am still adapting to working from home. I have received a lot of tips, but the following two work well for me: Create some sort of routine, it will help you get started with your day; and create a good balance between work and family. I use a lot of video conferencing within our team; it helps people feel more connected with each other and maintains team spirit. For working parents: Please remember that each video call with your boss will be photo-bombed by a kid — no matter how hard you try to avoid it — so just relax and keep going. We’ll all go back to work in the office very soon and we’ll certainly miss the extra time at home then, so just relax and enjoy some quality time with your families while you can!”
CHRISTOPHER WEHNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BMW GROUP ASIA
“It’s difficult to separate work and life during this period, so it’s important to maintain a schedule and set ground rules to help keep your priorities (yourself, family, friends etc) straight when you’re off the clock. For example, set a time to log off and join your family for dinner, work out, or simply relax in front of the TV for a while. It’s also essential that you stretch your legs and get some fresh air on a daily basis. Spend time in nature and/or exercise, even for a short period, to clear your head and return home refreshed.”
STANISLAS RAMBAUD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, IWC SOUTH EAST ASIA
“During the day, I have scheduled timings for work with some breaks in between — one benefit is that it helps my son to learn how to read the time, since he needs to wait patiently for my break time to come around, so we can play. At night, I unwind with the family with games and videos, like Tom Brady’s video for IWC’s “Time Well Shared” initiative — I believe sharing messages of hope and positivity will help us support each other during this period of uncertainty.”
GIACOMO CINELLI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PANERAI SOUTHEAST ASIA & OCEANIA
“Where home is now where the work is: Here are three of my personal tips on how to stay focused on the job and mentally healthy while working remotely: As we all admit that working from home may be a gravitational pull towards inactivity, make the most out of the time in the morning [normally spent commuting] and do a home workout or head outside for a jog (remember to do this only in your neighbourhood!). While exercising, listen to your favourite soundtrack, as music is always good food for the brain. The endorphins will also help to clear your mind and keep you refreshed for the rest of the day. Secondly, give yourself something to look forward to in the day — take a digital break, prepare a nutritious lunch or snack to reward yourself and restock your energy stores. For me, I enjoy taking my mind off work and cooking traditional Italian dishes, like minestrone soup, carbonara and tiramisu. Finally, make the intentional effort of staying connected with your coworkers. My team and I have been organising weekly meetings on Zoom, where we take time to revisit our industry knowledge together, share our best practices and even facilitate virtual physical training sessions — all done with the purpose of keeping our team spirit high during this time.”
