Meggan Van Harten RGD

Working remotely

 

 

 

 

Name: Melissa Deschênes RGD

Company: Design de Plume Inc.

Job Title: Principal Designer

 

I'm usually the first one in the building. I open the office, get settled and start the coffee for the team.

 

 

Most of our team is back in the office so we still get to have conversations, brainstorming and bouncing around of ideas that come from working in an environment together. Client meetings are exclusively digital to limit the foot traffic in the space. Staff still use tools like Slack to communicate and say hello to the two team members still working from home.

 

 

During the few months our office was closed, I really struggled with balancing work/life while working from home. Having been back at the office with most of the team has been so rewarding. It really emphasizes how much being in a space together is good for communication, team spirit and overall morale. It's just so much easier to talk to someone near you as opposed to scheduling a meeting for a question or having things getting lost in translation in written format. Our team has such a great attitude and positive energy which you really get to experience best when working together. 

 

 

Nothing I wouldn't typically do! However, it's nice to say goodbye to the team both in person and on Slack for those at home.

 

 

As most businesses affected by COVID-19, we really have changed the way we interact with team members and clients in order to keep the virus at bay. These include new cleaning measures, keeping our distance and self-wellness evaluations before coming into work to make sure you are symptom-free. Going from in-office to home and back to the office has been a bit of a challenge but I think all of us in the studio at least have really gotten the hang of things while occupying the same space. We have really seen a shift of the type of work clients have approached us for with a greater push for web work as opposed to print.

 

 

Advantages: Not worrying about appearances and being able to sleep in or throw a load of laundry on while on break. Wearing pants? Optional!

 

Cons: Lack of team management, meaning having a difficult time managing a team when we can't see if they are at their desk or not. Also balancing life and work, you never really feel like you can get away from work when you work from home. Communication was a big issue. There's a big difference in communicating verbally versus a written format, which can be more time consuming or take longer to 'book' in when you need to talk to someone. Finally, some of us are social butterflies and thrive on being able to be in a space with others. 

 

 

We are lucky enough to have a large space. Desks are over 2 metres apart and we have strict cleaning measures when using common areas in order to protect our team. With a team of 9, 7 being in the space at the moment, we have lots of room to stay apart while still being able to work together as a team. We really value everyone's health and want to keep the team COVID-free. Luckily in our Northern Ontario town, the cases have not been too high keeping in-office work a possibility for those that feel comfortable. Being given the option to work remotely or together during these times is the most ideal situation that will help people make the best decision for themselves regarding their workspace and health.

 

I am so proud of the diverse and inclusive design work we create.

 

Here's a sample of some new illustrations, hot off the press, I did with Special Olympics Canada for fact sheets we are creating as a part of their Diversity and Inclusion series. These ones in particular are about 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion.

 

Another project I would like to share is for Tungasuvvingat Inuit, which are building entrance COVID-19 signs which includes Inutitut text as well, fitting for the topic at hand.