CJ'ers Share Their WFH Spaces: Volume One

Hello from home!

We're a few weeks into what seems to be the new normal—working from couch (WFC), juggling calls and kids, and constant snacking. Curious to know where we're working these days? CJ'ers across our global offices were kind enough to share a peek.

Tyler Hanlon, Email Marketing Manager, Santa Barbara, CA

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Tired.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? Sweatpants and long-lost rules that forbid TV watching. My wife and I are splitting time as best we can, but our routine is completely out the window. That is, except for one: nap time (for baby, not me). My favorite and most productive time of day.

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! Since I have to watch a child while I work, I have a well-formed divot on the couch near her toys.

What's your favorite WFH snack? String cheese.

What's one thing you now know you took for granted about working in an office? Free coffee and talking to adults.

Jugashree, Client Services Analyst 1, Bangalore, India

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Naturelove.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? Yes, I have a typical routine starts with a work out, then log in/log out..and in between there comes delicious food... haha!

How do you spend your lunch break? That's the point! No lunch break, because there's always a snack break :)

What's one tip that you'd share with others who are working from home for the first time? Enjoy the time in the out of office environment, but still strive for perfection in work.

What's one thing that brightens your day while working from home? My pet bird! I no longer miss him.

Samantha Leon, Client Development Director, Chicago, IL

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Hectic.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? We keep a full day schedule for my 6-year-old daughter. I still have an alarm that goes off at 6:30am for my work out. A schedule keeps me sane.

What's the best part about working from home? My dog is loving having me around. He is getting really old so nice to spend more time with him. Also not wearing anything but sweats.

How do you spend your lunch break? My husband still needs to leave the house for his job each day as it is considered "essential" but he makes sure to come home and make my daughter and I lunch every day at 12pm.

What's one thing you now know you took for granted about working in an office? Having a full set up with monitors and keyboard. Also just general social interactions.

Célia Dequeker, Publisher Manager, Paris, France

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Optimal.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? I log in in the morning after a good (longer!) night's rest, take a full lunch break, go back to work in the afternoon with a few tea and snack breaks and follow up with at-home workouts. I try to have my daily routine stay as close as my usual workday routine so I can stay focused and on track.

How do you spend your lunch break? Just like I do when at the office, I like to fully unplug. I take a real break and am lucky enough to be able to have lunch with my loved ones who are also working from home :-) This is quality time and allows me to better focus when I go back to work in the afternoon, too!

What's one thing that brightens your day while working from home? Team and partner calls to keep in touch with everyone!

Jocelyn V., Facilities Coordinator, Westborough, MA

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Content.

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! I have a comfortable chair and a vintage typewriter table with my computer equipment, and it faces the water. The view is very calming, and I see eagles, ducks, and other birds flying nearby while I work.

What's the best part about working from home? The commute!

How do you spend your lunch break? I unplug at lunch and go for a walk around the neighborhood.

What's one thing that brightens your day while working from home? The view.

Marissa Moorehead, Director of Product Marketing, Santa Barbara, CA

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Pajamas.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? Coffee, shower, and clean something before my first meeting. Zoom workout classes after work!

What's the best part about working from home? My cat is really happy that her subordinate is home and able to provide treats at any time.

Any WFH challenges? How do you deal with them? Patience with technical difficulties, and laughing with co-workers about interruptions—dogs, cats, kids, roommates —we're all in the same boat, you have to laugh!

Any funny or embarrassing WFH anecdotes you're willing to share? I was on a call off mute and my cat knocked over my lunch bowl and I screamed and then yelled at my cat in front of about 15 people. She got onion on her back, sauce everywhere. Lots of laughs.

Kelly Merkel, VP, Publisher Development, Chicago IL

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Hermit.

Any WFH challenges? How do you deal with them? Missing interaction with other people! I've been doing video calls and virtual happy hours as much as possible!

What's one thing you now know you took for granted about working in an office? The people! I live alone, my plants are getting lots of quality time!

What's one thing that brightens your day while working from home? COFFEE!

Siobhan Williamson, European Group Director, Business Operations, London, England

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Transient (ironically).

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! I move around a lot throughout the day. We have two of us working from home, and we are both pretty loud on calls, so we often need to move to opposite sides of the flat to limit the noise pollution :) We also sadly don't have a formal office or desk setup which has it's advantage in that we can move around to various spots around the house and get a different perspective...keeping the London hot-desking culture alive! Most importantly, I pack up all of my worth equipment into a backpack at the end of each day to ensure that I switch off and that my home feels relaxed once again.

What's one tip that you'd share with others who are working from home for the first time? Take breaks, and set a strict clock in and clock out time. It's so easy to sit still for hours and work overtime when you don't have to think about the commute or where you're going out to grab some lunch.

Any funny or embarrassing WFH anecdotes you're willing to share? The puzzle is always calling me...I've caught myself leaning over and placing a piece while I'm on a call...with the video on!

Jimmy Slattery, Client Development Manager, New York, NY

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Incremental.

What does a typical WFH day look like for you? Do you have a set routine that helps you focus? I sleep in until 8:30, work regular business hours, support a local business during lunch most days, and actually end up working later hours just because there are no sports on and I've already finished watching Tiger King.

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! My set-up starts and ends at the desk in my room. I love my parents and younger sisters, but I keep client calls a social distancing approved at least 6 feet away from them. I have been able to utilize a desk lamp that my dad built with my great grandpa all the way back in 1967 with a bamboo stick.

What's your favorite WFH snack? Toughest question so far! Swedish Fish.

What's one thing that brightens your day while working from home? My sisters playing music.

Lyndsey Lara, Sr. Client Development Manager, San Francisco, CA

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Cozy.

Tell us more about what your "set-up" looks like! I have an office that I share with my husband—but when we both have calls we have to coordinate different rooms, otherwise it's a challenge to hear and focus. I often take calls from the living room to also assist in changing it up throughout the day.

How do you spend your lunch break? Cooking fresh meals!

What's one tip that you'd share with others who are working from home for the first time? Pets make this experience more enjoyable, I'm happy that I get to spend more time with my pets. I encourage anyone who is able to consider adopting during this time!

What's one thing you now know you took for granted about working in an office? My coffee budget has definitely increased exponentially...

Paloma Lumbreras, Country Manager, Madrid, Spain

If you could describe your WFH self in ONE WORD, what would it be? Tough and reassuring.

Any WFH challenges? How do you deal with them? Keeping my 6 year old son busy and entertained doing his homework so he doesn't spend all day watching TV. I try to download and print all school tasks and activities in preparation for the next day, so when he wakes up later than me, everything is ready.

What's your favorite WFH snack? I try to eat healthy snacks when I am WFH, so herbal tea or a piece of fruit are the best options for me. But when I finish work I treat myself with a slice of homemade sponge cake.

What's one tip that you'd share with others who are working from home for the first time? Have breakfast and shower before start working every day, dress up comfy but do not wear your pajamas all day. To be efficient (especially when you have kids at home), WFH means a lot of organization with regards to meals and preparation in general.

Any funny or embarrassing WFH anecdotes you're willing to share? To face a tough day, I wear perfume that makes me feel empowered, confident, and more like myself...