by Zoom fatigue is real—but let’s not discount the benefits that have come with videoconferencing software amid the COVID-19 crisis.
No matter how soon we find ourselves back in the office again, video calls will likely play an important part of the future as teams work to stay connected, reduce travel, and support a more mobile workforce.
It’s been a real benefit for Montieth Illingworth, CEO and global managing partner for Montieth & Company, even on tough problems like diversity and inclusion, which has heated up as a topic for the industry in recent months.
We caught up with Illingworth for the latest in our “Day in the Life” series. Here’s what he had to say about maintaining balance in the current business environment:
1. How much coffee do you drink during a day?
I’m pretty disciplined about my coffee. I grind fresh and use a filter, and drink the whole pot by noon. That’s it on coffee for the day.
2. Who is the most important person you talk to every day?
It’s most important to me to talk to my family every day. I think everyone is having a hard time creating boundaries, while there’s no clear beginning and end to the remote workday. Prioritizing conversations with my family, especially my 13-year-old—who, as you would expect, struggles with the social isolation—makes me a more empathetic colleague, and empathy is a key leadership quality. It grounds my perspective and reminds me that we’re all not simply working from home. We’re at home, working during a crisis.
3. How much of your day is spent on Zoom calls?
No two days are the same, but I spend a large portion of my time overall on Zoom, and it’s growing in frequency. The technology has allowed me to virtually meet with the whole, global team on weekly company-wide calls, and to facilitate important check-ins with everyone individually. I think it plays a huge role in keeping the morale up and tuning into how we’re all experiencing this crisis differently.
We’ve also seen a broad uptick in demand for PR and communications during the crisis. Zoom has enabled us to support our existing clients across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and to meet with new clients, excited to communicate more effectively during this time of great challenge and change. I’m particularly proud of the way we’ve used Zoom communication to support our Diversity & Inclusion efforts, offering virtual media training to underrepresented spokespeople.
Read the full interview with Montieth in PR Daily to find out more about how we are adapting to Covid-19 and working from home.