Greetings from the Home Office - Episode 12: Karin Estermann, Content and Form

Karin Estermann is creative director and owner of the LSA advertising agency "Inhalt und Form". Now she can also bake bread and braids.

Werbewoche.ch: How long have you been in a home office?

Karin Estermann: For what feels like three months - but in reality since mid-March, when things really took off with Corona.

Is your entire agency located in a home office?

Yes, all 26 people: Creation, Polygraphs, Consulting, MarTec and Media.

Did you face any technical issues while setting up your workstation?

No, I just had trouble finding my place in the apartment. (I'm out with the kitchen table, because we have too few tables).

Where have you set up?

In the living room with a view of Langstrasse - which is insanely empty.

What all do you need to be able to do your job?

My employees, coffee, iMac, cell phone, Swisscom.

Do you have home office experience or is this a first?

I'm more of an agency person and like to be around people. That's why this is new for me. But it's going quite well.

Based on previous experience: Which processes are difficult compared to the normal everyday life of an agency?

Shoulder looks and rehearsals are more strenuous and need more discipline. We're currently doing a pitch completely from the home office - not easy. Basically, there needs to be a lot more communication - more than ever, and that applies to all levels, right down to the apprentice.

Which jobs go smoothly?

Actually, everything is going okay. A few things just work a little differently than before, but it's also good to rethink one's own working methods.

Is there anything that even works easier or more productively in the home office?

Employees are super punctual in meetings - with a click, so to speak. And never is a meeting room occupied. Brainstorming sessions don't work too badly either. What's more, a short call is often more efficient than a meeting.

If the home office phase should last even longer: What do they do to prevent the ceiling from falling on your head?

I am ready - even if it takes longer. I have new hobbies (see photos), do sports regularly, go out into the fresh air every day. I also do a lot of face time calls with friends and family.

What do you miss most about the physical day-to-day life at the agency?

It's a bit too quiet for me in the home office. I miss the people and the personal exchange. The good vibes in teams, the playlist of creation and production, small talks, as well as the real "Prosecco-Friday".

Are you confident that your agency will come through the crisis unscathed?

We are well positioned in our agency and also work in lean structures in other respects. So I think we will also master this challenge. We all hope that the end will be in sight.

As we all know, everything has its positive sides. What is it in your current home office situation?

The apartment is cleaner than it has ever been. My closet is tidy, and I've finally gotten to know the people in our house. In addition, cooking has become more important in my life again.

What would you like to give your colleagues in the industry to take with them through the crisis?

Stay positive and look forward to life after the crisis.