Greetings from the home office - Episode 13: Guntram Friede, Salesforce

Guntram Friede is Head of Marketing Switzerland of Salesforce, the world's leading CRM provider. Those who have never had direct contact with the company may at least have danced to its beats: since last year, Salesforce has been the main sponsor of the Street Parade in Zurich. This is a project close to the heart of Guntram Friede, who currently restricts himself to raving within his own four walls.

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

Guntram Friede: I have not visited our office at Ernst Nobs Square since March 1.

Is your entire company located around the world in a home office?

At the moment, with a few exceptions, the majority of our employees work from home.

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

Our offices are equipped with electric high tables. I am still missing one of these at home at the moment. Initial support came in the form of 250 francs, which we are allowed to spend on the workstation at home as we wish. I always say: "Sitting is the new smoking" (laughs).

Where have you set up?

I like to change my workplace at home. Sometimes standing in the kitchen, lying on the balcony or sitting at my desk. It always depends on what I'm doing and who I'm talking to.

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

In 2015, we launched a campaign called "run your business from your phone". Today, our technology - mobile first - and that of other innovative providers allows us to access important data in real time from anywhere and to connect with all our customers, employees and partners. Macbook, iPhone and, of course, noise-canceling headphones accompany me everywhere.

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

The home office has been part of my life since day 1. I consider the freedom to work from anywhere to be one of the greatest privileges that I would never want to miss again.

Based on initial experience: Which processes are difficult compared to normal everyday work?

To drive innovation in our company, I have always focused on face-to-face workshops. Now we have to adapt a bit, as everything is done via our video conferencing tools. I also liked to have the 1:1 conversations with my employees while walking around. I'm looking forward to doing my rounds with the team in circle 4 again.

Which jobs go smoothly?

Coordination with employees, customers and partners works smoothly. We are all in the same boat. The word "digital" has been bandied about for a long time, but now the benefits seem to be starting to sink in.

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

The current time demands a quick and radical rethinking from all of us. The development of ideas, budgeting and decision-making works faster and better for me in the privacy of my own home.

What do you do about the ceiling falling on your head?

I eat better, read more and do more sport. We have to overcome the crisis together as quickly as possible, but these three points are now even more a part of my daily routine.

What do you miss most about the physical workday?

To be quite honest, I'm grateful to be home more - but I'm happy when I can go out for a meal with my team, our customers and partners again and toast to good health with a glass of wine.

Do you think Salesforce will face significant losses in the crisis - or is Corona a driver for digital business?

Nobody knows how exactly the situation will develop. But we are watching this very closely. What we do know is that these moments remind us that we are all connected as never before. To get through these times, we need patience, understanding and compassion. Digitalization and the changes it is bringing to businesses and society will continue at a rapid pace. In crises like this, we as companies and as individuals will do everything we can to support our fellow human beings so that we can all shape our future together healthily and successfully.

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

I firmly believe that cohesion in Switzerland is an essential ingredient for the success of companies based here. Knowledge needs to be shared and people need to be supported. We are very privileged in our industry and should never see this as the norm, but should be more dedicated to using technology to support people in their careers and equip companies for healthy, competitive and sustainable business.