Greetings from the Home Office - Episode 40: Yvan Piccinno, Wunderman Thompson

Yvan Piccinno is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Wunderman Thompson Switzerland (formerly: Advico, Futurecom, Wunderman, Exxtra and Young&Rubicam (Y&R)). Piccinno has led the 110-strong agency since December 2017.

Werbewoche.ch: Home office time is coming to an end in many places - when will you return to the agency?

Yvan Piccinno: Preferably tomorrow! Unfortunately, we have to put all employees off for a while, although there are some of us who would like to give up remote working immediately. We are adhering strictly to the official recommendations and are currently working out various scenarios for returning to the office.

Is your entire agency located in a home office?

Yes, all 110 employees have been in their home offices since March 16. Some are in the office on a daily basis - of course on a rotational basis and with the necessary security measures.

Did you face any technical problems when setting up your workstation back then?

Fortunately - apart from a few exceptions or special constellations - our IT got everything under control in good time. Also on this way again a "thank you" to: Dominik, Elias, Anthony, Rabit and Piravis (apprentice) - the whole team that made it all possible.

Where have you set up?

I grew up in a typical, large and noisy, Italian family and quite in modest circumstances. My most fervent dream was to have more space for myself ... I was already able to fulfill this wish with a "home office".

What all do you need to be able to do your job? Depending on the time of day and the topic on the agenda:

Coffee, a clear head, energy, a pinch of patience, the will to persevere, and a positive attitude.

Did you have to "upgrade" or get materials from the agency during the home office period?

As a big home office advocate, I was already well equipped in advance. However, considering the really special location, I was able to inspire my wife for one or two additional purchases.

Have you had home office experience before or is this a first?

Due to my previous work as a freelancer as well as an independent consultant, it is in some ways déjà vu for me - just a bit more forced and with a more impersonal exchange back then.

Which processes are difficult compared to the normal everyday life of an agency when you have to do them "from a distance"?

After the initial euphoria about the new situation, it now turns out that social exchange as well as proximity is essential despite all the technological progress - at least for me.

Which jobs go smoothly?

Fortunately, all work works smoothly on the whole. Certainly, you can rather switch to offline mode (in terms of accessibility), which can provide you with an undisturbed, productive time slot.

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

Difficult... the siestas over lunch are definitely more relaxing

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

Headphones on, jogging shoes on and off into the forest.

Did you learn or perfect anything during that time?

No, but I am especially proud of my old iMac (floor lamp - see photo), which I was finally able to convert to a jukebox after years!

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

Whew, there would be an infinitely long list... and not to offend or neglect anyone, let's just say EVERYTHING!

What do you generally miss about normal everyday life?

It may sound trite, but it's the little things in life that bring joy - be it the friendly greeting from Christine at the reception, to the incredibly fine, fresh spaetzle from Wolfi and Doreen, or the "good evening" from the cleaning lady when leaving the agency.

Looking back, what will you miss most about the current situation?

I was looking forward to this question: without hesitation - to the regular siestas over lunch!

Are you confident that your agency will survive the crisis?

Of course we will master the crisis. If we are a little clever and courageous, I even believe that we will emerge from this situation stronger than before and successfully complete the change that began almost three years ago.

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

A mindset of cohesion and rising above oneself is usually not created in calm waters, a storm often brings fresh air. Old braids can now definitely be severed.

When and why did you last laugh in connection with the home office?

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

Looking forward to our reunion - in persona!