I have recently celebrated my fifth work anniversary at Guymer Bailey Architects, and of course, we celebrated it in style – it would be unlike me to allow a pandemic to ruin my parade. Like many milestones in life, this has offered me the opportunity to reflect, not only on my own career, but on the achievements of our company and in my role as Melbourne cultural lead, our team.
Despite our social distances and isolation, the COVID-19 pandemic has in many ways brought us closer as a team, and I wanted to unpack what worked for us in maintaining the great culture we have in our Melbourne studio through lockdown.
Care from the top down
We are very fortunate here at Guymer Bailey, to have two directors, Kavan Applegate in Melbourne, and Phil Jackson in Brisbane, who genuinely care about their team.
In times of crisis our true colours show and to observe the genuine level of care and concern that both directors have shown towards the team, and the level of commitment to ensure that everyone has what they need to work efficiently from their “not-so-short-term” home office has been incredible.
Compassion from the team
I have watched the pressures of 2020 create diamonds within my team this year. Colleagues have been connecting, reaching out and checking on each other.
From the moment we entered stage 4, I was welcomed with a weekly 30-minute phone call from a colleague in our studio in Brisbane. We did not need to speak about COVID-19, we had Honey Jumbles to discuss instead. Each week I would get off that 8am call, with joy in my heart and an extra injection of energy into my day. Who would have thought, that is all it takes?
Clear and kind communication
Lockdown has not been easy, but the focus on communication within project teams and the wider office has eliminated a sense of isolation. The reminders to exercise an extra bit of grace and to not assume someone is coping with lockdown just because they appear to be, has been a strong message and a constant reminder to us every week from our leaders.
A willingness to grow and develop through the challenges
I have been inspired by my colleagues who have shifted their perspective to see this as an opportunity to grow and develop. They embraced changes and technology implementations willingly and rose to the occasion to produce the same amazing design outcomes – despite the added challenges. I have watched each of them become stronger, more resilient human beings because of it.
I have also truly admired the strength of our new additions – yes, we hired several people during the Lockdown 3. All three in the Melbourne studio have completed their probation period now. I look forward to introducing them to the human versions of our team, which they only know via Teams, Zoom or Skype and thanking them in person for being great additions to the team, and adding those extra facets to our existing diamond.
Regular social connection
We have done well in supporting each other in different ways. Every week we had socials (appropriately named My Corona and Quarantini hour) and when things got really tough regular games of online Pictionary. We did not need to speak about our problems, we got together, laughed at our drawings, and forgot about the problems of the world for a moment. There is power in that simplicity and connection.
That is not to say that we ignored what was going on though. We encouraged the tribe to acknowledge their feelings and allow themselves to honour their emotions. To accept that there will be days where you struggle to process information and to be kind to yourself through this. That it was OK to have a day and to go offline if you needed it, and we supported that decision.
Life from home and one desk is not easy. Knowing that you have permission to step away, take a walk to clear your mind, and to then return to your task was endorsed, and had great efficiency outcomes – we all won.
They say it starts at the top, and they also say what does kill you makes you stronger, I must agree. I know there have been many times where this year has felt like a write off, but at the same time, I find myself reflecting on some incredible moments. I will always remember my fifth year at Guymer Bailey as my year of growth and resilience – and the year that I could not be any prouder and grateful for my brilliant tribe and tribe leaders – thank you, team!
By Beth Perera
