SPRING BRINGS HOPE
I had hoped to be sending this newsletter at a time when we would all be back in the office, and WTC Amsterdam would once again be bubbling with life. Alas, coronavirus is still very much with us, and I am writing this newsletter from my own home.
There is, of course, light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is on its way and the vaccination programme is picking up, which means more freedom for all of us. In the meantime, we are continuing to organise virtual events for everyone, and it really is great to see so many of you online.
‘SOMETIMES I NEED TO GET OUT OF MY HOME BUBBLE’
Willemijn Dral is a campaign manager at TCC Global, which devises customer loyalty schemes for many of the world’s leading brands. The company has operations in 50 different countries and runs its Benelux, South Africa and Nordics operations from WTC Amsterdam.
Like most of the company’s staff, Willemijn, 30, works largely from home. ‘But if I have an important meeting or if I have had enough, then I can go to the office,’ she says. ‘In the beginning working at home was new and fun, but now I feel the need to be with my colleagues at the office again and get out of my home bubble’
When she does venture into an almost deserted WTC Amsterdam, the silence really stands out, she say. ‘Of course you see hardly anyone, but the simple fact that you are not at home, and can chat with one or two colleagues, is such a relief. I realise that I really am ready to come back. In fact, a day at the office feels a bit like a day out.’
There are usually around 25 people at the TCC Global office and that creates a real buzz. Now no more than one or two others venture in. Nevertheless, the company is doing its best to keep the team spirit going, with a Monday team meeting and a monthly Friday borrel. ‘Then Ulli, our wonderful office manager, sends us all something to munch on, so we get the feeling we are all together,’ says Willemijn. ‘And soon we’ll all be taking part in an interactive quiz.’
The real problem with working at home is keeping motivated, she says. ‘What I do is cut my day up into segments, so I might roll out of bed and get behind the computer in the morning, and then plan a break to go for a walk or do some sport before lunch, which gives me the energy to get stuck into work later in the day. And of course, it is easier if you’ve got lots to do as well.’
Once the pandemic is over, Willemijn says she hopes to remain working partly from home. ‘Three days in the office and two at home would be ideal,’ she says. It will also cut down on commuting time, given that she lives in The Hague and spends three hours getting to and from the office on a normal working day.
The pre-coronavirus commute on overcrowded trains was not something to look forward to, but now Willemijn says she uses the time to read and listen to podcasts. ‘Try Supersoul Conversations,’ she suggests, referring to Oprah Winfrey’s online interview series. ‘They are not wishy-, but all about self improvement. And Jay Shetty’s On Purpose series. That I listen to even more.’
MOTIVATED BY MARC
Like Willemijn, many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to keep motivated, now the pandemic is in its second year, so we’ve found the perfect pep talk to help. Marc Lammers, the man who took the Dutch women’s hockey team to the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, is giving an exclusive talk for WTC workers on March 23 at 4.30 pm. Since his hockey triumphs, Marc has become one of the Netherlands’ most sought-after business coaches. So get ready to be inspired and register now!
KILL THE CORONAVIRUS KILOS
Next up in April we’ll be tackling our physical condition with the 7,000 & 10,000 steps challenge.
Sounds exhausting? Not at all. All you need to do is form a team or not, individual participation is also possible! Health, online team building and vitality in one. Compete and work together with your colleagues as the corona kilos melt away. What better way to boost your fitness? More on this later.
By the way, if you are into walking, we’ve includes some nice tips on where to go for a stroll around Amsterdam on our Facebook page.
HASSLE-FREE DELIVERY AND NO MISSED PARCELS
The MyPup service offers a great way of dealing with your post and parcels – particularly given the current need to avoid too many social contacts.
The great advantage is that the system involves no physical contact with a delivery worker,’ says MyPup’s Floor Post. ‘The MyPup couriers collect all the parcels heading your way at our main centre in Duivendrecht in the morning and then deliver them to the lockers, so you are much less exposed to any potential infection and your parcel is safe.’
To use the service, you have to register and then use the delivery address you are given for all your online purchases. The courier simply delivers your parcels to the locker and you get a message telling you they have arrived, so you can pick them up when it suits you.
One MyPup Pick Up Point locker is located on the second floor of tower B, next to the showers, while the other is on the first floor of tower I.
Register here.
COMMUNITY CONTACT
If, like us, you are missing the WTC buzz and community spirit, you can still keep in touch via our social media channels. We use social media to keep you on top of forthcoming events, special offers and WTC news. You might even spot a portrait of someone you recognize. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and on Instagram.
TOWER TEN ALERT
Most of us might be working from home, but that does not mean work at WTC Amsterdam has stopped, least of all on Tower Ten. The WTC’s newest addition – which will add a massive 49,000 square metres to the complex – is due to open for business in 2022. In the meantime, if you want to watch how it is taking shape, you can monitor progress by webcam.
And don’t forget, if you would like to feature personally in a mini interview for the next edition of this newsletter, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WTC Amsterdam – Liesbeth Rinsema