In the next installment of our Staff Spotlights, we have a (virtual) chinwag with AV & technology specialist and resident tech whizz, Martin. We see how he’s adapting to working from home, why he can’t wait to get back in the office and how he sees the profile of workplace tech changing in 2021 and beyond.
For those who don’t know, Martin is engaged to the lovely Beth in our purchasing team. They were due to get married this year until COVID came along with a great big curveball, so whilst we eagerly await the new date (and a good old Penketh knees-up) we also get the lowdown on what lockdown date night looks like Martin-and-Beth-style…
1. Hey Martin! How have you found adapting to working life over the past few months?
Working from home initially was quite a challenge, as I had never continuously worked from home before. It took a while to adjust to the tempting distractions such as the chocolate box and television on in the background. Thankfully with the majority of my customers being in the education sector – a constantly busy sector – my workload focused me back to a work mindset and I settled back into normality quite quickly.
2. What are you missing most about the office?
One of the great things about working at Penketh Group is the personalities that work there. There is never a dull moment and although we take our roles seriously, there isn’t a day without belly laughs and good old banter. That is what I am missing most about the office.
3. What are your thoughts on using technology to support collaboration for teams working remotely?
I think it has been quite easy for people to take to working and collaborating from home because we have all had the means to communicate, we have just tended to shy away from things like video calls until now. We all have laptops with built in webcams and COVID has actually pushed us to become more comfortable and confident using technology to collaborate. My only advise would be to go somewhere quiet away from your and pets or children!
4. How do you see the way people use workplace technology changing moving forward?
COVID has definitely helped us adapt to video technology and because of this, I believe more people will carry on using conferencing with less travel for face-to-face meetings. The cost saving for businesses will be quite sizable. I also believe more businesses will offer more flexible ways of working with people using both the office and home to work from. I think this way of working will speed up important decision-making within businesses.
Penketh Group annual staff awards 2019
5. You and Beth are having a lockdown date night – what’s on the menu for dinner?
Yes, we have regular date nights and don’t think there is anything better than a nice hearty meal with winter closing in. We love traditional homemade food such as lasagne and a good strew with crusty bread. We are also fond of a good cheese board, meats and mulled wine too!
Fancy another Staff Spotlight? Click here to catch up with Sam Noton
