Many colleagues are currently working in their home office, exchanging information by telephone or video conferencing. Nevertheless, we lack the opportunity to meet other colleagues in the hallway or in the kitchen. That’s why we are shifting “kitchen conversations” to digital. Today we introduce Nico Grimm, who works in the department sample environments.
How do you start the day?
I get up at about 7:3o on weekdays. After the first coffee, my wife and I do a so-called 7-minute workout and a few back exercises. Then I start working – answering e-mails, skype with colleagues, writing new Labview programs for the automation of experiments and constructing components for our measuring equipment.
What is the biggest challenge for you at the moment?
The biggest challenge was actually concentrating and working longer on one task. My desk is in front of the window, where I can watch the spring coming in and the apartment also offers a lot of distraction. But slowly I have “grooved in”, and I can concentrate on a task for several hours.
Do you see any chances in this Corona time?
I have a relatively long drive to the institute. I gain more time for my family and myself. I can imagine that I will continue to use home office for certain days or tasks in the future. I think that many people feel the same way, and home office can provide the same amount of work with fewer resources. This protects the environment and makes people a bit more balanced.
You are very active in sports, also in the name of HZB during the company runs. How do you keep yourself fit now?
In addition to my morning exercises, I naturally go running, because fortunately that is still allowed. I choose times when there’s not so much going on on the paths, which means I run early in the morning or in the evening. This year I have taken over the organisation of the company runs. No one has been officially cancelled yet. I hope that they will take place, even if perhaps late.
What are you most looking forward to when this time is over?
I can only join my colleagues: First I will visit the parents, the rest of the family and friends. There have been (too) many appointments in the last few weeks where we would have seen each other and toasted together.