In this series, we speak to Xenomorph employees and ask them to share their experience of lockdown, how it has impacted their day-to-day lives and if they have any tips or recommendations for their colleagues. Today’s conversation is with Xenomorph development and support manager Andrew Swift in Cape Town, South Africa.

Xeno: Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Xenomorph?

Andrew: I am the development and support manager. I live in Cape Town with my 15 year and old daughter and my partner. I spend my free time reading, hiking, cycling and paddling my surf-ski. Lockdown curtailed the outdoor pursuits, but it was during winter so not a massive impact.

Xeno: How has the lockdown changed your day-to-day routine?

Andrew: Not much, as I worked from home already, it made me the same as everyone else! It saved me a lot of time as I did not have to drive my daughter to school.

Xeno: What aspect of the lockdown have you found hardest, either from a personal or professional perspective?

Andrew: I had a routine that always included getting out of the house, be it for a pre-work coffee or walk. This is important for someone working from home. I missed that aspect of my day the most. I think on-line meetings need structure and rules in place to work: mobile phones on silent, focus on the meeting, no eating, etc.

Xeno: Are there any tips that you would offer to colleagues and industry peers at this time?

Andrew: Get dressed as you would for a normal working day. Start at the normal time and work in a dedicated space. Don’t think you can do domestic chores while working. At the end of the day, shut down your laptop.

Xeno: What positives can you take from this experience?

Andrew: Corporates can function as efficiently when people work from home and this frees people up to have more of a meaningful personal life while delivering as much or more to their work. I can now cook nicer meals than most restaurants, but it is still nice being served.