Welcome back!

In light of everyone returning on-site after working a hybrid schedule since 2021, we asked several members of our ESa family what they missed most about being in the office and what new additions they have added to their workstation.

What did you miss about being in the office?

PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE! Our office space is beautiful, but what makes being back in the office so special is interacting with each other. I am excited for the employees who were hired during the course of the pandemic to get a sense of what it is like when everyone is here and the office is truly alive and buzzing.

Sarah Long, Finance and Human Resources Team

I really missed access to various in-office resources, in addition to the environment, oh and my desk chair!

Wilson Sawyer, Architecture Team

I missed all of the tools that make working comfortable: a big monitor, comfy task chair, nice desk and good lighting. You don’t realize how much those things help your productivity until you don’t have them.

Jill Romano, Senior Project Manager

I missed seeing the sunrise here in Nashville every morning. I missed running into people that I am not currently working on a project with and I missed the energy when everyone is here.

Kim Seitzmeir, Construction Contract Administration

When I was out of the office for more than a week, I missed seeing people and remembering to take short breaks throughout the day to stay fresh. Having started during the pandemic and being new, I think getting to know people better has actually been enhanced as things have been in smaller groups and/or one-on-one.

Brian Asa, Project Manager

Seeing the ESa family! It is also nice getting to interact with fellow co-workers that I’m not currently working on projects with and all the new hires/interns.

Elizabeth (Beth) Egan, Architecture Team

What are you most excited about now that we’re back?

I am most looking forward to running into fellow employees around the office, but a close second is my postage machine. I make multiple trips to the post office each week and having access to the postage machine and supplies is truly a game-changer when it comes to dealing with outgoing mail.

Sarah Long, Finance and Human Resources Team

I am most excited to see the plaza full of energy and to meet some people who I have not been able to interact with in person. Having never experienced a full ESa office, I am looking forward to it!

Allie Bierman, Interior Design Team

I’m looking forward to playing my part and help foster a culture of impromptu and hands-on collaboration.

Wilson Sawyer, Architecture Team

Spontaneous lunch dates! I love seeing who is in the office and going to lunch to catch up with people I might not regularly work with.

Jill Romano, Senior Project Manager

I am most looking forward to seeing everyone face to face more often and the increase in the ease of collaboration.

Kim Seitzmeir, Construction Contract Administration

Seeing the various in-person processes and traditions that have been part of the culture at ESa.

Brian Asa, Project Manager

More serendipitous collaboration and being able to phase back into face-to-face meetings.

Elizabeth (Beth) Egan, Architecture Team

Any new additions to your desk set-up?

No new additions. If anything, I have probably had some subtractions. Working from home has had a tiny house effect on my desk; you learn quickly what you need at your fingertips to get your work done.

Sarah Long, Finance and Human Resources Team

A picture of my wife!

Wilson Sawyer, Architecture Team

A new addition to my phone (which is at my desk) is the camera app that lets me see what my pandemic puppy is doing at home while I’m at the office. We became very attached to each other the past two years, so working back in the office is an adjustment for us both!

Jill Romano, Senior Project Manager

No new additions outside of a newborn, but will likely use a web camera more as some things like remote web-based meetings seem to be the preferred means of conducting most meetings coming out of the pandemic.

Brian Asa, Project Manager

A few new University of Kentucky items may or may not have found their way to my desk!