A LETTER FROM LOCKED-DOWN LONDON

The U.K. went on lockdown Monday, as citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for a few limited reasons—shopping for necessities, a single exercise session and funerals. A high-ranking, well-respected U.K. label exec writes us with his perspective.

Last week, strangely enough, brought everyone at work, extended family and friends closer together. There’s a sense of camaraderie and positive company spirit.

Our message has been to over-communicate, which is paying off so far. Team meetings are unfolding as normal via Zoom, with multiple WhatsApp groups popping up for informal communication. We’ve had strong feedback as well as tips on working from home, especially from younger staff—plus expert advice for parents now that schools have been closed; our parents of young children face a challenging time ahead.

There's going to be many plot twists in this, but if we support one another and surround ourselves with good people, we'll get through.

I'm staying in regular contact with international colleagues who are beginning to come out the other side. Learning tips about keeping diaries, video-call dinners, people's well-being and mental health—and the necessity for us to stay in touch.

And also turning off the news...

It's one day at a time. We have to be honest about how we're feeling, both good and bad.

Our artists have been amazing—the experienced mentoring the new through us.

But I look back at last week and think we've been in training for this for some time, if that makes sense. A real sense of purpose.

Thankfully, we are surrounded by compassionate creative people who genuinely look out for one another.