The Clairemont Team Archives - Page 2 of 29

MY PUP’S IN A PANIC: 3 WAYS TO EASE THE TRANSITION BACK TO THE OFFICE

November 29, 2021January 31, 2023 Derek BullingtonBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont TeamClairemont Communications, pets, PR, PR Agency, Public Relations, Raleigh PR, Raleigh PR Agency, return to work

How many of you with pets returned home from your first day back in the office to torn up furniture, trash cans toppled over, scratch marks all over the baseboards or a note from a neighbor complaining of constant barking? Separation anxiety in pets is very real, but there are ways to ease the transition.

With everybody leaving the house during the day, pets are banished to gated rooms or crates. Some are lucky enough to roam through the house freely but what are they supposed to do all day? No longer do they get extended walks, random play time, cuddles on the couch and plenty of table scraps they’ve enjoyed for months.

My dog, Ellie, was no exception. She got used to having me home every day and catering to her every need and want. I could see the anxiety building up in Ellie when I would leave the house, even for short periods of time. Barking constantly when I closed the door behind me and greeting me by jumping and barking when I returned (even if I just took out the trash).

When I heard we would be returning to the office, I was very excited, and I was a little nervous as well. It had been 18 months since I had to leave Ellie for an entire day. As big of an adjustment as it would be for me, I knew it would be an even bigger one for Ellie.

3 Ways to ease the transition

Unfortunately, I did not properly prepare Ellie for my return to work. The transition should have started early so she could have adjusted. Take the time to make this transition for your pets as smooth as possible. Your dog has been your support system during these hard times, now it is your time to make sure they are comfortable and ready for the post-pandemic world.

Create a new routine

Ease the transition for your pet by creating a routine similar to your work routine. If your bedtime and wake time are going to change, start that change now. Set fixed times for different activities, including play, exercise, walks and meals. Start leaving your pet alone, no matter how hard it is for your pup, or you! Start small and work up to the 8-10 hour stretch of going to work. When you return, praise them on their good behavior and remind them that you will always come home to them.

Take the anxiety out of your departure

Another step you can take to ease the transition is to take the anxiety out of your departure. Try extending your morning walk or spend extra time playing fetch in the backyard before work. Spend quality time tiring them out so they will spend more time snoozing and less time stressing (barking) during the day! Give them something to do by leaving toys or chews. Make sure to rotate the toys to help them stay mentally active and stave off boredom.

Remember, your dog is observant. If you are stressed about leaving them, they will pick up on it, increasing their anxiety. Remain calm and patient with your departure and return.

Spend extra time with your pet

When you get home, take time for an extra walk or playtime, no matter how tired you are. If you’re going out after work, consider taking your pup with you! During the weekends, choose activities that include your dog. Go to a park, the beach or plan a picnic. You don’t have to give up your whole weekend, just enough to make your pup feel loved and included. Our pets are just one part of our life but for our dogs, we are their WHOLE life!

Clairemont team shares why we’re thankful this year

November 22, 2021January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, The Clairemont TeamClairemont Communications, Public Relations, Raleigh PR, Raleigh PR Agency

For the past year, family gatherings and holiday get-togethers have looked a little different. Now that celebrating in large groups is significantly safer and travel is more accessible, we are looking forward to returning to our favorite holiday traditions and seeing family and friends in person this Thanksgiving. In this post, the Clairemont team shares why we’re thankful this year!

Dana Phelps

This year for Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for the return of air travel to be reunited with family members who live in different states. And while pandemic fears are still looming, I’m grateful that we have more knowledge this year that will allow us to relax a bit about gathering together around a table to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I will not miss my sanitizer-place settings of Thanksgiving 2020!

Tracy Lathan

A big family Thanksgiving has always been a favorite tradition of mine, so last year having four of us around our dining room table just did not feel right. Not to mention it seems like the same amount of work to cook for four or 14! This year we will be heading back to the beach to celebrate with the full Lathan crew…18 of us in total. Oyster dressing, a fishing tournament, evening fires, eight cousins running around and peanut butter bourbon. Feeling extra thankful this year and looking forward to Thanksgiving 2021!

Derek Bullington

I am very thankful for getting to spend time with my family this year. With my sister having two young children and my father being immunocompromised, we were not able to do family gatherings in 2020. I’m grateful to be able to enjoy our normal traditions. I hope we all remember how important family and loved ones are and cherish the moments we have with them.

Olivia Noles

This year I am thankful to be able to safely see both sides of my family, something that has been difficult to balance since the pandemic. I am also grateful to get back to our Thanksgiving weekend tradition of attending the NC State vs. UNC football game on Black Friday and to shop in person with local businesses this Small Business Saturday.

Anna Beth McCormick

Being with my extended family is my favorite part of Thanksgiving. Pre-pandemic we would have nearly 60 cousins, nieces and nephews together at my aunt and uncle’s house. This year, I am excited to get back to our traditions safely and have an active day full of great food and the best company.

We are wishing everyone safe travels and time spent with family this holiday season. What holiday traditions are you excited to return to this year? We’d love to hear about them.

Superhero Interns Wanted!

November 15, 2021January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Professional Development, The Clairemont Teamclairemont intern, clairemont internship, internship, PR internship, PR internship Raleigh2 Comments

What’s your PR superhero power? We want it!

Clairemont is seeking a creative, highly motivated candidate for an internship with its award-winning public relations team. The candidate will work with team members to create and implement public relations strategy and creative campaigns for Clairemont’s clients.

Responsibilities might include:

Crafting creative messages and blog posts
Drafting key documents (news releases and media alerts) and distributing as appropriate
Contributing to team and client meetings
Creating formative research for the agency and clients
Developing and maintaining necessary client database information, including media contact lists and online/digital communicators
Reading and tracking key coverage and crafting reports for clients
Drafting and implementing social media strategy
Managing on-site events as needed
Attend industry and networking events

…and much more!

Qualifications:

Completed at least two years of college, preferably in journalism, PR or communication/marketing
Strong skills in creative and professional writing, critical thinking and effective teamwork
Proficiency in social media platforms, networking sites and trends
Experience in design, photography and videography highly preferred
Ability to work a minimum of 10 hours per week
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
A previous internship in PR is preferred
A zany sense of fun and creativity

Compensation: This is an hourly paid position with course credit offered if applicable.
Terms: Clairemont typically offers spring, summer and fall semester internship terms.

To Apply: Send your cover letter, resume and writing samples to Dana Phelps at d@clairemontcommunications.com.

5 benefits of working in the office

November 8, 2021January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont TeamClairemont Communications, PR, PR Agency, Public Relations, Raleigh PR

During the pandemic, working from home became the norm. We are excited to report that in the past few weeks, the Clairemont team officially transitioned back to working at The Clairemont House for the first time since March 2020. Being together in person has made us realize how valuable onsite work can be. Keep reading to learn our top 5 forgotten benefits of working in the office.

1. Collaborative work environment

To start, being in person at an office with your team creates a collaborative work environment. Now instead of exchanging ideas through never-ending email chains or logging onto yet another Zoom call, you can schedule meetings in person, stop by a coworker’s desk to ask a question or pop down the hall, depending on your office set-up.

2. Adds structure to your schedule

Another benefit of working in the office is that it creates structure and encourages a healthy work-life balance. Working in the same space you relax in can make it harder to turn off your brain when it is time to rest. Physically being in a new environment will separate your work life from your home life. Commuting to work also allows the time to take a break and to reflect or just let your brain rest between activities.

3. Easier to build professional relationships

This next benefit is especially important for young, entry-level professionals or employees new to the organization. It is that working in an office makes it easier to build professional relationships. There are simply more opportunities to share experiences and develop connections with coworkers when you are in person. Being in a conference room or taking a lunch break together gives you an opportunity to connect that sitting on mute with your camera off doesn’t.

4. Eliminates outside distractions

Another benefit of working in the office is that it eliminates outside distractions. We can all admit that home offices come with their own set of distractions. Whether it’s the dog barking, the doorbell ringing or balancing a partner’s home workspace with your own, working from home can be distracting. Having the option to go to work creates space from your home life and can make it easier to focus on your work.

5. Improves efficiency

Working in the office improves efficiency by eliminating distractions, reducing screen fatigue and improving communication amongst the team. Explaining ideas or asking a question virtually can take up more time than you would imagine. Typing every detail in an email and waiting for a response often creates a lag time that working in the office eliminates.

We are excited to be back together and collaborate as a team to best serve our clients. Let us know if you agree with our 5 benefits of working in the office or if you have any other benefits. See you in the office!

By Clairemont intern Anna Beth McCormick, a senior at N.C. State.

This Raleigh PR Agency is in (The Office)

November 4, 2021January 31, 2023 Dana PhelpsBlog, Raleigh PR Agency, The Clairemont Team

It was 10:15 a.m. when I surrendered. It was the first day for this Raleigh PR agency to be back in the office. After being barefoot 80 percent of the time since early 2020, how could I possibly make it through an entire workday in heels? Fortunately, no one seemed to mind that I walked around the rest of the day without shoes. Nothing like a nasty plague to relax a slightly stuffy dress code.

In fact, I realized what people really care about in the office has changed drastically. That wasn’t until after planning Clairemont’s return to the office. I had fretted if our new team members would like the location of their desks. New artwork was added to freshen our space. I fussed over details such as having colorful pens in the supply cabinet. I even pondered buying a fancy espresso machine.

One Sunday afternoon before our return to the office, I stood in The Clairemont House by myself. And it felt really lonely. That’s when it hit me. As much as I love tweaking the decor in this beautiful old home in downtown Raleigh that serves as the office of our PR agency, buying snacks and supplies and planning surprises isn’t the most important thing about Clairemont, it is the people.

As I unlocked the door our first morning back in the office, I was giddy with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see my colleagues walking up the steps and through the front door. I couldn’t wait to gather around the kitchen island and brainstorm creative solutions to a client challenge or simply talk about a cute puppy pic on social media. And I couldn’t wait to invite clients back into our office for face-to-face collaboration that no video conferencing software can replace.

We’ll be writing more about our return to the office journey in the weeks ahead! Follow along and share your own observations about how and where you are working as we round out 2021. In the meantime, check out our return to work fun on Clairemont’s Instagram!