They first started working together from home three weeks ago, Blok says. “You can simply do certain things better when you sit down at one table together. Sometimes you need to sign things, for example. In that case, sitting at a table is more convenient than using a video link.”

After five weeks of communicating exclusively online, Blok and Maas, who have been working together closely for ten years, decided it was safe to meet in person once a week. The large kitchen table in Blok’s home offers ample space for them to keep the required distance of one and a half meters, he says sitting behind that very same table. “I work from behind this table all day anyway, and not in in my office upstairs. We decided that Alwin could come over if neither of us showed any signs of a fever or a cold. He used to do so before the corona crisis as well.” Maas emphasizes that they don’t take the corona measures lightly. “At first it felt as if we were doing something that wasn’t quite right; that is why we only meet once a week maximum.”

Blok, who recently announced that he will leave Innovation Lab this fall, adds that they are careful indeed. “I’m 63 years old, which means I’m somewhat at risk – at least that’s how Alwin thinks I look like. But as director of a service, I need a sounding board, and for years now, Alwin has acted as one for me. So many things go on in the organization. You can directly respond to that following your emotions, as I’m inclined to do, but it’s wiser to put your feet up and calmly discuss it with Alwin first, during these afternoons. That has prevented me these last couple of weeks from doing anything rash. I’ve noticed that you also laugh more when you see each other in person. That too is important.”

Wet signature

Maas, who says he also paid Eindhoven Engine’s managing director Katja Pahnke a short visit this morning, adds: “In my position it’s important to also have a feeling for the people you work for. That’s more difficult when you only use video calls to stay in touch. When you ask someone how they are doing, you won’t get a complete answer that easily. But it’s also about simple things like a ‘wet’ signature I need for a registration in the trade register. We go through post items and emails, it’s really nice to do that physically.” Blok responds characteristically: “Of course, I also need to be able to see whether Alwin gains too much weight or not. That’s why it’s a good thing I can see to it here that he works hard enough.”