Category Archives: home office

Pajamas and Productivity: Can Comfortable Clothing Boost Your Work-from-Home Efficiency?

The work-from-home (WFH) trend has shifted from a temporary solution to a long-term reality for many professionals. As we navigate this new normal, one question has emerged: does what we wear at home affect our productivity? While some might argue that dressing in business attire even at home can set the tone for a productive day, others believe that comfort plays a key role in enhancing focus and efficiency. Enter pajamas and loungewear, the unsung heroes of the WFH wardrobe.

The Psychological Impact of Clothing

Clothing is more than just a basic need; it influences our mood and mindset. Traditional office attire, like suits and ties, was once synonymous with professionalism and productivity. But in a home setting, these garments can feel restrictive and out of place. This is where comfortable clothing, like pajamas or loungewear, comes into play.

Studies have shown that when we feel physically comfortable, our mental state follows suit. Comfortable clothing reduces stress and allows us to focus on the task at hand. In a WFH environment, where distractions abound, this can be a game-changer. By choosing attire that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style, we create an environment conducive to productivity.

The Role of Pajamas in the Home Office

The idea of wearing pajamas during a workday might seem unconventional, but it’s gaining traction for good reason. Pajamas, especially those made from high-quality, breathable fabrics, can help regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable throughout the day. This is crucial for maintaining concentration and avoiding the fatigue that comes from being too warm or too cold.

However, the key is to strike a balance. While wearing the same pajamas you slept in might not put you in the right mindset for work, opting for a fresh, stylish pair can be the perfect middle ground. Pajamas that are designed to be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing can give you that relaxed yet put-together feeling, helping you transition smoothly from personal time to work mode.

Zoom Calls and Loungewear: A Winning Combination

In the era of Zoom meetings, where your appearance is often limited to what’s visible from the waist up, loungewear has become a go-to option for many. A stylish pajama top or a cozy loungewear set can keep you looking professional while allowing you to stay comfortable. Pairing pajama pants with a crisp blouse or sweater creates a polished yet relaxed look that’s perfect for video calls.

Moreover, loungewear offers versatility. Whether you’re drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or taking a quick coffee break, loungewear allows you to move freely and stay comfortable. This flexibility can enhance your overall work experience, making you more productive and engaged.

Finding the Right Balance

Ultimately, the key to maximizing productivity while working from home lies in finding the right balance between comfort and professionalism. Pajamas and loungewear provide the comfort needed to maintain focus, while thoughtful styling ensures you remain presentable for virtual meetings and unexpected calls.

Investing in quality pajamas and loungewear that you feel good in can make all the difference. By creating a WFH wardrobe that prioritizes comfort without compromising on style, you can boost your productivity and enjoy the perks of working from home. So, the next time you’re preparing for a day at your home office, consider reaching for those cozy pajama pants or a chic loungewear set—you might just find that comfort is the key to efficiency.

Our Favorite Holiday is coming! National Wear your Pajama’s to Work Day!

Nowadays wearing your pajamas to work can be an everyday occurrence for those that still have the luxury of working remotely. For those whose employers require their presence back in the office or workplace, there’s one day out of the year where you can flashback to the good old days (a couple of years ago) where you can once again work in your pajamas. This year, on Tuesday, April 19th, go back in time to when working in your most comfortable clothes is once again allowed.

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And since our favorite thing here at The Pajama Company is – well – pajamas, we’re experts at making sure you get the most of the best national holiday ever!

To begin with, consider where you work. You are no longer in your home office or at your dining room table. Coworkers and customers will be present so make your pajama-style decision based on who you will be with and what’s acceptable. If your workplace leans to the laid-back side, you can probably be a little more casual with your choice. Otherwise think conservative.You should also think about the weather. After all, in many parts of the country it can still be pretty cold in mid-April so dress accordingly.

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A fun way to make sure that you stay warm on a cooler day is to use an accessory like a bathrobe as a coat as opposed to your normal jacket. We do suggest wearing regular shoes from home to work and or course, sneakers are a great look with pj’s. If  you’re going all-in bring your slippers along to change into when you get there. Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day is especially fun for teachers and students!

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Another thing to consider is that you may end up realizing you have to make a stop or two before or after work, and wearing your pajamas to these locations may not be acceptable. Bring a change of clothes just in case. We never know what might pop up over the course of the day and having them with you could be a real time-saver.

So what about hair and make-up? Well, if you are comfortable with people seeing you as they would if they came over to your house, then by all means, tone it down for the day. Maybe just spruce up a little bit as opposed to the bedhead you might have donned when you worked from home and simply crawled out of bed to your computer with your morning cup of coffee.

Here at The Pajama Company, we have always promoted that we often do our best work in pajamas. We imagine that many who worked at home during the pandemic would agree and perhaps find going back to the office distracting. People working in creative fields often work best in solitude and comfort. We also embrace the individuality of your perfect pajama style. Perhaps it’s a flannel pant with a cashmere sweater, perhaps it’s a lounge pant with a great sweatshirt or a classic pajama set with a print that you love.

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Lastly, make a fun day of it. You don’t want to be the only one walking around in your plaid flannels while the rest of the company is wearing their daily street clothes, so be sure to let everyone know ahead of time that you will be embracing Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day!

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That’s it! All you need now is the perfect pair of PJs and you’re ready to celebrate the happiest day of the year!

 

Back to the office: Tips for a smooth transition

For many people, September will mark a real return to normal, as employees all over the country return to the office. Even if it’s on a flex schedule where it will only be a couple of days a week, the sheer thought can fill you full of anxiety. It’s to be expected. For the last 18 months or so you’ve been working remotely in your comfy clothes, having virtual meetings, and enjoying all the comforts of home while doing your job.

So how do you make the transition back? It’s not like you didn’t manage for all those years before the pandemic hit, but it still feels like you can’t even remember what it feels like to “go” to work. The following tips should help get you back to your old ways without too much stress

Routine

Remember your old routine. Think back to how you used to do things. What time did you normally go to bed?  What time did you get up? Did you shower in the morning or the night before? You have to get back to that or you’re going to have a tough time. Start doing these things now before your official “back to the office day” so you can ease back into your routine comfortably.

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Consider drive time. Not everyone will be returning to their respective jobs at the same time and some will continue to work remotely full time. Don’t assume because of this you can leave the house later than normal to be on time. You’ll also have to check into road construction. It’s been a year and a half since you made the drive. Do you know if any of the roads on your route are under construction?

Lunch work

Think lunch. While you’re working from home it’s easy to go to the fridge and grab something for lunch or whip yourself up a quick salad or sandwich. Now you have to start thinking about bringing your lunch to work again. Do a little ahead of time meal planning to get you back in the mode. Create a list for a few weeks until you get your groove back.

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Dinner too. Now that you’re going to be away for the day, what will you feed the family after work? Do you need to pull something from the freezer? Once you’re at work it’s too late. Lists and notes are a great way to keep you in check. Better yet, download an organizing app that you can plug all your reminders into.

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Get back in the office frame of mind. We’re all more laid-back at home. Our mindset, attire, and overall attitudes, are just more casual. There likely won’t be a dog lying under your desk either. Now that you’re going back into the office you’ll have to channel your inner professional a little more.  Don’t forget that you’re going to be around fellow employees and bosses all day who expect that same productive person that they could count on before.

Laundry

Make a to-do list. Slipping away from your desk to do a load of laundry or vacuum the living room during the workday is a thing of the past. These things will now have to be done during your free time so before you get overwhelmed, it would be a good idea to plan when you will take care of your regular household chores. The schedule you make will morph over time but in the beginning, it will help you stay organized instead of flustered.

Support

Seek and give support. Remember you aren’t the only one who has to readjust to the return to normalcy. Be open and honest about your own concerns and do your best to support co-workers that are also having a tough time. For many, this won’t be easy and the best thing you can have is a strong support group behind you.

At the end of the day, you really aren’t doing anything you didn’t do before this pandemic hit. You will likely wonder how you could have possibly managed before, but you did. And you will again- we promise!