For many, the new normal, at least for the time being, means working from home. So, if you’re going to be working remotely, why not be comfortable right? Working in your pajamas is a dream come true, but it comes with a catch. It actually takes a lot of discipline to work from home and be productive at the same time. We’re here to help you ease into your new home office atmosphere so you can be comfy, get things done, with the same or better work efficiency you show at the office.
Start your day like any other workday. When you don’t have to think about your business attire and comute to work, your mind might fall into “weekend mode” and that can be a detriment when it comes to productivity. The best way to overcome this is to go about business as usual. That means when you wake up, go through your regular routine just as you would if you had to leave the house to go to work. Sure you can absolutely get comfortable but don’t get up and go about your day in the same clothes you slept in. Your body will be tricked into thinking it’s a relaxation day and your motivation level will go way down. If you actually change into something else, perhaps a fresh pajama style, it’s like you’re getting dressed as usual.
We love working in pajama pants paired with a pullover sweatshsirt, sweater or classic shirt which is perfect for video conferencing or any virtual meeting that may suddenly pop-up.
Have a daily plan. Just as if you were in the office, you have tasks, calls, meetings, projects each and every day, so prioritize and stay focused on your calender and what you have to do. Your employer will expect the same results from you while you work remotely as they would if you were at the office or shop. Another must is to take your breaks and eat lunch as you would any other workday. The time will come where you will have to go back into work, so sticking with a normal routine will make it much easier to transition back.
Remove distractions. A designated workspace is a must. You have to be able to work unabated and without the distractions that might be going on around you. Chances are you don’t watch TV at work, so don’t give in to the temptation at home either. We know that right now, the whole family might be staying home so this can be a challenge. You may have to set a family schedule that works in shifts so everyone has time for everything. We’ve seen some colorful family calenders with designated activites for one and all.
Keep your home office area clean. In conjunction with having an area for ‘work only,’ you need to make sure that your workspace is kept neat and tidy so you can remain organized. Don’t treat it any differently than you would your office or desk at work. It’s easy when you’re at home to let half-full beverage glasses accumulate on your desk, or to litter your workspace with non-essential clutter. Stay on top of it and clean up.
Don’t be tempted to stray. One of the hardest parts of working at home is doing the actual job you have to do. It’s very easy to think “I’ll just put in a load of laundry” or “I’m just going to do a little cleaning.” Don’t do it! One thing will lead to another and before you know it, the workday you were supposed to have, became an all-out domestic chore day. Focus on the task at hand and don’t stray. Wait until the end of the work day to take that long walk.
These are lessons we have learned firsthand from working at home ourselves.We have been working in pajamas since 2004! pajama pants is great but the importance of staying organized and on task also needs to start right away.
Before this crisis, many companies had already rolled out “Own the way you work” initiatives Companies may start to realize it is better to give their employees more freedom in the way they work to achieve better results. When this is over you may realize you do your best work in pajamas, you are more creative in pajamas.
Join our facebook group Workin’ in Pajamas share your pajama style and workspace stories.
Stay healthy and stay safe everyone! We’re all in this together.
