The New Corner Office
Laura Vanderkam
13 min
6 Key Points
4.1 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the secrets of successful remote work, learn how to balance work and life, and maximize productivity from the comfort of your own home.
You'll learn
1. Winning at working from home2. Mastering time management at home3. Balancing work and life at home4. Chatting effectively in remote work5. Keeping the mojo while working from home6. Setting up a killer home office.Key points
01Focus on finishing tasks, not watching the clock
Let's chat about a fresh way of working that's shaking up the old 9-5 routine. It's all about focusing on tasks, not time. This idea is a game-changer, especially for those of us working from home. Picture the usual office scene. You clock in at 9 am, clock out at 5 pm, and the boss is happy as long as you're at your desk during those hours. The problem? It's all about time, not what you actually get done. You could be at your desk for eight hours and achieve next to nothing, or you could smash out a ton of work in just a few hours. So, here's a thought: what if we flipped the script and focused on tasks instead of time? Let's say you're a graphic designer. Instead of aiming to fill eight hours, you set a goal to design two killer logos. It doesn't matter how long it takes, the goal is to get those logos done. This way of working has some serious perks. First up, it's flexible. You can work when you're at your best. If you're an early bird, you can start at the crack of dawn and be done by lunch. More of a night owl? No problem, start in the afternoon and work into the evening. Next, it's a productivity booster. When you're focused on tasks, you're more motivated and less likely to waste time. You've got a clear goal and you're all in to achieve it, instead of just watching the clock. Plus, it's a win for work-life balance. When you're task-focused, you can weave work and life together more easily. Fancy a midday run or some family time? Go for it, then get back to your tasks later. If you're an employee, you might need to chat with your boss about this. Suggest setting daily or weekly task goals instead of counting hours. If you're a boss, try this out with your team. Set clear task goals and let them choose when and how to get them done. In a nutshell, focusing on tasks, not time, is a smart move for remote work. It's flexible, boosts productivity, and helps balance work and life. It's a fresh take on the old 9-5 routine and a winning strategy for today's remote workers.
02Work when you're most productive, not just 9-5
Let's talk about the rhythm of your day. You know, that familiar pattern you follow when you're working in an office. You wake up, commute to work, spend your day at the office, and then commute back home. It's a clear-cut routine that separates your work life from your personal life. But what happens when your office is just a few steps away from your bedroom? How do you keep your productivity up and maintain a healthy work-life balance? Well, the trick is to create a new rhythm, a new routine that fits your work-from-home lifestyle. Think of it like this: you could start your day with a brisk walk or a quick workout. This could be your new "commute" to work, a signal to your brain that it's time to switch from personal mode to work mode. And when you're done with work, you could pick up a book or start cooking dinner. This could be your new "commute" back home, a sign that your workday is over. The key here is to find a routine that suits you and stick to it. This routine will help your brain associate certain activities with the start and end of your workday, making the transition between work and personal time smoother. Now, if you're a parent working from home, you might face a different set of challenges. Your little ones might not understand why you're home but can't play with them. In such cases, you might want to consider childcare options or take turns with your partner to look after the kids. This way, you can have some uninterrupted work time. On the other hand, if you live alone, you might find yourself working beyond regular hours. To avoid this, try setting a definite closing time for work and plan some activities for after work. It could be anything - joining a local club, meeting friends, or pursuing a hobby. Having something to look forward to after work can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. In a nutshell, the idea is to create a structured routine that mimics the rhythm of a typical workday in an office setting. This way, you can stay productive, avoid burnout, and ensure a healthy work-life balance, even when you're working from home.
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03Keep the office banter alive, even from home
04Dream big, no matter where you're working from
05Make your home office your happy place
06Conclusion
About Laura Vanderkam
Laura Vanderkam is a renowned author and speaker, best known for her insights on productivity and time management. She has written several successful books, including "168 Hours" and "I Know How She Does It". Vanderkam's work has been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times and Fortune.
