More and more people are working from home whether they are solo entrepreneurs or they have the option of conducting some of their business off-site a few days a week. It’s easy to stay in your pajamas or workout clothes all day, but is that really the best uniform for you?
The home office certainly has a more casual dress code. But to eliminate it all together could be a mistake. Paying attention to your grooming and your attire even if no one will see you could give you a structure to your workday that benefits you and increases your productivity. The routine of getting ready for work is one worth keeping even if you’ve moved your office into a spare bedroom.
Even though the distance to your office may be seven steps to the spare bedroom, don’t skimp on your morning “me” time. Have your cup of tea or coffee. Read the paper or something inspiring. Review your goals or affirmations. Have something to eat. Prepare to go to work.
When it comes to getting dressed, don’t pull clothes from your workout pile or grab something that’s been tossed into the back of your closet. Be intentional. If you want to make a bridge from your home life to your work life, use the language of clothes to make the point that you’re going to work. Instead of throwing on an old T-shirt, wear a non-iron blouse instead. Don’t wear that cardigan with the missing buttons; wear one of your nicer ones. Wear your trimmer jeans, not your sloppy pajama bottoms. Wear comfy shoes instead of slippers.
If you’re unclear about the clothing boundaries for home office use, imagine yourself in these three scenarios.
You’re expecting something in the mail and your mailbox is 20 feet from your door. You’re in your work-at-home attire. Would you be mortified if a neighbor greeted you at your mailbox?
A friend knows you’re working from home today and calls you near noon with a last minute lunch invitation. Would you be able to say yes, jump in the car as soon as you hung up the phone, and head to the restaurant?
A colleague sends an email blast and wants to set up a video conference in thirty minutes. Are you scrambling to pull a look together or are you focused on the agenda so you can be sharp and ready?
You have the freedom to create your own dress code. What works for you? Maybe you say “yes” to jeans and pair them with a nice no-iron blouse and roll up the sleeves, or maybe you pair with a silky jersey shell, a navy easy-fit cotton blazer, and nice ballet flats. Maybe you say “no” to jeans and prefer a simple dress, sandals, and a long necklace.
Your work attire deserves thoughtfulness and respect. If you’d like help developing yours, just give me a call. I’d love to support you! You can reach me to discuss your needs at 831-625-2000 or mlgellatly@powerful-presence.com. We can work together in person or virtually from a distance.