PRODUCTIVITY
Is Clothing Optional for Remote Workers?
How changing our clothes can change our productivity
“You gotta have style. It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it, you’re nobody. I’m not talking about lots of clothes.” — Diana Vreeland
How I met Mr. Perfect At-Home Employee
At a pre-COVID-19 dinner party, I was introduced to an executive for a large company. When his wife had their baby, he’d somehow convinced his supervisor he could be just as productive working at home. This was long before working remotely was the norm.
The evening I met him, he’d been working from home for over ten years and it was working out well for him and the company.
“The secret”, he said, “is I still set the alarm clock, take a shower, shave and get dressed. That means dress pants, a shirt, and tie. Then, I eat a quick breakfast and take my coffee ‘to-go’ downstairs to my office. I’m at my desk — without fail — at eight o’clock sharp, Monday through Friday.”
He had my full attention. I listened to him, incredulous … waiting for the punchline.
There wasn’t one.
