02: A More Regenerative Work/Life // Alice Katter (Founder of Out of Office)
Aug 17, 2023
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Alice Katter, founder of Out of Office, discusses work-life balance, work culture shock in the US, importance of creativity, community, and redefining work. The conversation explores the concept of workism, sustainable work models, power of creative projects, and regenerative business design.
Being intentional in daily interactions and reconnecting with natural moments enhances awareness and intentional living.
Balancing work with play fosters creative potential, emphasizing the correlation between contemplation and productivity.
Deep dives
Developing Intentionality in Daily Life
Alice Kater emphasizes the importance of being intentional in daily interactions by engaging with one's surroundings. She highlights the significance of taking pauses, practicing meditation, and reconnecting with natural moments to enhance awareness and intentional living. Kater reflects on her journey towards greater intentionality, acknowledging a shift in prioritizing presence after experiencing work culture shock upon moving to the US.
Critique on Workism and Cultivating Creativity
Alice Kater explores the concept of workism as an obsession with work replacing other aspects of life, leading to a frenzied pursuit of productivity. She critiques the societal emphasis on constant busyness, advocating for moments of introspection and creative incubation. Kater underscores the importance of balancing work with play to foster a sustainable and enriching work-life dynamic, citing research that supports the correlation between contemplation and creative potential.
Shifting Perspectives on Work-Life Balance
Alice Kater discusses the evolving paradigm of work-life balance, shifting from a work-centric to a life-centric focus. She emphasizes the need to center life experiences and values, exploring dimensions beyond traditional work structures. Kater advocates for a holistic approach, where work harmonizes with personal passions, relationships, and well-being, nurturing a sense of fulfillment and self-awareness.
Fostering a Playful Work Culture and Community
Alice Kater shares insights on infusing playfulness into work environments to enhance creativity and joy. She stresses the significance of creating collaborative platforms and meaningful connections beyond traditional work settings. Kater highlights the value of cultivating a network through shared interests and side projects, fostering a sense of community and exploration that transcends conventional networking approaches.
In this episode of 5to9, I had a chat with Alice Katter, Culture & Community strategist, digital nomad, lover of working at cafes, and founder of Out of Office, a life-centered research and design lab committed to scaling a culture of well-being.
Originally from Austria, she moved to New York and has been fascinated by America’s relationship with work.
With a community-centered approach, she designs strategies and programs to empower organizations in catalyzing workplace well-being with companies such as Kyu Collective, Dropbox, and Working not Working.
We had an insightful conversation about Alice’s point of view on the intersection between work and play, how she brings intention to her daily life, her work culture shock after moving to the US, the importance of creative projects, community, and more!