Productivity specialist Laura Vanderkam discusses thriving while working from home, managing tasks, self-care, thinking big, time tracking, and balancing work and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of embracing personal needs and building an effective 'at home' work life.
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Quick takeaways
Managing tasks is more effective than focusing solely on time for productivity at home.
Creating structure and rituals, setting boundaries, and integrating family time are vital for successful remote work and work-life integration.
Deep dives
The Importance of Building a Career while Working from Home
The podcast episode explores the concept of working from home and building a successful career. The guest, Laura Vandercam, discusses her new book, 'The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home.' She highlights the increasing trend of working from home and how organizations are embracing hybrid work models. Vandercam emphasizes the strategic advantage of occasional remote work and provides insights on how individuals can be productive and ambitious while working from home.
Managing Tasks Instead of Time
In this part of the podcast, Vandercam discusses the importance of managing tasks rather than focusing solely on time. She argues that gauging success by completion of tasks is a more efficient approach than judging productivity solely based on time spent. Vandercam encourages individuals and organizations to question the rigid time-based norms, such as 30 or 60-minute meetings, and instead focus on the goals to be achieved during those meetings. She highlights the benefits of managing oneself or others by completing tasks rather than adhering to fixed time slots.
Creating Structure and Rituals for Work-Life Integration
Vandercam emphasizes the significance of creating structure and rituals when working from home, especially to establish a sense of normalcy and avoid unnecessary stress. She suggests implementing transition rituals at the start and end of the workday to signal the beginning and completion of work. These rituals could include actions like taking a short walk, listening to music, or writing a journal entry. Additionally, Vandercam advises setting boundaries to separate work and personal life and finding ways to make weekends or non-work days feel distinct and special.
Embracing Work-Life Integration for Parents
The podcast explores the challenges faced by parents who work from home and provides practical strategies for achieving work-life integration. Vandercam highlights the importance of childcare for parents working remotely and the need to find suitable arrangements for younger children. She suggests integrating family time, such as having a family lunch, into the workday and finding ways to spend breaks with loved ones. Vandercam also encourages parents to be flexible and adaptable in managing their work schedules, especially when dealing with unexpected changes.
On this episode, I’m joined once again by Laura Vanderkam, a fellow productivity specialist. Laura is the author of several books, including The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home.
I wanted to talk about productivity with someone who speaks my language, and Laura certainly fits that bill. She’s penned a book that is designed to help people not only survive working from home… it’s a book that will help people thrive while working from home. We talk about what it’s like to be thrust into a “work from home” situation, why right now might just be the best time to take on that monumental project, and much more. This episode is well worth your time… I know you’ll enjoy our conversation!
Talking Points
Laura explains why she chose to write this book right now
What led Laura to writing this book?
Why does Laura advise you manage by task rather than time?
How important does Laura thinks self-care in the work environment is during times like these?
Laura shares insights on how she thinks people can embrace their own needs more while working from home
Laura talks about her chapter that touches on “thinking big”
How does Laura think people can continue to track their time while working from home?
How can one work from home and parent from home and still bring their best selves to both?
Laura gives one action you can take to start building your own “at home” work life
Quote
“Working from home is a skill.”
Helpful Links
The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home
Episode 202: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam
Curious with Josh Peck: James Clear
We have a lot more time now. So why can’t we get anything done? | The Washington Post
lauravanderkam.com
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