Apartment Therapy Media’s Post

I left the office at 5:30 PM the other day. And I was the last person to leave. It is pretty common at our firm for everyone to be gone by 5:30 or so. It is part of our culture. For most business owners, that is not something to brag about. For me, there are two reasons why I’m proud: 1) I understand deep work is limited by mental capacity, and 2) I understand the long-term ROI of happy, loyal employees. If you study productivity, the research consistently proves that most people only have about four hours of “deep work” a day. So, for the person consistently working 10-12 hours per day, how much value are you creating for your customers those extra 6-8 hours of the day when your brain is not performing at an optimal level? In my business, I am satisfied if my employees can devote four solid hours of work toward high-level legal work. Then, they can do lower-level tasks for the remainder of the day. Then, after about 8 hours or so, it’s time to go home. Anything more than that inherently means someone is either performing high-level tasks with a depleted mental capacity (increasing risk of errors), or they are spending too much of their day on low-level tasks (reducing the value of their time). It is a classic example of diminishing returns. If we have so much demand that the work can’t get done within these time constraints, then I, as the leader, am expected to hire and train more employees, as opposed to my employees being expected to work more hours. The second reason I’m glad my employees were gone by 5:30 is that I know they were using that extra time to live a better life. Again, research undeniably proves that employees with happier home lives perform at a higher level and are more loyal to their employer. My employees can spend those precious evening hours helping their spouses at home, they have more time to be present with their children, more time to visit their parents or call their siblings, more time to knock some items off the never-ending to-do list, more time to prepare a healthier dinner, more time to exercise, more time to read a book or just relax. Then, when they come back to the office the next morning, I know they are ready to pour another four hours of high-value deep work into solving complex legal problems for our clients. I’m happy to give up those extra couple of hours of time in the office in exchange for people that will show up energized and ready to work intensely, week after week, for many years to come. *Obviously, there are exceptions when urgent matters arise or deadlines are on the horizon, but those are the exceptions. What tips do you have to prevent employee mistakes and burnout?

I hate when people call me Superwoman! “You’ve got 4 kids, you run a business, and you still prioritize self-care, you’re superwoman!” I know they mean it as a compliment, but I’m not trying to be superwoman. I definitely was that person 8 years ago and you know what Superwoman got me? It got me to nearly 350 lbs, in constant pain, tired all the time, fixing everyone’s issues but my own, and still smiling as if everything was ok! Nope, I’ll pass! I’m reformed! I run my business with emphasis on efficiency and profit because I know I don’t have 12 hours a day to spend on the business (and I don’t want to work 12 hours a day even though I love what I do). I like having a life. I love traveling, hanging out with my husband and kids, having girls nights and Ladies weekends with friends, and enjoying Self-Care Fridays! I’m not for the hustle and bustle! This is why I work with Wellness Professionals & Experts who love what they do and are making good money, but recognize that they want to also have a life and that working 12+ hours a day isn’t the life they want. You get to be profitable in your business without working 24/7. You are showing your clients exactly how to incorporate awesome tools into their lives to have their transformations, so it’s time for you to gain real methodologies to get your time back and be able to Work Less, Make More, and Feel Better! If you are ready to cut your workday in half while still hitting your revenue goals, send me a message! We are not playing with these 12 hour days in 2024!

"The MYOB Manifesto: Your Guide to Workplace Bliss" Attention office detectives! Time to retire your magnifying glass and embrace the revolutionary concept of MYOB (Mind Your Own Business). Tempted to investigate the mysterious case of Jan's promotion or Mike's moldy sandwich? Here's a radical idea: focus on your own work. I know, groundbreaking stuff. But trust me, your spreadsheets miss you. They're sitting there, all lonely and unfinished, wondering why you're more interested in Bob's mysterious phone calls than in their beautiful columns. The secret formula for workplace happiness: Come to work, Do your job, Go home! Notice "solve office mysteries" isn't on the list? By keeping your nose out of others' business, you'll find more time, less drama, and fewer awkward elevator rides. Plus, you'll avoid starring in "The Curious Case of the Fired Busybody." Remember: The only business that pays your bills is your own. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some important minding of my own business to do. And by that, I mean actual work. Novel concept, right? #WorkplaceWisdom #MYOBManifesto #OfficeProductivity #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceCulture #JobSatisfaction #OfficeEtiquette #WorkLifeBalance #CorporateCulture #ProductivityTips #CareerDevelopment #HRHumor #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceHappiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessSuccess

What is "return to the office" 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 about? That's a WHAT'S YOUR WORK FIT? viewer question submitted by Marsha. Every work day, when the clock strikes 6AM, she turns on the TV to see what’s going on in the world—first to check the financial markets and then the cable news channels to catch up on the day's headlines. Marsha is a not typical consumer of mainstream media for she thinks one topic in particular, the return to the office, has become unnecessarily polarized—with a tilt towards “return to the office or else” warnings. And she doesn’t think that the TV discussions are all that helpful, because many guests booked on morning shows often glorify the pre-pandemic workplace experience. So, Marsha asks: what is “return to the office” 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 about? Answering that and other questions are our co-hosts for the WHAT'S YOUR WORK FIT? in the Workplace Series: LiquidSpace founder and CEO Mark Gilbreath and globally recognized commercial real estate and workplace thought-leader on LinkedIn Francis Saele. We go live TODAY, Wednesday September 6, 2023 at 12PM Eastern Time (9AM Pacific) on LinkedIn. SUBSCRIBE today so you don't miss the live show, watch past shows, or read up on our helpful posts and other content. This is going to be an incredible discussion and Mark, Fran, and I don't want you to miss it. Join us live and ask your questions in real time! When, at last, we determine what #RTO and #RTP (return to the past) are 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 about, we can scaffold up to more pressing topics like WHY, WHEN, WHERE, and HOW we work so we can achieve a wonderful work fit, then our best days lie ahead. 😁 I’m Dan. As host and executive producer of WHAT'S YOUR WORK FIT? I help you make your work and workplace decisions result in better and more satisfying professional experiences and outcomes. Ring my 🔔 to discover more about me and my mission. #futureofwork #meaningfulwork #workfit #careeradvice #workplace #colocation #commuting

Ever had to hustle from your car? I did, and here's the quick story. When mold invaded our rental home, my family and I had to leave. Suddenly, my "home office" was my car, coffee shops, anywhere I could find a quiet spot. Reminded me of the early pandemic days—kids at home, constant distractions, finding refuge in my car for meetings and podcasts. One of the days I rented an office room because I had work meetings lined up and projects. I needed a space that was quiet so I could do some deep work so I rented a small office space for about 6 hours. When I look at this picture below it reminds me of the stress of not having a home office to go to and still finding a way to get things done. I didn't even take advantage of the free coffee and snacks that they had in the kitchen. LOL. Despite the chaos, I'm grateful. My job's flexibility lets me keep going, supporting my family through it all. Now, a friend has offered his spare room as my temporary office. Free WiFi and I'm closer to moving into a new place. This journey has taught me resilience. Sure, it has been tough not having my own space, but we are safe, and have food, clothes, shelter—the essentials. It's a reminder that no matter the challenge, focusing on what's good and factual can pull you through. #gratitude #resilience #flexiblework #remotework ---- Life throws curveballs, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, it could always be worse, so cherish the good and the facts.

🔎 Decoding the Great Return-to-Office Mystery: A Humorous Take 🔍 🎭 Act 1: The Power Play 🎭 In the left corner, wearing oversized headphones and comfortable pajamas, we have the Work-From-Home Warriors. In the right corner, donning suits and brandishing spreadsheets, the Return-To-Office Enforcers! The scene sets in the aftermath of the pandemic. While the air outside clears, a storm brews inside corporate America's boardrooms. Our study, starring the S&P 500 giants, unveils a gripping drama: The RTO Mandate. 🕵️♂️ Findings? Managers aren’t exactly craving those watercooler moments for greater productivity or Firm Value Fortification. Nope. It’s all about the reins of power and a convenient scapegoat for those "Oops, we missed the target" moments. 🎭 Act 2: The Emotional Downturn 🎭 Cue the violin as we explore the saga of plummeting job satisfaction. Employees, once basking in the glory of multi-tasking with laundry, now mourn the loss of their freedom... and perhaps their favorite daytime TV companions. 💡 Plot Twist 💡: In a startling turn of events, the company ledger remains unaffected! That's right, folks — neither financial performance nor firm value saw the plot twist they were promised. 🎭 Act 3: The Enlightened Path 🎭 As our tale nears its end, we ponder: What could the future hold? A realm where high performers wield the power of choice, where monthly team gatherings become the mecca of creativity, and firms embrace a humanity-first model. Jack Ma, in a cameo, whispers wisdom about flexibility and kindness. Moral of the story? Forcing everyone back to the grindstone isn’t just last season; it’s turning out to be an epic fail on both the happiness and balance sheets. 🚀 #WorkplaceComedy #CorporateCulture #LeadershipLessons #JobSatisfactionJokes 🚀 As we curtain close on this theatrical analysis, remember: In the grand scheme of office life, it's not just about where you work; it’s about how we make work work for us. 🌈✨ 💌 What are your thoughts? Have you faced the Return-to-Office blues or are you the director of your own Work-From-Home fairy tale? Share your epic tales and laughable moments below! 💌 #BackToOfficeButWhy #SAndPSaga #TheGreatRTODebate #EmpathyInLeadership #RemoteWorkRocks

Today’s Tip ... A Weekly Exercise for Working Parents As a working parent, it can be difficult to juggle competing responsibilities throughout the workweek. This simple exercise can help you keep your schedule under control. Start by creating a centralized calendar where you keep track of key family- and work-related commitments. If you have a partner or co-parent, share it with them, and build a habit of proactively updating it throughout the week. Then, set aside 20 minutes at the end of the weekend to preview the following week. Go over your calendar and update it with any important events that you may have forgotten to add during the previous week. Once your calendar is filled up, review it item-by-item to identify the biggest priorities. Then start planning. Who is responsible for what? What needs to be moved around or rescheduled? What decisions (like meal-planning) can be made in advance? And finally, what commitments require a back-up plan? hbr #worklifebalance

Today’s Tip ... A Weekly Exercise for Working Parents As a working parent, it can be difficult to juggle competing responsibilities throughout the workweek. This simple exercise can help you keep your schedule under control. Start by creating a centralized calendar where you keep track of key family- and work-related commitments. If you have a partner or co-parent, share it with them, and build a habit of proactively updating it throughout the week. Then, set aside 20 minutes at the end of the weekend to preview the following week. Go over your calendar and update it with any important events that you may have forgotten to add during the previous week. Once your calendar is filled up, review it item-by-item to identify the biggest priorities. Then start planning. Who is responsible for what? What needs to be moved around or rescheduled? What decisions (like meal-planning) can be made in advance? And finally, what commitments require a back-up plan? hbr #worklifebalance

Home Office Insights Having worked from home for the past 8 years, I've learned a few things about maintaining performance and mental well-being. Here are some simple tips: 1️⃣ Get ready for work: Start your day early, take a shower, enjoy breakfast, have a coffee or tea, and sit down to work 10 minutes early, mimicking the routine of an office morning. 2️⃣ Minimize distractions: Keep your cellphone on silent and face down on the table to stay focused. 3️⃣ Take breaks: Every 2 or 3 hours, allocate 10-15 minutes for a break. Grab some water, coffee, or tea; take a stroll around your home; glance out the window, or spend time with your pets. 4️⃣ Lunch break matters: Dedicate 1 to 1.5 hours for lunch. Eat slowly, catch up on news or watch a cartoon, and read a few pages of a book. 5️⃣ Stay organized: Keep track of your tasks; tools like todoist.com can help. 6️⃣ End the day mindfully: Turn off your computer, and allocate time for your friends or family. What are your thoughts on these tips? Any additional suggestions? Let's share insights on optimizing the home office experience! #remoteworking #homeofficetips #productivity #mentalhealth

Today’s Tip ... A Weekly Exercise for Working Parents As a working parent, it can be difficult to juggle competing responsibilities throughout the workweek. This simple exercise can help you keep your schedule under control. Start by creating a centralized calendar where you keep track of key family- and work-related commitments. If you have a partner or co-parent, share it with them, and build a habit of proactively updating it throughout the week. Then, set aside 20 minutes at the end of the weekend to preview the following week. Go over your calendar and update it with any important events that you may have forgotten to add during the previous week. Once your calendar is filled up, review it item-by-item to identify the biggest priorities. Then start planning. Who is responsible for what? What needs to be moved around or rescheduled? What decisions (like meal-planning) can be made in advance? And finally, what commitments require a back-up plan? hbr #worklifebalance