Pajama productivity. Working from home in your pajamas sounds like a dream come true. Who wouldn’t want to trade in their stiff work attire for something more comfortable? However, some people question whether lounging in their sleepwear all day could actually impact their productivity. Is there truth to the idea that getting dressed could boost your output when working from home?
Let’s explore the concept of “pajama productivity” and whether or not it truly matters what you wear when working remotely.
A scientific study was conducted by the Medical Journal in Australia in 2020. Here is an expert from their article about productivity and mental health. “A large proportion of participants experienced increased productivity while working from home; this was most evident for writing manuscripts. However, early career investigators were less likely than more established researchers to experience increased productivity; for example, 17 of 27 research assistants/interns and 13 of 21 postgraduate students reported reduced overall productivity. More than one‐third of respondents reported that working from home resulted in poorer mental health.’
Rise and Shine: The Power of Pajama Productivity
While it may seem counterintuitive, studies have shown that getting dressed for work can actually improve your performance and productivity. When you put on professional clothing, it helps to get you into the mindset of work mode. This is known as “enclothed cognition,” where the clothes we wear can have a psychological impact on our behavior and performance. By dressing for success, you may find that your confidence and focus improve, making it easier to work efficiently.
On the flip side, staying in your pajamas can make it harder to separate work from leisure. It’s easy to get distracted and lose motivation when you’re dressed for relaxation. In addition, your appearance can also affect how others perceive you, such as your coworkers or clients during a virtual meeting. By taking the time to dress professionally, you show that you take your work seriously and are ready to tackle any task that comes your way.
From Bed Mode to Boss Mode: The Case for Getting Dressed at Home
Getting dressed for work every day can help you establish a routine and structure your day. Just as you would wake up and get ready for a traditional office job, taking the time to get dressed signals the start of your workday. It can also help you transition out of work mode at the end of the day, as changing into more casual attire can signal the end of your workday and help you unwind.
Ultimately, the choice of what to wear when working from home is up to you. While it may be tempting to stay in your pajamas all day, taking the time to dress professionally can have a positive impact on your productivity and overall mindset. By incorporating a bit of “pajama productivity” into your remote work routine, you may find that you’re able to get more done and feel better about your workday.
Whether you prefer to work in your pajamas or get dressed up for the day, it’s important to prioritize your productivity and wellbeing when working from home. By taking the time to establish a routine and dress for success, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling workday. So, go ahead and embrace your inner “pajama productivity” – just don’t forget the power of professional attire! Oh, and remember, sometimes we can see you on Zoom….so we know if you’re actually wearing pants.
Rhonda Phillips is a full-time voiceover actor specializing in commercial, eLearning, corporate narration, explainers and a variety of other voiceover genres.
She is a performance coach who specializes in working with people who are just beginning their journey into the world of voiceover. Book a session today!
Rhonda is also the host of the the popular voiceover webinar series, Late Night Secrets for Voiceover Success, a monthly affordable webinar series featuring various industry professionals sharing tips and tricks on industry topics as well as secrets to their success. Be sure to check out Rhonda’s other great blog content!