Ever since we left our brand new office in March, our team has been adjusting to working from home and embracing the challenges and perks associated! Below, we’re sharing our current work-from-home situations as well as a few tips to make your WFH setup that much smoother.
BETH’S WFH SPACE
How do you start your morning before work begins?
I wake up and typically meditate for about 10 minutes. About two to three times a week, I do a quick strength training workout for about 20 minutes and then I walk to get a latte from my local coffee shop. When I get back I make breakfast which is always 2 eggs, sautéed kale and a tortilla before sitting down to answer a few quick emails.
What do you keep on your desk?
My computer, planner and then a handful of books I’m currently reading and referencing. I also try to keep my desk inspiring and well styled so have a few intentional details such as a
plant,
lamp,
frame, beautiful letter opener and other pretty elements which bring me joy.
Biggest work from home challenge?
I do my best work collaborating and brainstorming with my team. While we have a morning Zoom meeting, I prefer to be able to talk to them as needed throughout the day in effort to get their input on the work we are creating. Working separate highly inhibits this process.
Is your workspace or room used for anything beside work?
My desk is in the main living space in my home, however I only truly use the space when I have guests over to my home.
When are you most productive?
I’m most productive from about 10:00am to 2:00pm and then get a second wind around 4:00pm.
What do you listen to when you work?
WFH uniform:
MADDIE’S WFH SPACE
How do you start your morning before work begins?
My boyfriend Mark wakes up pretty early for work (hello East Coast finance folks) so I usually wake up shortly after him and quickly scroll through my email to see if anything pressing came in overnight, before rolling out of bed around 6:30. I make a strong effort to shower every morning as it really helps me to wake up! Followed by coffee, a quick breakfast, and a hangout on the patio scrolling Instagram if I have time before logging into email at 8:00am.
What do you keep on your desk?
It’s a pretty consistent mix of my essentials from work and a few extras that bring me joy. I usually have 2-3 clipboards of notes on my desk depending on which projects I’m working on at that time and my trusty
notebook to jot down things that come to mind. Always have a
glass of water (usually sparkling), a plant,
candle,
noise-cancelling headphones, and cup of coffee that I consistently reheat throughout the day in my very favorite mug (
that my brother designed!).
Biggest work from home challenge?
Not being able to bounce ideas off of the team throughout the day. I rely on their brilliance more than I realized before quarantine. I’m grateful I get to see their faces for our daily morning Zoom call, but I miss being around them!
Is your workspace or room used for anything beside work?
We moved into a new apartment the day before the stay at home orders were put into place (literally the day before). Because we weren’t fully set up, I was working from a folding table and folding chair, sharing the living room with my boyfriend. Needless to say, I had to re-think that setup. I moved the folding table to our guest bedroom and brought my chair home from the office. Thankfully there is plenty of space between a nice bright window and our guest bed for my makeshift desk, and Mark and I get a little space throughout the day for phone & video calls.
When are you most productive?
First thing in the morning and the end of the work day. I usually get a lull in the early afternoon, so I try to schedule my lunch break at that time to soak up some sunshine and re-energize (and reheat my coffee for the 3rd time).
What do you listen to when you work?
There’s a great
“Productive Morning” playlist on Spotify that’s a regular listen for me. Other than that, I focus best without any other distractions!
WFH uniform:
Unfortunately, my team knows this look all too well. Pretty much daily, I am in my
favorite crewneck that my friend designed when Kobe Bryant died. She’s an amazing artist and 100% of the profits from her sales go to the MambaOnThree Fund to help the other families affected by the tragedy. I transition between my favorite leggings and comfy joggers, but don’t worry – I do dress up for Zoom calls!
MARSI’S WFH INSPO
Ideal Desk Setup // Candle, Desk, Lamp, Vase, Frames, Chair, Planter
How do you start your morning before work begins?
I like to stretch and make myself a coffee that I usually drink from a blue mug because blue boosts creativity!
What do you keep on your desk?
I always try to keep a beautiful flower arrangement, room mist and a fun an quirky candle near me since creating a comfortable environment is important to me
Biggest work from home challenge?
I am someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and usually get inspired by connecting with different people in different environments. It is very important for me to set up creative spaces all around because my biggest challenge working from home can sometimes be staying creatively inspired. Since I am not around my colleagues one of the most important parts is getting that inspiration somewhere else whether it is a gallery wall, a beautiful floral arrangement or turning on a Spotify curated playlist on my Sonos.
Is your workspace or room used for anything beside work?
Working from home for me definitely means working from all corners of the house. Sometimes you can find me on my desk or my couch or sometimes even working outside helps me stay focused and inspired.
When are you most productive?
When I work from home, I am most productive in the morning and early afternoon. For lunch, I opt for a walk to get some fresh air but also to fully remove myself from the “work environment” and come back and finish up the workday strong!
What do you listen to when you work?
I like to start my morning with a mellow playlist so I usually play the Michael Kiwanuka Radio or Sade Radio and later in the afternoon I like to play my more upbeat playlist for some higher energy!
WFH Uniform:
Loungewear is not something I normally wear to the office so I fully take advantage when working from home. My go to is stylish comfort and cozy outfits! Organic, fair trade leggings from pact are some of my favorites and I usually pair those with an oversized short sleeve box top.
KELLIE’S WFH SPACE
How do you start your morning before work begins?
I wake up literally 30 minutes before we start work at 8:00am, and in those 30 minutes I freshen up, get dressed, and get my water for the morning!
What do you keep on your desk?
My desk also doubles as my vanity, so I have all my makeup, jewelry, and other nik naks/decorations surrounding my desktop. I also always have my
pink cup of water!
Biggest work from home challenge?
Not getting distracted by my cute cats, Henry, Charlie and Penny (mostly Henry). See below photo for said cute-ness.
Is your workspace or room used for anything beside work?
My workspace is in my bedroom, so yes. I used to work from the dining room table, but it would get too noisy with other people in the house, so I’ve found that this is what works best for me.
When are you most productive?
Probably right after our morning meeting up until lunch because it’s when I clearly map out what I’m going to do for the day. This is the time where I try to get all of the most important tasks done for the day.
What do you listen to when you work?
I mostly just listen to music because podcasts can distract me. So, I listen to different playlists on Spotify. Right now I’m into the new Taylor Swift album which has been on repeat for me this week.
WFH uniform:
Loungewear! I like to put on a cute outfit to help me feel put together and productive, but still remain comfortable. I tend to throw on my favorite
leggings or
joggers with a
matching tank and things of that nature.
ZAIRE’S WFH SPACE
How do you start your morning before work begins?
I wake up at 7:00am and my mornings start with stretching for at least five minutes and then opening the blinds and windows within the house to let in some fresh air and sunlight for our indoor plants. Then I’m in the shower by 7:15am so that I can be out and ready to work by 8:00am. Within that time, I also help get my girlfriend out the door to her “essential worker” job and I clean my cats’ litter boxes and feed them before sitting down at my desk. After our daily team meeting, I usually will grab a bowl of cereal or a bagel and then get to work.
What do you keep on your desk?
My hydroflask, always filled with ice cold water (because you have to stay hydrated!), Chapstick, a notebook and pen, so i can quickly jot down my to-do list or any notes on research that I look up, a scrunchie to tie my hair up whenever I’m in the zone, a pair of headphones in case the outside noises are too distracting, and my hand wrist rest to keep me comfortable all day.
Biggest work from home challenge?
Staying motivated (to move, work, take breaks, etc.) and being alone for eight hours of the day – I really enjoy being a part of a team and having coworkers to bounce ideas/opinions off of. Also, my cats. We recently got a new kitten that requires much more attention than our 3 year old cat, but even then my older cat will whine if she doesn’t get to go outside or go on top of the fridge three times a day.
Is your workspace or room used for anything beside work?
My workspace is in our living room/kitchen. We live in a duplex that has an open, wrap around/circle layout. But the placement of the desk is directly in front of two big windows on the front of the house, so I always have natural light!
When are you most productive?
Between 9:00am-12:00pm (after our meeting and having breakfast) and between 2:00pm-4:30pm. I usually hit an afternoon wall so during that time I’ll try to take a break by either reading outside in my hammock, hanging out with my cats, or practicing Spanish on my Duolingo app.
What do you listen to when you work?
Podcasts, podcasts, podcasts. Towards the end of the work day, I’ll put on a playlist to carry me to the end, but up until about 4:00pm, I’ll usually be listening to my rotation of podcasts. Some of my favorites include
The Friend Zone,
Small Doses, and
This Might Get Weird.
WFH uniform:
Either some lounge shorts and a comfy t-shirt with a blanket draped over my shoulders or a pair of leggings to motivate myself to work out once the work day is over.
