Telecommuting comes with a lot of perks, but it also has plenty of downsides. It can be harder to focus, people assume you’re not working because you’re at home, and it can feel like work never really ends. Dressing up like you’re going to the office can help.




It’s hard to be productive when you’re wearing your pajamas. But it’s also hard to know when your work day begins and ends if you’re always toiling away in your sweatpants. That’s why Mason Donovan, author of The Golden Apple, suggests you put on some business wear during your office hours. Putting on a button-down shirt and dress pants act as a physical and visual distinction that signifies that you are now your “work self.” Not only can clothing help you create mental work boundaries at home, it also works as a visual reminder to those around you. If you’re working in a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt, the people in your household might not assume you’re working. Office attire tells them “hey, I’m working right now and I shouldn’t be disturbed.”


The Golden Apple: Redefining Work-Life Balance for a Diverse Workforce | Amazon via Fast Company