Does Technology Ease Work?
81% of U.S. professionals say they work harder today than they did five years ago–because of technology. —Entrepreneur Magazine
I seem to recall that when the “computer age” hit the main stream we were told that our work would get much easier. Computers would do all the work; we would become a paperless society and the 30-hour (or less) workweek was just around the corner. What happened?
Well, if we take a look at the typical U.S. Professional’s inventory of time-consuming technology, would we find?
- Multiple computers–at work and home (including a laptop they lug back and forth to work).
- Backlogs of emails on their computers–much of it spam or just unnecessary.
- Skype–with video, so they can see callers when they chat.
- Several social media accounts on their computers, or iPhone, or Blackberry.
- Multiple cell phones (at least one of which is an iPhone, Blackberry, or other media phone).
- Backlogs of text messages.
- MP3 players (at least 2)
- Multiple televisions (at least one HD).
- DVR’s.
- DVD/VCR players (with all the associated media to catalog)
- Wiis.
- Video game players (and the required latest game).
- Kindle, or other book reader.
- Fax machine (they still seem to be a necessity).
- Miscellaneous gadget accessories.
- The next new gadget that comes along…
Then, of course, there is the whole social media gambit. This technological arena consumes more and more of a person’s time, and today much of it is business related, so now it is nearly impossible to know when this activity is necessary for work or just another meaningless demand on an already overloaded schedule.
Many of the technical gadgets allow their owners to use them like an extension of their office–ergo; their owners never “leave the office.” Consequently, it is difficult to tell whether a person is “working” at home or just interacting with more technical gadgets.
No wonder so many U.S. professionals work harder today than they did five years ago–technology has stolen part of their daily lives.
Does anyone relate to this situation?
Dressing for Work – at Home!
A Gallop Poll tells us “2 out of every 3 Americans show low self-esteem.” My online dictionary tells me that self-esteem is “confidence in one’s own worth or abilities.” Putting these two things together then would indicate that two-thirds of all Americans have low, or reduced, confidence in their own worth or ability. Why is that, and what does this have to do with those of us who work out of our homes (either full or part-time)? Well, as I understand it, self-esteem begins with how we look at ourselves—what we see when we look in the mirror, and how we consider our capabilities—or lack of.
So, in considering all of this, I tried a two-week experiment a while ago. In the first week, when I got out of bed, I threw on my old comfortable sweats and, after breakfast, went into my den/office and worked for a few hours. After lunch I worked some more and then, when I was through with work, I went about my normal routine for the rest of the day.
During the second week, I got out of bed before sunrise, went for an hour walk, shaved and showered, and dressed in fresh khaki’s and a sport shirt, and, after breakfast, I went into my den/office and followed the same routine as I did in week one.
The results of this experiment? Not only did I accomplish much more during the second week, but I also felt much more positive about my work, and myself—I felt invigorated.
Obviously, if you have clients or customers coming to your home office you would dress appropriately, but when there is no one around but you, why should it matter what you wear. Well, in my case at least, I think I did better (and more) work when “dressed for work”, than I did when I was dressed for lounging around. Perhaps this is the same phenomenon as when an Interview Coach tells us that, when giving a radio interview we should stand up and walk around, visualizing the audience we are speaking to, rather than just slouching down in our comfy chair.
It seems it is also important to sit up straight when using the phone. Apparently our posture comes across in our voice on the phone, regardless of what technology we are using.
Well, it seems to work for me—how about you? How do you dress for working at home, and do you think it really matters?
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