Some of her clients feel it’s important to dress the part even at home. “I’ve had clients who have home businesses, and they feel really strongly about showing up for themselves — about getting up in the morning, taking a shower, getting decent-looking clothes on and not wearing [their] pajamas. There’s proof that when you look professional, you’re going to act more professionally,” Osborne said.
By Kelly Sennott
ksennott@hippopress.com
There’s only so much coffee can do to perk up your office job. That’s evident to anyone who’s experienced the dreaded 3 p.m. slump, and it’s even worse in the winter, when getting fresh air requires bundling up and braving the cold — and the dark, if you can’t manage to get out before 4 p.m. But there are little things you can do to boost your energy physically and mentally throughout your day. Update your work wardrobe. Give your desk a makeover. Fill your lunch box with power foods. Or, get moving — create a deskercise routine, go for a walk or just stand up! We talked with people of various expertise about these easy fixes, with the goal of helping you improve your 9-to-5 life by increasing productivity, focus, energy and overall happiness in the office — no caffeine necessary.
If you dress like you’re really good at your job, then people (including you) will get the message. But it’s an easy step to overlook, particularly if you’re not client-facing or your workplace offers a casual dress code. “You obviously need to be very skilled HIPPO | DECEMBER 1 - 7, 2016 | PAGE 14
in what you do to be successful. A lot of people will go to school to really fine-tune their skills, but if they lack packaging, it’s harder for other people to buy into it,” Susan Osborne, a New Hampshire image consultant, said via phone. “When your message and your look match, that’s the most successful form of communication.” Ideal attire varies from job to job. Lawyers and bankers probably need to wear suits, while tech professionals probably don’t. Osborne said it comes down to one important question. “I ask clients, what do you want to express? How do you want to be perceived?
How do you want others to see you? That’s really the starting point,” she said. If your office environment is more casual, then maybe less formal clothes are OK — just make certain they fit well, which Osborne said will always make someone appear more polished. “Men specifically ask me, should I have a beard? Facial hair is perfectly fine, but you just need to offset it. Maybe your hair is cut clean and short. Everything comes down to balance,” Osborne said. There are some no-nos regardless of industry. Stained, ripped or wrinkled clothes will always look sloppy and lazy.
If you indulge in your workspace, it will make you feel more comfortable and theoretically more productive, said Hollisbased interior designer Meredith Bohn. She advised starting with color. What hues help you get stuff done — calming, neutral tones or bright ones that are full of energy? Place those in your workspace, along with photos of things you like — family, friends, pets, the outdoors. “Photos of your family are certainly important, because a lot of the time they’re why you’re working,” Bohn said. Clear plastic boxes might add order to chaos, but they can also be boring. Bohn uses bright leather boxes from The Container Store to organize papers and beautiful calendars and wipe boards to keep her on track and remind her of her goals. Also take into account, what do you do? What do you need? What would be your