Wednesday 15th March Newsletter

March 15 is National “Everything You Think Is Wrong” Day. 🧢 So, why not remove your thinking cap for a minute? Hit “pause” on that task, take a breath, and enjoy today’s quick read — put together by yours truly. 

In today’s email:

• Is WFH wrecking your relationship? Here’s our opinion.

• How to handle a pain in the b*tt coworker.

• Emotional support clowns: an interesting story. 

• Desk toys to keep you entertained. 

TALKING POINT

WFH is wrecking relationships

During the pandemic, many couples were forced to share a coworking space: their home. But as one partner was summoned back to the office, the other was left with not only a busy work schedule but also all the household duties.

This added pressure has ended up placing a strain on relationships, with the WFH partner often ending up becoming the cleaner, caretaker and everything in between.

So, while the additional flexibility is great sometimes, you need to set clear boundaries if you’re the person who is working from home. To make this clear, you can create a list of your duties and your partners’, and physically show the difference in chores. By doing so, you can come to a better conclusion that you’re happy with.

Do you WFH? Let us know how it affects your relationship!

QUOTE OF THE DAY 

TODAY'S ADVICE

When your coworkers are a pain in the 🍑

The office is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. Some of your coworkers will look like bourbon-infused caramel cups… And then, a little too late, you’ll realize they’re just really bitter orange bonbons.

Though whispering “ew” whenever you see them may seem like the reasonable thing to do, there are better ways to handle them.

1. Keep your distance. 🛑 Make yourself look busier than you are at all times. Wear your earphones to avoid conversations.

2. Call them out. If they’ve offended you, point it out and ask them to steer clear of repeating the same mistake. Be polite (tough one, we know!) yet firm.

3. Speak with your supervisor. If Bitter Orange Bonbon keeps bothering you, let your supervisor or HR know about their behavior.

4. Emotionally disengage. 💁‍♂️ If calling them out does nothing, you’ll have to “close your heart” to them. Focus on your tasks, leave work at the office when you clock out — and remember to breathe.

More tips on difficult coworkers

DON'T MISS

🦁 A bit of hakuna matata can transform your career.

🛫 Relocating for work? These are the tips you’re looking for.

🥑 Don’t skip breakfast! Fuel up with these tasty ideas.

🤝 15 reasons why you should prioritize networking.

DAILY TO-DO

🎲 Gamify your workday

Gamification is about taking something that isn’t a game and turning it into a game. It helps you get more done and makes your day far more enjoyable.

Need an idea? Assign a point system to every sucky task you complete, and then reward yourself with a fresh pair of shoes when you reach 1,000 points.

WATERCOOLER CHAT

About to get fired? Hire an emotional support clown 🤡

**Trigger warning** If you suffer from coulrophobia (fear of clowns), it’s best to skip this section…

By law, if you’re invited to a meeting to discuss your job, you’re entitled to have someone with you as a witness (and for support). One person in New Zealand decided to hire Joe — an emotional support clown — after finding out he was being called into a meeting to “discuss his role in the business”.

It turns out, he was about to lose his job, and Joe the Emotional Support Clown helped him through it — by mime-crying and creating balloon animals. 

I’ll have a balloon puppy, please, Joe! 🎈

STUFF WE LOVE

Play your day away with some cool desk toys

Fidget in style with the Bitopbi Brass Fidget Spinner. It’s discreet, fun and an excellent concentration aid. Grab the spinner

Can’t decide whether to go for after-work drinks? The Kikkerland Magnetic Decision Maker has got your back. Grab the decision maker

Don’t take out your stress on your coworkers. Take it out on the Running Press Desktop Boxing miniature punching bag! Grab the punching bag

WELLNESS CENTRE 

Do the desk plank — No gym required!

Strengthen your arm and back muscles while toning the rest of your body with a standing desk plank.

Place your forearms on your desk and extend your legs with toes on the floor. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Push back up and repeat 15 times.

More desk exercises

MEME IT

Like what you read? Reply and let us know your thoughts.

Created with care by Chris Leitch, Joanna Zambas, Hayley Ramsey and Electra Michaelidou

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