Why Neerja Birla opts for office attire when working from home

“Focusing on my physical health works for me,” says Neerja Birla.

While the founder of MPower usually exercises once a day, she’s upping her routine to two short workouts now. “In the evening you tend to feel a little lethargic and exercise helps shake that feeling off.”

Daily blueprint
“Routine and structure are very important when it comes to working from home,” says Birla. “Start the day as you would have prelockdown. Wake up at the same time and so on. I know the lines are a little blurred, and personal will spill into your professional life.”

She also advises to keep a space that’s dedicated to your work. Dressing the part helps too. “A lot of people wear shorts, T-shirts or lounge wear, but I like to get into my work wear. I think that helps me get into a work mode psychologically,” she adds.

And her phone is never far from her side. It’s how she stays connected to her family. “My husband is in Calcutta and [daughter] Ananya is in LA, as they were both travelling when the lockdown was announced. I think video calls are a great way to stay in touch,” she says.

Birla is also enjoying experimenting in the kitchen with her other two children. “I don’t normally enjoy cooking too much but this time I am experimenting and that is turning out to be quite enjoyable. We’ve made lava cakes, pasta, pizza and Yorkshire pudding,” she says.

Though Birla is used to working from home, this new situation has taught her a few things. “It’s shown me the resilience of the human spirit; I think we have adapted well. It’s also made me realise the more you simplify life, the fewer things you need. If you focus on that, life really simplifies and declutters.”