Five Reasons Why: I hate remote work

July 30, 2020 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ 1 Comment

For all those who claim that remote work is the future of work, is a great equalizer and saves organizations a lot of real estate costs, I beg you to consider my pains. I know I am not the only one. I know Google has extended its WFH until July 2021. When the pandemic lifts, vaccines are democratized and the world is safe again, if you keep me from working from an old-school office environment, I can guarantee I will likely kill myself. (Ok, I am kidding. I’ll live). P.S: For all those pro remote workers. It’s been four months now. When does it get easier?

Can’t be Seth Godin

May 25, 2020 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

I do not know how he does it. I wouldn’t be able to even if it was my full time job and this isn’t the only thing he does. I cannot help but wonder if he has a team behind it all but somehow somewhere in my bones, I feel like every single post he … Continue reading Can’t be Seth Godin

Digital Cleanse

March 4, 2020 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

The world is becoming increasingly distraught about the influence of technology in daily life. Digital detoxes and cleanses are the flavor of the season. From tracking screen usage to minimalism extending from material possession to applications on devices, a large majority of the population is gravitating towards the idea of distancing themselves from the digital … Continue reading Digital Cleanse

Free Time: The Forgotten Dream

February 24, 2020 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

Of all the ideas that resurfaced in 2019, the 4-day work week is by far my favorite. After all, who wouldn’t like an extra day off work every single week? The concept of a 4-day work week dates as far back as half a century. Nixon first predicted it in 1956. As work productivity continued to witness … Continue reading Free Time: The Forgotten Dream

31-day challenge: Burnout Edition

July 4, 2019 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

I had heard of burnout. I had been warned about burning out. But, I had never experienced burnout…...until I did.

31-day challenge: Sacred Hour

April 12, 2019 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ 2 Comments

This entire week, I have been entering work at 8am, one of the consequences of the ‘wake up before 6am’ challenge. The early hour is nothing short of magical - the floor is still empty, my colleagues from halfway across the world have stopped sending emails and the ones here are yet to begin. I … Continue reading 31-day challenge: Sacred Hour

The office from the future

September 4, 2018September 4, 2018 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

Early this year, the media went crazy. Every other day, pieces titled – ‘The open-plan office is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea’ or ‘The Open-Office Trap’ attacked my inbox and it hasn’t stopped yet. One quick Google search on open offices will tell you that the world hates them. But we always … Continue reading The office from the future

Make them work

January 9, 2018 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

How often have you been asked for a favor where you are expected to put in more hard work than the requester has? Do these requests frustrate you? Worry not. I am going to share a well-known trick in the book. Works every time. The trick: Make them work. Let me illustrate via two examples. … Continue reading Make them work

Sit next to the smart ones!

October 8, 2017 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

Fistful of Talent plays a major role in influencing my Tuesday evening watch list. It began with Up in the air, followed by Office Space and last evening I ended up watching Coffee Town. Not only movie choices, FoT also holds a fair bit of influence on what I write. Remember how I said, ‘Once … Continue reading Sit next to the smart ones!

The “Happiness” Hype

August 6, 2017August 6, 2017 ~ Ankita Poddar ~ Leave a comment

I wonder who came up with this bizarre concept of organizations focusing on making employees ‘happy’ and why it’s suddenly taken center stage. I stumbled upon a recent survey that claimed 61% of respondents say happiness at work is more important than the salary. I’d like to understand just how the respondents defined happiness. It’s … Continue reading The “Happiness” Hype