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THURS JAN 19th, 2012

FRI FEB 3rd, 2012

WED FEB 15th, 2012

FRI MARCH 2nd, 2012

*Please note, we have a 3 ‘free day’ limit per person, after we require the purchase of a day pass or membership.

HASHTAG: #FREEWORKDAY

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I recently took a two week vacation to Europe, driving through Germany, France, England, Ireland and, finally, flying to Poland. I was far, far away from WorkBar, exploring other cultures and seeing places I’ve only ever read about. You would think that coming back to work after a vacation like that would be DREADFUL! Yes, you would think that … unless you were coming back to WorkBar {workspace for mobile professionals, which includes startups, freelancers, and remote employees.} Coming back was actually an incredible feeling! I realized that because I had spent so much time, day in and day out at WorkBar, everything around me became all too common, and that I had stopped noticing how truly amazing and inspiring the people and atmosphere here really are.

Why {almost} everyone else {or just far too many people} hates Monday morning.

You see it on Facebook every day: “Dear Monday, WHY must you come so quickly…” or “Is it Friday yet?!” … All anyone ever wants to do is run far, far away from the office and his or her job … complaining any chance they get until the clock strikes “weekend.”

What I noticed almost IMMEDIATELY upon my return to the office was how happy and excited everyone was, just coming to work … and on a Monday no less! “Good mornings” all around and smiling faces talking about their weekend adventures and what’s on their agenda today. What a breath of fresh air to know that I was not coming back to an ‘office,’ in its traditional and mundane sense; rather, I was hopping on to ride the wave of energy radiating from everyone around me. The difference comes from choice. The professionals that work here—be they freelancers, entrepreneurs, startup groups or remote teams—choose to be here. Not plagued by the alarm clock, they choose to come in and value the time spent working on projects that match their passions. It’s an infectious environment that lifts not only your spirits, but your drive—not because you have to, but because you want to.

Smiling IS contagious, and so is hard work.
They say smiling is contagious – so much so that there have been extensive research studies done to measure the effects of happiness on others. One Harvard study that observed 4,739 people over 20 years found that happiness was, in fact, contagious and highly dependent on others. Without a doubt, they concluded that close physical proximity was essential for happiness to spread. {i.e. why people who work alone go mad} Fascinating isn’t it?! I see it happening every single day! However, the professional community at WorkBar spreads much more than happiness; we’ve got a room full of driven and excited individuals!

2008 called … They’re inspired.
Relatively speaking, coworking and the shift to a mobile workforce is in fact {even now} somewhat of a new and quickly spreading phenomenon. Increasingly, people are able to work from almost anywhere with all but an internet connection and their laptop. This is why I can understand and sympathize with Harvard’s research findings with regard to happiness at the workplace. Fast forward to 1:44 on this NBC report on the study and you’ll hear,

“The one exception [to the happiness results] is the workplace, where researchers say coworkers don’t affect happiness levels. Could there be something in the environment that keeps happiness from spreading?”

Is anyone surprised? Notice how utterly traditional the office shown on screen is. Of COURSE there’s something in the environment! It’s a room full of unmotivated people starring at their computer screens, counting down the minutes till they can all leave! I wouldn’t be very energized in that sort of environment either! Would you?!

You spend at LEAST 40 hours a week working and it’s NO mystery that a workplace and its culture molds its employees and shapes their enthusiasm. For an otherwise office-less workforce, our biggest goal at WorkBar is to create a physical and psychological environment that is both encouraging and motivating … a place for people to reap the positive benefits of being around others – but also in a space that encourages creativity. This type of valuation can be seen around the world – most prominent in successful startups and companies that “create.” Why? Because inspiration is of highest importance! Some of these workplaces are truly mind blowing!

Preview:

LINK to all: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-modern-office-designs/

There’s no denying it … SPACE matters, PEOPLE matter. 

So if you’ve got the spirit – ROCK ON, and spread the enthusiasm! But if you’ve been feeling stuck in a ‘professional’ rut – maybe this could be the jolt of energy you’ve been looking for – simple changes in attitude and space can make a big difference!  Whether you’re on your own or working for a small-, mid- and even large-sized company … there’s always SOMETHING you can do to change your perspective.

Top {3 of} 10 tips to boost your {work} drive and keep your energy on {HIGH}!

1. Join a coworking space – they’re springing up everywhere! Search your city here: http://bit.ly/ibwcmn
2. Join a ‘professional’ meetup group.  Meet others passionate about your industry! http://www.meetup.com/
3. Boost camaraderie in any workplace by planning a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly group lunch.  Even if it starts out as 2-3 people, it will spread.  Note: This is NOT a time to bitch about work or your boss… This is meant to be uplifting and a encouraging, not an escape from work as if it’s a negative thing.

How do YOU keep yourself {and your team} motivated!? Help us complete the list above!

Email us at info@workbarboston.com, tweet us at @workbarboston or post your ideas on our facebook page!

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With Turkey day, right around the corner, many of us are already in route to visit our family and friends.  Many traveling 100+ miles to different cities and states all together.  Holidays can be a bit stressful with family and friends pulling you in all directions, and for those of us who cannot simply turn the clock off at 5PM, adding work into the mix can be very difficult!  Entrepreneurs and growing companies typically work around the clock – weekends and holidays are no exception.

We asked our WorkBar community to weigh in with how they maintain a work/life balance during the holidays and what tips they have to share.

When you’re away, you’re away!

The number ONE response from each and every one of our members was first and foremost, to make family your priority, it’s essential!  You have to unwind and make time for both your family and yourself – it’s the only way to achieve a true life/work balance!

You have a ‘Holiday’ schedule too

Make  a ‘holiday’ to do list.  Not EVERYTHING you normal do at work needs to be tended to over the holiday weekend. Weed out tasks that can wait till next week and determine what is MOST important – Be efficient and plan your time wisely.  “Set milestones and deadlines. Don’t bother yourself with busy work.” Miguel Granier from Invested Development

Need a digital bumper? Separate the URGENT emails from those that can wait till Monday by turning on your auto reply with instructions to contact ‘x’ email address if the issue truly cannot wait.

Use your built in babysitters!

Need a few quiet hours to focus on work  – to get away from the noise, the kids, and the rest of the distractions?  The good thing about being with family is that you’ve got plenty of babysitters on hand!  Grandma and Grandpa are more than happy to hang out and play with the little one’s while you sneak off to your ‘work cave.’  “The whole family is there to help out! They get to hang out with the kids and I get some time to knock out a few things on my list!” – Bill Jacobson, Partner at WorkBar

Finding your ‘Work Cave’

Whether you’re traveling far or staying local, our members came up with a few great suggestions on where to find you ‘work cave’ while away from home and the office.

1. If your staying in a resort/hotel/community, these places usually have a recreation facility with a gym, lounge, wifi and if you’re lucky, a business.  This is a perfect place, not only to get your mental exercise, but physical exercise too!  Take advantage of both – you’ll feel great afterward!
2. If you’re staying with family and are far away from home, ask family local to the area if they have office/work space available for you to use. “I used my father in law’s office – I was able to stake out a conference room and set up shop for a few hours one day.” – Allen Smith from Gadgeteer
3. If you’re traveling to an unknown area, Google the local ‘hotspots’ ahead of time – Plan ahead.  See when the local library is open [check holiday hours] or where the local café’s and bookstores are [provided they offer wifi.]  Call ahead to double check – no one likes last minute curve balls.

Work-a-doodle-doo – Wake up with the birds!

Can’t find a spare minute in the day – sure you can! Use the MORNING HOURS [approx 6AM-8AM] to get crank out your daily to-dos.  Zip through your emails and send over those TPS reports before you even hear the sizzle of those morning pancakes.  You might want to make a pot of coffee too!

What tips and tricks do you have to maintain your work/life balance during the holidays?  Comment below, email evona@workbarboston.com or continue the conversation on twitter @workbarboston

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