10 Boss Women Show Us How They #WorkFromHome

10 #BossWomen—CEOS, Founders, and women who make things happen—give Cosmo an exclusive tour of their home offices. Cosy and functional in equal measure, boasting a touch of personal with professional, these are the distinctive workspaces they’ve created at home, to be able to do what they need to, in times of social isolation.

Nida Mahmood, Designer

“I wanted an airy, well-lit corner, with a comfortable chair, lots of greenery, and a table with enough space to dump all my art material and the interesting books that I’ve been meaning to read since forever. I’ve created this cosy workspace in my sitting room, keeping the vibe more relaxed than in office, with an easy chair and a low coffee table instead of a big work desk. I also have a small ottoman on the side, to stretch my feet or lean back on when I’m working on my laptop. I’ve decorated the space with some miniature, succulent pots, which I make myself—I’m an avid gardener, and find it therapeutic. It’s a pleasure to work with so much beautiful greenery around you, within the comforts of an indoor space. I’ve used a nook with shelves to store books, with some more greens cascading alongside, and blue butterflies (which are leftovers from one of my shows) on the side. Secretly, I’m going to miss it all once I’m back in office!
To everyone working from home, I’d say, find a lovely corner, and enjoy the isolation that has been thrust upon the world. There is plenty of time at hand. Work peacefully while finding time to do other things that you never had time for earlier. I'm doing exactly that. I believe this is a great time to read and hone your skills.”

Natasha Jain, CEO and Co-founder, Bent Chair

“Since I frequently work from home, I had already designed a study for myself. Considering how this is a longer work-from-home phase now, I’ve moved in some of my essentials—the laptop, gadgets, pen stand, and the book rack—to make my study more office-like. This also helps me get into a ‘determined zone’. I love the warm shades of orange in the room, the soothing artwork by Raghu Rai, and my showpiece assortment that comprises a scooter teapot (which I use for my evening tea), golf bookends, a pilot sculpture bought during one of my travels, and a paperweight gifted by my team.

The good thing about working from home is that one doesn’t have to commute, so it saves time to get more done! And being in your comfort zone, you feel more focused and streamlined. However, it can also get dull sometimes, with no social interactions or meetings. In my business, a major loss is that we are unable to visit sites for interior designing solutions. My top tips for those working from home are: make an agenda, maintain a proper schedule, and bifurcate your day as per tasks. Compartmentalise your day with precision. And apart from work, remember to stay virtually connected with friends and family, to maintain your sanity.”

Shivani Malik, Director -Marketing, Da Milano

“Working from home started off a bit difficult. I am used to waking up early, getting dressed, and leaving for work. So I’ve started doing the same by setting up a home office that looks exactly like my workspace, but with a view of my kids playing in our garden! I wanted the desk to look exactly like my office one, so the tiniest details were kept in mind—including my laptop, and all things Da Milano around me. 
It’s the need of the hour to work from home, and we should pull up our socks and figure out ways around it. It is different, certainly: instead of having physical meetings, we now operate on video calls, and rely a lot more on apps. But I get to be around my children and family while working! The trick is to maintain a routine and structure your day. I get up, exercise, and get dressed to go to my work station. There’s been a drastic change in my daily routine, but I do my best to follow a set regime to remain motivated and get things done.”

Devita Saraf, Founder and CEO, VU Technologies

“My at-home workspace is contemporary, feminine, and minimalistic…made mostly using glass and chrome furniture, with some colour and fabric accents. I’ve ensured it is entirely paperless, with only digital connections. There’s great sunlight (for Skyping), some flowers, books, freshwater, a sanitiser, and a mask. While the strategic work can be done on my own, execution, coordination, and operations require you to deal with others. I miss having my large team around me and meeting multiple departments in a day. 
To all women working from home, I’d say this:  if you are the boss, communicate with your management team directly and to your employees through the HR, daily. Let them know company policies over email so that they feel supported. Also, keep in mind, you’re not on vacation. Get up, get dressed, and get cracking!”

Dr Blossom Kochhar, Founder and Chairperson, and Samantha Kochhar, Managing Director, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies  

“Our workplace is, basically, just a table where we sit opposite each other—very similar to how we are in our office. The set-up is, by and large, the same at home, except there is more comfort here, and we have our dogs running around! We’ve installed all the tools needed for virtual meetings since we are the only ones working here and need to reach out to the rest of the team. There are also some knick-knacks, like the elephant on the table—it was part of the fundraiser started by Charles, Prince of Wales, for an elephant corridor in Assam, which we bought during a trip to Denmark. We like our workspace to look pretty and tidy…we can’t work in a messy environment! 
I think working from home has been tough for me [Samantha]. I am someone who likes to get ready and get to the office to start the day, and I don’t like to bring my work home. So this has been a big challenge for me, but as a family, we try to put a standard meaning to it—we begin our day by 10:30 am, sit together, and plan our day out. This is also a learning experience for us as top management, realising that we can truly manage work from home, rather than being in the office.” 

Deanne Panday, Fitness Expert and Health Coach

“My house has two floors—when we were building it, one of the things I planned for was a designated space to work from. So, we converted the top floor into a minimal, gadget-free space, overlooking a peepul tree. I didn’t want to disconnect any part of the house from the greenery outside, so we didn’t bind it with grills. We knocked down the walls to make way for full-length windows for an unobstructed view. I wanted to be as close to nature as possible, and have a lot of sunlight and fresh air pouring in. I opted for colours that were calming, and the whole space has a spa-like feel to it—with candles, aroma sticks, and soothing music. A photographer had given me a blown-up image of me from a magazine shoot—I’ve put that up here (but have to keep hiding it when workers and repairmen visit…it’s embarrassing and may make me seem narcissistic!). The most prized possession in my space, though, is the ‘love’ sign. It stands for all that I believe in—love for family, friends, workers, animals, your work…for everything and everyone! I had bought it during one of my travels, and when the consignment arrived, someone had stolen the ‘e’. I had to get my carpenter to make a new one!
It’s good to work from home, with personal elements thrown in, and family and pets around to take a break with. I do miss my workshops and talks and going to the gym, but I’m doing all that remotely now, over videos. I’m also using this time to write. It’s a good time to slow down…but don't stop! Stick to a routine. Take stock, do some self-reflection, and let go a little bit, but don’t get used to the complacency.” 

RJ Malishka Mendonsa, Red FM 93.5

“I have literally had to create a radio station at home! A studio is a sound-proof space with heavy doors, and air conditioning that can get too cold, and this opportunity to work from home doesn’t come too easily to the radio world! So, I wanted to play around with the idea and make it different. I wanted lots of ventilation, and be able to see enough greenery and hear the birds chirp from my window. If people can hear the sounds of the world in times when we are all indoors, that makes it even more authentic! I also made sure that my work station was close to the TV for quick breaks, that there was more than one active WiFi account, and the kitchen was close by, too, for a quick snack dash. I’ve also kept my trophies close, so I can remember why I do what I do!
Working from home limits the size of my team and doubles the work in terms of recording, editing, and uploading…these technical details can sometimes defer a broadcast, while at the radio station, I’m absolutely LIVE…because I hate recording even a single word. Also, from home, I can’t stay in touch with my callers in real-time, which I miss. And I miss my team and sharing laughs and jokes with them. But the best part is that I work from HOME! Also, I can take my coffee into the studio! This is an exciting new time for the future. But when it comes to getting work done, I haven’t missed a beat…I’m just doing it differently.”

Deepika Deepti, CEO and CMO, Bhaane 

“The workspace I’ve created at home is rather simple—very clean and clinical, with just my laptop, notebook, and pen, and a water bottle (don’t forget to hydrate!). It serves as a perfect sanctuary not only for me but also for my cat and two dogs, who come around often to say hi and lounge around. I’ve placed the workstation next to a tall window, which helps brighten the area with natural sunlight and fresh air, through the day. The best part of the space is definitely the views from here—of sunsets, a kitchen garden, and tiny bird visitors. 
Working from home is not a new experience for me. While it’s great to save commute time and get more done, I miss being able to meet people physically and have conversations in person.”

Rina Singh, Founder & Designer, Eka

“It is very important to choose a quiet corner because a home like mine can get very noisy with my son, our dogs, and their adventures. Also, the constant raiding of the fridge by me! I picked a spot that had good natural lighting, and impeccable electrical fittings so I could stay connected effectively. For a mood lift, I’ve placed a few eclectic, inspiring items around the essential laptop, notebook, and stationary. The work desk itself is a rustic, artisanal piece that I had picked up a few years ago, which I have surrounded with a few greens. 
I like that I can now start as early as I’d like, and there is no premeditated order as compared to a regular day. Also, I work for a while and then take breaks to attend to the house chores, sort out meals, and complete other tasks. This luxury of breaking down the workday with other activities is something that I like, for a change. Also, with what is going on in our world, it gives me a slight sense of calm to be able to control my immediate surroundings. But I do miss being in the Eka studio and working with my team, weavers, and artisans. I think it’s important to find a balance that works for you…as women, we’re used to striving for perfection in every aspect of our lives, and this very quality can exhaust us. It's important to plan achievable targets, and prioritise important activities when shuffling between work, home, and the things you want to do for yourself. Don’t let what is important to you take a backseat, when compared to work and family.”

Joanna Huang, Communications Manager – India, The Estee Lauder Companies

“I’ve set up my home office in one corner of my living room, right by the balcony that faces a charming little lane lined with palm trees and bougainvillaeas. So, bright light streams in through the day, as does a soft breeze. It’s one of my favourite spots in the house, where I can unwind and be productive. I’ve tried to keep the table clutter-free, to avoid distractions and stay focused on work, and rearranged some house plants closer to my workspace. It helps bring a bit of the outdoors in, create a sense of calm and serenity, and it adds a vibrant pop of colour.

I’ve always loved working from home, and find it far more productive than a regular day at the office—so adjusting to this ‘new normal’ hasn't been that hard. But it helps to have a routine and treat each day as a regular working day—it gives you a sense of normalcy as well as a productivity boost. Wake up early, make your bed, do a light work-out, shower, change out of your PJs (it’s crucial to not feel lazy!), brush your hair, have breakfast, put on light make-up (to brighten your mood and confidence), and get to work. You can also schedule regular breaks to fix lunch/snacks, or speak to a friend, walk around...oh, and do end your workday at a typical time!”