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“Why leave our comfy homes for work, when the work can come home to us?” – Australia’s pyjama workforce

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More and more Aussie small business owners are mixing work with home life in the emergence of a new trend which has been dubbed ‘life splicing’.

A study recently released by Optus reveals that small business owners are living increasingly ‘spliced’ lives with only five per cent claiming that they don’t bring business home with them at the end of the working day.

Two thirds (65 per cent) of small business owners admit to starting their working day in pyjamas and as many as 40 per cent do so at least once a week.

The pros and cons of working at home

Beyond the flexibility to wear whatever they like, small business owners point out avoiding the daily commute, the freedom of multi-tasking between home and work life and the absence of office politics as the biggest advantages to working from home.

However, despite all these advantages, the majority (78 per cent) of small business owners do admit that the path of life splicing is not always rosy; there are a few hiccups here and there.

Poor home tech set up, distractions by household chores and children, a lack of office banter and the inability to bounce ideas off others all get in the way of Aussie home workers.

How can you make the most out of life splicing?

Long-time ‘life splicer’ Natalie Bloom, founder of Bloom Cosmetics, who started her business in 1993 from her parent’s home was kind enough to share with Anthill her top five tips.

1. Maximise every minute

Inspiration often comes at the unlikeliest of times but there is a wealth of productivity apps that can help you brainstorm, budget or plan even in the most fleeting of moments.

2. Stay connected

Nothing will infuriate you or your customers more than being out of touch due to a poor home network connection. A reliable home broadband and tech set up will give you the confidence that your business is always on, even if you’re relaxing on the couch, sipping lemonade.

3. Get in the zone

Make sure you have a space dedicated specifically and exclusively to work. Being able to focus your mind at peak times without any distractions whatsoever is very important.

4. Strike a perfect balance

Juggling work and home life can be claustrophobic so take time to refresh your environment and your mind by breaking your day up. Something as simple as a short walk around your neighbourhood can re-energise you and increase productivity.

5. Network

Being able to bounce ideas off others and get fresh perspectives is vital for any new business. Remember to network and make the most of your contacts; a quick coffee catch up with a friend could give you the insight you have been looking for.