Imagine starting your Monday with a leisurely cup of coffee, free from the chaos of the workweek. No stressful commute, no endless meetings—just the freedom to work at your own pace and prioritize self-care. It may sound like a dream, but for one marketing manager in Adelaide, Australia, it's a reality.
Caitlin Winter, a 31-year-old marketing manager at Neora, has introduced a unique concept called "Bare Minimum Mondays" into her workplace, formalising a trend that embraces minimal work on Mondays. Winter has fearlessly transformed the Monday blues by revolutionising her team's approach to the start of the workweek with Bare Minimum Mondays.
The origin of this idea can be traced back to social media, specifically TikTok, where creator Marisa Jo coined the term. With 154,000 followers on the platform, Jo's idea gained traction.
While most employees reluctantly trudge into the office burdened by the weight of mounting expectations, Winter's ingenious concept offers a refreshing twist: working from home, zero meetings, and a focus solely on the bare essentials.
In a interview with news.com.au, Winter revealed the magic behind her visionary approach. "Bare minimum Mondays allow my team to march to the beat of their own drum," she explained. "It's a chance for them to catch up on neglected household chores, embark on personal endeavors, and enjoy the simple pleasures that often get neglected in the frenzy of a typical workday."
But this isn't just about getting laundry done or walking the dog—as per Winter bare minimum monday is a gateway to a realm of rejuvenation and heightened productivity.
“A lot of people think it means I sit in my PJs all day in front of the TV and do no work,” she said. “But in reality, it is simply a day where we work from home, don’t schedule any meetings and generally just treat ourselves with a little more space and kindness to set us up for a productive week ahead,” she added.
The impact of "Bare Minimum Mondays" extends beyond professional fulfillment; it spills over into the personal lives of the employees.
As per Winter for one team member, it means the ability to drop off and pick up her kids from school—something that would otherwise slip through her fingers during the chaotic workweek.
