The Productivity Nook

🌳 Crossing the Governance-Operations Line

Good governance is the backbone of a well-structured organisation. Boards set strategic direction, policies, and provide oversight. Management and staff execute those policies and handle the day-to-day. Simple, right?

But what happens when a Board member crosses the line?

If a Chair personally reaches out to staff about an individual member or shareholder instead of following established processes, it’s not just a minor misstep—it’s a governance issue. Here’s why:

⚠ Interfering with operations – Operations have a structured process to their everyday workings. Bypassing it disrupts workflows and sends the message that Board members can directly influence operational decisions.

⚠ Undermining the chain of command – Directors should not be giving instructions or influencing staff directly. That’s why organisations have CEOs and management structures in place.

⚠ Creating risks of inequity and favouritism – If members or shareholders think they can go straight to a Board member instead of following formal processes, it weakens procedural fairness. It doesn’t just look like favouritism—it can become favouritism.

⚠ Blurring the governance role – The Board is there to govern, not manage operations. Best practice keeps these roles distinct for a reason.

When governance and operations get tangled, trust erodes. If you spot this happening, it’s absolutely valid to raise your concerns—not to accuse, but to advocate for best practices.

The Challenge of Disconnection When Working From Home 👩‍💻

One of the hardest things about working from home as a business owner isn’t the isolation or time management—it’s the inability to fully disconnect from work at the end of the day. When your workspace is also your living space, it’s difficult to create a clear separation between professional and personal life. My "office" is in a shared room, whether it's the spare bedroom or the dining room, and while I sometimes work outside, that only makes my brain think I’m on holiday. Without a dedicated space, it’s impossible to close a door and walk away from work, which makes it feel like I’m always “on.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to solve this, and I’ve come up with two potential ideas. The first is converting a bit of our roof space into a small office. I’ve been scrolling Pinterest for inspiration on how to make a tiny space functional and comfortable for work. The idea of having a tucked-away, dedicated workspace is really appealing—it could be a quiet retreat where I could fully focus without work bleeding into the rest of the house.

The second idea is a backyard cabin—essentially a tiny house at the end of our yard that could be a shared office space for both me and my partner. This would give me a completely separate building I could physically leave at the end of the workday, creating a real boundary between work and home life. The mental shift of “going to work” and then “coming home” could make a huge difference.

But because I also love the idea of a roof conversion, I’ve been thinking—what if I used that space as a reading room instead? A cozy nook filled with books, where I could completely switch off from work and unwind.

No matter what solution I end up choosing, the key takeaway is that working from home doesn’t have to mean work is everywhere. Having a separate space—whether up in the roof or out in the backyard—would help create a clear division between work and life, making it easier to truly step away and recharge.

If you work from home, how do you create boundaries between work and personal life? Let’s talk about it!

Today’s HR nightmare in action ⬇️

I had an experience with an HR agency that wouldn’t stop quibbling over the pay scale and probationary period for a receptionist who is now stepping into the role of Lead Receptionist at my client's busy, community-facing not-for-profit.

The reason? The candidate’s “lack of a uni degree” 🎓 - as if that is relevant to a role that demands passion, commitment, and real-world savvy. The pay scale in question wasn’t even mid-level—it was a small adjustment that would have massively boosted the individual's self-efficacy and supported their growth. And honestly, if I have to hear someone say “just a receptionist” one more time, I might scream! 😡

This isn’t just about one role. It’s a clear example of the pitfalls in many HR departments today: bureaucracy, an overemphasis on arbitrary compliance, inconsistent policy application, and a failure to recognise the true value employees bring. Receptionists are the unsung heroes 🙌 of any public-facing organisation. When they’re undervalued, the whole system suffers.

🌿 Hey, I’m Sarah! Let’s Introduce Ourselves ✨

If we haven’t met yet—hi, welcome!

I’m an Online Business Manager, Mentor, and Change Strategist, working with law firms, nonprofits, and remote teams to bring structure and purpose—without sacrificing flexibility.

🌱 I believe businesses thrive when people, processes, and planning align. My work is all about: 🗂 Simplifying systems & workflows 📈 Strategising for sustainable growth 🫶 Supporting teams to work smarter, not harder

But let’s be real—I’m also here because I’m sick of the Metaverse and craving more freedom in how I connect online. Tumblr has always had a special place in my heart (hello, studyblr/gradblr days! 📚✍️), so I’m back, looking for meaningful conversations and a break from algorithm-driven chaos.

I also love books, psychology, travel, and mechanical keyboards—because typing should feel good, right?