Oh, remote work. It may sound like the dream, right? Trading in your daily commute for cozy sweatpants, working from the comfort of your couch, or maybe even taking meetings from a sunny patio. Believe me, I’ve been there. At first, it feels like you’ve unlocked life’s biggest cheat code. But then… reality kicks in. Without structure, it’s easy to lose track of time, stop brushing your hair (oops), and realize that you’ve gone three days without leaving your house. Yep, guilty as charged.
The thing is, remote work is amazing, but it’s also a whole different world that can challenge even the most disciplined of us. Over the years, through trial and (a lot of) error, I’ve learned some best practices to stay productive without losing my mind and, just as importantly, to stay connected with coworkers and the world.
If you're new to remote work or feel like you’re just not nailing it yet, don’t worry. I’m here to share everything I’ve learned so you can thrive in this remote workspace without feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly behind.
Finding Your Daily Flow
Okay, first things first. If you’ve been winging it every day, now’s the time to stop. Trust me when I say that flying by the seat of your yoga pants doesn’t work in the long run. The beauty of remote work is flexibility, but too much of it can leave you feeling scattered and unproductive.
Here’s how I create a daily flow that keeps me on track while still leaving room for a little breathing space.
Start With a Morning Ritual
You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. and journal while drinking matcha if that’s not your vibe, but setting the tone for your day is a must. Whether it’s a quick workout, sipping coffee on your balcony, or just getting fully dressed (yes, even shoes), having a ritual says, “Okay world, I’m ready for you.”
Create a Real Work Schedule
Make it non-negotiable. I set “office hours” at home so I’m not working at 11 p.m. one night and sleeping until noon the next day. Staying consistent with my start and stop times has done wonders for helping me feel in control of my day. Pro tip? Time-block your tasks. Assign yourself specific hours for deep work, meetings, and yes, even breaks.
Build in Breaks That Recharge You
Speaking of breaks… don’t skip them. And no, I’m not talking about scrolling TikTok for 20 minutes. Take functional breaks. Stretch, go for a short walk, or do something that genuinely helps clear your mind.
Here’s something I learned the hard way: if you don’t schedule your breaks, you’ll either forget to take them (ugh, burnout) or you’ll take too many and wonder where your day went. Set reminders if you need to.
Tips to Maintaining Productivity with Remote Work Arrangements
With the shift from an office work environment to work from home setup, it’s possible to hit a roadblock with your productivity. Discover effective tips to ensure you stay connected and productive:
1. Set up your workspace.
Your surroundings can impact your overall productivity. It is best if the area where you will work is a separate space. Ideally, you should have a comfortable office chair and a clean desk, along with important office supplies.
If you want to achieve the highest productivity, it’s best to steer clear of the couch and your bed. If there’s no spare room available, pick a spot in your home with the least distractions. Keep it organized and clutter-free for maximum focus.
2. Set boundaries.
With remote work arrangement, it can be difficult to juggle your time between home and work duties. Setting expectations and boundaries with your family and coworkers is vital.
Family: Talk to your family or roommate about your work setup. Let them know when you’ll be on an important work call and how to know when you can’t be interrupted.
Coworkers: Setting boundaries will only work if you also do the same with your coworkers. Let them know about your availability and when you’re not working.
If you do not do this, they might expect a reply in the late hours of the night. It is best to establish a timeframe so you won’t have to sacrifice your personal time.
3. Work on your most productive hours.
Not everyone is a morning person, and it’s understandable. Some function best in the morning, while some would need a couple of hours before they can have the right headspace to work.
If your organization allows a flexible working schedule, you can come up with a work plan that overlaps with your colleagues’ schedule. This setup will allow you to achieve maximum productivity and better time management.
4. Dress for success.
When working from home, you might not think about changing from your pajamas. This may be tempting, but changing your clothes to your regular or even your work clothes can have a significant impact on your productivity.
Doing so can motivate and signal your brain that it’s time to focus on work and not relax.
5. Focus on difficult tasks first.
Being accountable for your work can be challenging on a remote work setup. Without your coworkers or boss constantly checking on you, you can easily get caught up on unimportant tasks.
If you tend to focus on smaller tasks to build momentum, try something different. Tackle the most demanding tasks first. Putting them off might only lead to a pileup of tasks and cause fatigue.
Avoiding Procrastination
Remote work productivity is affected by procrastination. However, the solution to this might be easier than people realize. You will just have to do something. If you feel like your productivity is going downhill, push through and tackle the task.
Just start and do something, even if it may not produce the best results. Remember, the goal is to overcome procrastination. Stay in this path, and soon enough you’ll notice a positive shift on your productivity.
Asking for Feedback
When working from home, many might feel like they’re losing track of their growth and how they contribute to the company. You might not feel motivated and productive due to the lack of performance discussion.
You can avoid this by proactively asking your manager for feedback. Schedule regular one-on-one sessions to discuss work performance and goals. Doing this can give you ideas on where to improve and what to continue doing.
Master Remote Work Arrangement
Working remotely has its challenges, but with the right systems and habits, you can truly thrive. Whether it’s by building a solid routine, mastering productivity hacks that actually work, or prioritizing connections with coworkers, the little things add up to big wins.
At the end of the day, remote work is a balance of freedom and discipline. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and finding joy in the flexibility of your day. You’ll stumble, make adjustments, and find what works best for you. And honestly, that’s all part of the fun.
Now, go grab your coffee and crush that to-do list! You’ve got this.
