Working from home seemed like a dream at first—no commute, flexible schedules, and working in your comfiest clothes. Fast forward a year, and for many, the reality is blurred boundaries, endless notifications, and distractions everywhere. Remote work success isn’t just about having a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection—it’s about intentionally designing your work habits to maximise focus, energy, and efficiency.
If you feel like your remote work routine could use a refresh, here’s how to check if your setup is still fit for purpose.
1. Your Workspace Shapes Your Focus
✅ Do you have a dedicated work area? A specific space (no matter how small) helps signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Avoid working from your bed—it’s bad for posture and even worse for productivity.
✅ Declutter your desk – A messy space can add unnecessary stress and distractions. Take five minutes at the start of each day to reset your workspace.
✅ Try ‘focus music’ – Studies show that instrumental music—especially Baroque or lo-fi beats—can boost concentration. Find what works for you.
💡 Quick fix: If your home is noisy, try noise-canceling headphones or a simple white noise app.
2. Structure Your Day (Before It Structures You)
Time moves differently when working remotely. The biggest mistake? Letting work blend into personal time until there’s no separation at all.
✅ Set clear work hours – Even if your schedule is flexible, having a defined start and end time helps create structure.
✅ Use the ‘one-task rule’ – If nothing else, set a single must-accomplish task each day. This builds momentum and prevents that ‘what did I even do today?’ feeling.
✅ Try the Pomodoro technique – 25 minutes of deep work, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat. It helps keep focus sharp without burnout.
💡 Pro tip: Turn off social media notifications during work blocks. Those ‘quick checks’ are productivity killers.
3. Avoid ‘Always-On’ Mode
Remote work has made instant email responses the norm, but constantly checking messages is a productivity trap.
✅ Batch-check emails – Instead of reacting to every ping, set designated times (e.g., morning, midday, late afternoon) for checking messages.
✅ Create ‘mini breaks’ – Step away from your desk, go outside, or stretch between deep work sessions.
✅ Know when to log off – Working longer hours doesn’t mean working better. Be intentional about shutting down for the day.
💡 Try this: If you struggle with stopping work, create an ‘end-of-day’ routine—closing your laptop, going for a short walk, or reading for a few minutes.
Final Thoughts: Make Remote Work Work for You
Everyone’s remote setup is different. The key isn’t following a perfect routine—it’s adapting and fine-tuning what works best for you. Small shifts in your workspace, time management, and boundaries can make all the difference in staying productive without burning out.
Remote work isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about doing them sustainably and effectively.