Working from home can be a dream—no more early commutes, flexible hours, and the freedom to set up your space exactly how you like it.
But it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Without the structure of a traditional office, staying focused can be tricky, and the lines between work and personal life can easily blur.
The good news is there are ways to make remote work a success. We’ve put together a guide to help you create a routine that actually works, set up a workspace that helps you stay productive, and find the right tools to keep you organized and in control.
Practical tips for setting up your work-from-home routine
Let’s start with the basics.
Set up your workspace
It can be tempting to work from the couch or your bed, especially with the comfort of being at home, but this can quickly blur the lines between work and relaxation. Instead, choose a spot in your home that you can dedicate to work. Whether it’s a separate room or just a corner of the living room, having that designated space helps your brain shift into “work mode” when you sit down. The key here is to make it comfortable and functional.
Invest in a practical, organized work area
Invest in a good chair that supports your posture and a desk that lets you work without feeling cramped. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just enough to hold your essentials like your work computer, notepad, and a few other tools.
Keep your space organized. A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. Having everything you need in one place, and keeping unnecessary items off your desk, makes it easier to focus and stay on top of tasks.
Stick to a consistent schedule
One of the challenges of working from home is that there’s no boss or clock to punch in. Without a clear structure, it’s easy to lose track of time or even let your workday stretch into the evening. To keep things under control, create a consistent morning schedule. Set start and end times for your workday that reflect your normal office hours. If you usually begin work at 9 a.m., try to keep that routine even while you’re at home. This consistency helps you maintain a rhythm and ensures that you’re not overworking or underworking.
Stay connected with your team
Working remotely can feel isolating at times, especially when you don’t have the usual office interactions. That’s why staying connected with your team is important. Schedule regular meetings with your team to discuss progress, ask questions, or just catch up on what everyone is working on. These meetings don’t have to be long or formal—just enough to stay aligned and keep things moving forward. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are great for video calls and instant messaging, while email or project management tools like Asana or Trello help keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Be positive
In an all-remote setting, communication can be misinterpreted, especially when there’s no body language or tone of voice to provide context. Written messages can easily come off as blunt or even rude, even when that’s not the intention.
Be mindful of your tone in emails and chats. When possible, soften your language and add friendly phrases like “please” and “thank you.” If you’re being concise, try to avoid sounding curt by adding a positive word or two. A little warmth can go a long way in maintaining good team dynamics.
Minimize distractions
Working from home means distractions are inevitable, but you can take steps to reduce them. First, identify what pulls your attention away—whether it’s your phone, household chores, or noisy roommates. Once you know what distracts you, set clear boundaries. Let family or housemates know your work hours and when you need quiet time. For digital distractions, consider setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb” to silence notifications or block time-wasting websites.
Shower and get dressed
It might seem tempting to stay in your pajamas all day when you’re working from home, but taking the time to shower and get dressed can significantly improve your mindset and productivity.
When you make the effort to get ready, it signals to your brain that it’s time to work, even though you’re at home. It doesn’t mean you need to wear a full suit, but simply changing out of loungewear into something comfortable yet presentable can help you shift into “work mode.”
Look your best for video calls
Video calls are a significant part of remote work, and looking professional matters. Clean up your background, adjust your camera for good lighting, and dress in a way that makes you feel confident. This shows that you respect your colleagues and are ready to engage. Even in a virtual setting, appearance can impact how you’re perceived, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Take advantage of your perks
One of the benefits of working from home is that you often have more flexibility in how you spend your time. Take advantage of perks like flexible hours, no commute, and the ability to multitask in ways that wouldn’t be possible in an office. You might be able to run errands, cook meals, or take care of personal tasks during breaks, giving you more balance in your day. These perks help make remote work more enjoyable, so embrace them to ease any stress and improve your work-life integration.
Use “Away” messages
If you’re stepping away from your desk or unable to respond quickly, setting up away messages can help manage expectations. Whether it’s a short break or a longer absence, let your team know when you’ll be available to respond. This helps keep communication flowing and prevents anyone from feeling ignored or waiting unnecessarily. It’s a simple way to stay transparent and make sure your colleagues know when to expect a reply.
Protect sensitive information
When you’re working from home, it’s easy to forget about security, but it’s just as important as if you were in the office. One simple step is to make sure your devices are secure. Use strong passwords, and set up two-factor authentication where you can. If you’re using a work laptop, keep it separate from personal devices, and always log out of work accounts when you’re done.
Small things like locking your screen when you walk away from your desk or using a privacy screen filter can also help keep things secure.
Be kind to yourself
Working from home can come with its own set of challenges, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself. If you miss a deadline or struggle to stay focused, remember that it’s okay to have off days. Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge your effort, even if things didn’t go perfectly. Remote work is an adjustment, and it’s important to give yourself grace as you navigate through it.
Tools and equipment you need for effective remote work
To thrive in a remote work environment, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your setup, here’s what you need to make your workdays smoother and more efficient:
Reliable internet connection
A fast and stable internet connection is the backbone of remote work. Without it, simple tasks like sending emails, attending video meetings, or browsing files become frustrating. Invest in a good internet plan with sufficient bandwidth for your needs. If you’re experiencing frequent issues, consider upgrading your router or using a wired Ethernet connection for more stability.
Quality headset and microphone
Clear communication is important, especially on video calls or meetings. A good headset or microphone helps ensure you’re heard clearly and reduces background noise. A headset with noise-canceling features can make a big difference if you’re in a noisy environment.
Ergonomic setup
Comfort is key when you’re working long hours. Invest in a good chair that supports your back and a desk where you can spread out. If you use a laptop, a laptop stand can help raise your screen to eye level, reducing neck strain. A separate keyboard and mouse can also make things more comfortable.
Task and project management tools
Keeping track of tasks is easier with the right tools. Apps like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com help you stay organized. These tools let you break down projects into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and keep track of progress. It’s a great way to make sure everything gets done on time.
Communication tools
Staying in touch with your team is key. Slack and Microsoft Teams are great for quick chats and sharing files. For meetings, Zoom or Google Meet are reliable options. These tools help you stay connected and make sure you’re all on the same page.
Time management tools
It can be hard to stay on track when you’re working from home. Tools like Toggl or Clockify help you track how much time you’re spending on each task. If you find it hard to focus, try the Pomodoro Technique—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Make your remote job work for you
Remote work can be challenging and downright lonely at times, but also incredibly rewarding. You just need to find a better work life balance. Set up a workspace that keeps you motivated, plan your day like a pro, and remember to unplug when the workday ends. You’ve got this, now go build the remote work life you’ve always wanted.
