The New Corner Office

Remote work is not about working harder or longer—it's about working smarter and with greater intention.

1. Work by tasks, not by hours

Traditional office culture often prioritizes hours over actual accomplishments. Remote work, however, can allow you to shift focus toward what you’re doing rather than how long you’re doing it.

By managing your day based on tasks, you ensure that your energy and time are spent only on what truly matters. Instead of plodding through a set number of hours, finish a to-do list that aligns with your priority goals. If your flexibility allows, tap into your natural productivity cycles rather than forcing yourself to work within arbitrary hours.

Finish each week by writing a task list for the next. Weekly lists help keep your priorities in view while giving you flexibility for daily adjustments. Alongside to-do lists, maintain a "to-done" list—a record of tasks you complete each day. This can help you reflect on your progress and adjust for better work practices.

Examples

• Meredith Schwartz of "Here Comes the Guide" discovered that working from home gave her freedom to complete important tasks efficiently.
• Employees submitting weekly task lists can increase accountability in remote teams.
• Completing tasks early allows some remote workers to end workdays at noon, showcasing flexibility while remaining productive.

2. Establish a consistent daily routine

Without office hours or commutes, some remote workers struggle to find structure. But a steady routine can help define your work-life balance and let you get the most out of your workday.

Creating rituals to signal the beginning and end of the workday can help mimic the structure of an office setting. For example, starting with a morning coffee on your porch or ending the day with a quick walk can help delineate work from personal life. A predictable schedule reduces chaos and helps you feel more directed.

Plan to work during your most productive hours of the day. If you’re a morning person, tackle significant tasks then; if you’re more productive in the afternoon, save your energy for that window. By aligning your workload with your natural rhythms, you can optimize your output while balancing breaks to recharge.

Examples

• Monks follow set schedules of work, rest, and reflection, which can guide remote workers in structuring their day.
• Workers using tools like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by 5-minute breaks) report staying focused.
• Personalized rituals, like a morning meditation, reinforce boundaries between personal and professional mindsets.

3. Stay connected with your colleagues

Remote work may make physical interactions scarce, but meaningful connections with coworkers are still possible with thoughtful planning.

Regular informal contact between team members can foster stronger relationships. Open virtual calls with casual conversations, share jokes, or lead discussions about hobbies and interests unrelated to work to emulate in-office camaraderie. Virtual team-building activities, such as online cocktail hours or trivia sessions, also create space for bonding.

While technology is essential for remote interactions, occasional in-person meetings can further solidify relationships. Even small gatherings, like staff lunches or local events, give remote workers opportunities to engage face-to-face and strengthen collaboration.

Examples

• Hosts of the "Best of Both Worlds" podcast maintain strong chemistry despite rarely meeting in person, thanks to virtual communication.
• Teams that share casual chats during regular virtual meetings report feeling more connected.
• Marketing executive Erin Ruane encourages employees to showcase their living spaces and introduce family members during virtual team calls.

4. Set challenges to drive your growth

Remote work offers flexibility, but without a clear vision for growth, this setup may lead to stagnation. Instead, seek out new challenges to keep yourself engaged and striving toward your goals.

Start by identifying what you want from your career. Create a bucket list of aspirations ranging from immediate goals (such as learning a skill) to long-term ambitions (like achieving leadership roles). Then, work backward to determine steps to achieve them. Visualizing your ideal week can also help clarify your priorities.

Take on tasks beyond your normal scope. For instance, volunteer for projects that expand your skills or engage with professional networks online. Challenges, even small ones, keep you motivated and help you feel accomplished.

Examples

• Career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine suggests making a "List of 100 Dreams" to clarify personal and professional goals.
• Mentorship opportunities expand remote workers' skill sets while meeting broader career aspirations.
• Experimenting with unconventional ideas, like piloting a side project, keeps creativity alive.

5. Create an inspiring workspace

Your physical environment matters: it influences productivity, comfort, and mental clarity. A dedicated home office can transform your efficiency.

Invest in a solid desk, ergonomic chair, and proper lighting to prevent discomfort during long workdays. Decorations, such as plants and personal items, can make the space feel inviting. Whenever possible, work near a window for access to natural light and an inspiring view.

Set up activity spaces within your home workspace, such as stretch areas or quick fitness zones. Breaks with light physical movement can refresh your mind, minimize back pain, and improve your mood throughout the day.

Examples

• Surveyed remote workers score higher on happiness and report fewer sick days, largely due to improved environments.
• Adjusting furniture and equipment to ergonomic standards helps prevent strain and boosts focus.
• Workers using sit-stand desks report greater comfort during extended work periods.

6. Build boundaries between work and life

Remote work blurs the line between personal and professional spaces. Healthy boundaries can prevent burnout and maintain balance.

Start by communicating set working hours to your family, colleagues, and clients. Creating "off-limits" zones in your home keeps work disruptions minimal. Similarly, having a ritual that transitions your day out of work mode—such as journaling post-work—is key to re-establishing personal time.

Schedule personal activities alongside work goals. Remind yourself that breaks or time spent with family contribute to well-being, not just productivity.

Examples

• Employees ending workdays with clearly defined closing activities, like a workout or phone call, report better work-life balance.
• Remote workers who designate home workspaces separate from bedrooms reduce the risk of feeling "always at work."
• Families using "Do Not Disturb" signs during business hours find fewer interruptions.

7. Use technology creatively to communicate

Technology doesn’t just simplify video calls; it also replicates the social energy of traditional offices if used innovatively.

Balance communication methods. Utilize texting apps for quick updates and video calls for nuanced conversations. Tools like Trello or Slack streamline coordination on collaborative projects, especially for multi-member teams.

Provide opportunities for consistent feedback. Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss performance, address challenges, and brainstorm ways to optimize team processes.

Examples

• Teams connecting through Slack strike a balance between formal and casual chats.
• Managers who set weekly virtual feedback sessions note improved employee satisfaction.
• Homes.com’s guided virtual tours foster a sense of sharing and camaraderie.

8. Break monotonous routines with adventures

Remote work can sometimes limit exposure to new experiences. Adding variety to your days keeps creativity alive and makes life fun.

Plan small adventures during your downtime. Take walks in new parks, try a new recipe, or explore hobbies, such as painting, to refresh your energy.

Seeking variety fosters curiosity and mental agility, invaluable skills for both personal and career growth.

Examples

• Entrepreneurs exploring neighborhood cafes say the change in scene improves focus.
• Remote workers learning new skills on platforms like Skillshare report enhanced motivation.
• Cooking fresh recipes provides much-needed sensory shifts during workdays.

9. Keep learning and growing remotely

Remote work doesn’t mean pausing self-improvement. Engage in online courses and network in communities that align with your ambitions.

Platforms like LinkedIn groups or virtual summits allow workers to connect professionally. Keep improving through personalized learning tools, podcasts, or nontraditional certifications.

Learning enriches your mind and makes you adaptable to evolving challenges.

Examples

• Podcasts like "Best of Both Worlds" mix work tips with personal anecdotes for learning.
• Workers earning certifications remotely secure promotions faster.
• Networking groups like Zoom-based meetups help maintain career connections.

Takeaways

1. Replace your daily commute with energizing rituals like walks or mindful activities to set clear work boundaries.
2. Use to-done lists alongside to-do lists to acknowledge personal accomplishments.
3. Add weekly variety to remote work with fun, refreshing mini-adventures.