Mastering Productivity in Remote and Hybrid Work
4 minute read
For many of us, the shift to remote work began abruptly during the pandemic. Overnight, our homes became our offices, and the boundaries between work life and home life blurred. Suddenly, we were taking Zoom calls from our dining tables, sending emails from our couches, and trying to focus in shared spaces with roommates, kids, or pets.
Fast forward a few years, and remote work—whether fully remote or hybrid—has become a norm. Many of us have adapted, but maintaining productivity while preserving our mental well-being is still a challenge. Over my years as an HR professional and consultant, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to navigating this modern way of working. Let’s dive into some practical techniques to help you thrive.
Working from Home (WFH)
When you work from home, self-discipline and structure are key. Here are some strategies that have proven effective for my clients:
Get Ready for the Day
One of the perks of WFH is the ability to stay in pajamas all day—but resist the urge. You don’t need to dress like you’re heading to a boardroom, but taking the time to get ready in the morning helps shift your mindset into “work mode.” Whether it’s putting on clean, comfortable clothes, brushing your hair, or applying makeup, these small rituals signal your brain that it’s time to focus.
Create Physical Separation Between Work and Home
Not everyone has a dedicated home office, but creating boundaries between your work and personal space is crucial.
If you have a home office, close the door at the end of the workday.
If you’re working at a dining table or shared space, “close down” your workspace by packing away your laptop or covering it to remove it from view.
Use visual or symbolic cues, like lighting a candle at the start of your day and blowing it out when you’re done, to mark the transition between work and home.
This small act of separation protects your mental well-being and ensures you can fully disconnect after hours.
3. Establish a “Commute” Routine
Even if your office is just a few feet away, creating a ritual to mimic a commute can be transformative.
Take a walk around the block before you start your day.
Drive to grab a coffee or tea, even if it’s just a short trip.
If you prefer staying home, make a cup of coffee and bring it to your desk as part of your morning transition.
These routines help your mind shift from “home mode” to “work mode.”
4. Schedule Around Your Peak Productivity Times
Understanding when you work best is essential. Are you sharpest in the morning, or do you hit your stride in the afternoon?
For example:
I personally avoid scheduling meetings before 9 a.m. because I’m not at my best for conversations that early.
I reserve my peak hours (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) for tasks requiring deep focus, like strategic planning or big projects.
My afternoons are typically for lower-stakes work or meetings with team members.
WFH often requires a higher degree of self-accountability, so take time to structure your day in a way that aligns with your natural rhythms.
Thriving in a Hybrid Work Model
If you work a hybrid schedule, you have the opportunity to optimize tasks based on your environment. Here’s how:
1. Match Your Work to the Environment
Think about the types of tasks you perform best in each setting.
In the office: Use this time for collaborative tasks like team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or strategy discussions that benefit from face-to-face interaction.
At home: Focus on independent, deep-thinking work or tasks requiring uninterrupted concentration.
By aligning your work with the strengths of each environment, you maximize productivity while reducing frustration.
2. Plan Ahead
Hybrid schedules often mean limited office days, so be intentional about how you use them. For example:
Schedule in-person meetings or activities that benefit from physical presence.
Save heads-down tasks for your home days, where you can control distractions.
By planning thoughtfully, you’ll feel more efficient and balanced.
Why This Matters
Maintaining separation between work and home isn’t just about productivity—it’s about preserving your mental and physical health. When the lines blur too much, it becomes harder to show up fully, whether for your job or your personal life.
By setting boundaries and building rituals that support your workflow, you’re not just improving your work performance—you’re also giving yourself the space to relax, recharge, and be present in your personal life.
Remember, the ultimate goal isn’t to blend work and home seamlessly but to integrate them in a way that allows you to thrive in both worlds.
