Let’s get this out in the open: working from home is weird. Or at least, it was weird. Now it’s pretty normal—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. I’ll never forget my first real “remote” job. I set up a neat little desk in the corner, bought one of those fancy water bottles (you know, the ones influencers swear by), and told myself, “I’m going to be a productivity machine.”
Cue: two weeks later, I’m in pajamas at 2 p.m., snacking on dry cereal, answering emails from the couch, and feeling like I was busy all day… but didn’t get anything actually done. Sound familiar?
If it does, you’re not alone. Remote work is a dream for some, a struggle for others, and for most of us, a little of both. But here’s what I’ve learned: the folks who truly thrive at working from home don’t just have willpower or a cool standing desk. They’ve built certain habits—tiny rituals and mindsets that, over time, make all the difference.
Ready to steal a few secrets? Let’s dig into the 7 habits of highly productive remote employees (and yes, I’ve made all the classic mistakes so you don’t have to).
1. They Build (and Guard) Their Routines
Let’s be real: the lack of structure in remote work is both a blessing and a curse. Nobody is watching you, sure—but also, nobody is watching you. No one cares if you take a “quick” break that turns into an hour-long YouTube spiral. Trust me, I’ve been down the “cat video rabbit hole” more times than I care to admit.
Highly productive remote workers treat their days like a recipe. They start at a similar time, have a morning ritual (even if it’s just coffee and checking email), and know when they’ll clock out. It doesn’t have to be strict—just consistent.
Pro tip: Set “fake” commute time, even if it’s just a walk around the block or listening to your favorite podcast before you start. It helps your brain shift into work mode.
2. They Design Their Workspace for Focus (Not for Pinterest)
Confession: I once spent more time picking a cute desk plant than actually working at my desk. But here’s the truth—your workspace doesn’t have to be Instagram-perfect. It just needs to work for you.
Productive folks know that even a corner of the kitchen table can be a power zone, as long as it’s set up for focus. That means:
- A comfortable chair (your back will thank you)
- Good lighting (hello, video calls)
- Fewer distractions (put your phone in another room if you have to)
- The tools you need within reach
One friend keeps a “work basket” she can plop down anywhere—laptop, notebook, charger, headphones. It sounds simple, but having everything in one place can be a total game-changer.
3. They Master the Art of Setting Boundaries
Here’s where it gets tough. When you work from home, home wants your attention. Roommates pop in. Kids need snacks. The laundry is always calling your name.
The most productive remote workers I know are pros at saying “not now.” They set clear boundaries with housemates and family (“If my headphones are on, pretend I’m at the office”). They also know how to say no to themselves—closing those 17 browser tabs, resisting that “quick” social media check.
And yes, sometimes they mess up. The trick is to reset and try again tomorrow.
4. They Overcommunicate (Seriously, More Than Feels Natural)
When you’re not sitting next to your team, communication has to be intentional. I used to feel awkward sending extra Slack messages or emails (“Am I being annoying?”). But you know what? Remote teams need more check-ins, not less.
Productive people:
- Clarify what they’re working on
- Share updates, even if nobody asks
- Don’t assume silence means “all good”
- Ask for feedback or help before things go off the rails
I’ve seen projects crash and burn simply because someone thought, “I’ll just figure it out.” Don’t be a hero—be a communicator.
5. They Take (Real) Breaks—Not Just Scrolls
Let’s be honest, sometimes “taking a break” means switching from spreadsheets to Instagram. But your brain doesn’t really reset that way.
Highly productive remote workers actually step away. They stretch. They go outside. They eat lunch not at their desk (shocking, I know). One friend sets a timer for a “movement break” every hour, even if it’s just a quick walk to the mailbox.
Here’s something I learned the hard way: true breaks boost your focus and creativity. Fake breaks (just more screen time) leave you foggy.
6. They Track Their Progress—Not Just Their Hours
In an office, it’s easy to measure productivity by “time spent.” But at home? It’s dangerously easy to clock eight hours and have nothing concrete to show for it.
Productive folks focus on outputs, not just hours. They set daily goals, keep to-do lists, and—here’s the big one—celebrate small wins. One of my favorite tricks is the “two big things” rule: I pick the two most important things I want to finish, and if I do, I call it a good day. The rest is a bonus.
If you’re newer to remote work, you might feel guilty for not doing “enough.” Focus on progress, not perfection.
7. They Invest in Their Growth
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you’re out of the office grind. The best remote employees use the flexibility to learn new things—whether it’s a short online course, reading, or even following newsletters in their field.
Don’t be shy about updating your resume or summary as you grow. Even if you’re just starting out, you can showcase new skills and learning. There are great examples out there for writing a summary for resume with no experience—don’t underestimate the power of showing you’re curious and proactive, even if you’re new.
Learning isn’t just for “extra credit”—it keeps you sharp and engaged (and let’s be real, makes you a lot more interesting at Zoom happy hours).
My Remote Work Fails (So You Don’t Have to Repeat Them)
Alright, time for some confessions. I’ve:
- Tried working from bed (10/10 do not recommend)
- Forgotten to eat lunch until 4 p.m. (hello, headache)
- Scheduled three “quick” calls back-to-back with zero buffer (chaos)
- Avoided asking for help until a project was on fire (not my best move)
- Let the days blur together until I forgot what day it was
If you’ve done any (or all) of these… congrats, you’re human! The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to notice what’s not working, and experiment until you find what does.
Final Thoughts (And a Little Pep Talk)
If you take one thing away from all this, let it be this: remote work is a skill, not a personality trait. It takes practice, patience, and a little self-forgiveness. Even the most productive remote workers I know have off days, messy desks, and moments where they feel like they’re spinning their wheels.
So start with one habit. Maybe it’s setting a better morning routine, or taking a real lunch break, or reaching out to your team just a little more. Build from there.
And if you ever need help crafting a killer summary for your remote resume (even if you have no experience), there’s always inspiration here. Or hey, just shoot me a message—I’ve got plenty more “don’t do what I did” stories to share.
You’ve got this. Pajamas and all. Now go make that home office (or couch, or kitchen table) your new HQ—and don’t forget to water the desk plant. It won’t boost productivity, but hey, it’s nice to have company.