Welcome to the world of remote work, where your home is your office and the commute is just a few steps away. But mastering the art of working from home takes more than just a laptop and a comfy chair.
Fortunately for you, remote work is being embraced by more companies and is becoming more common. Now, you can find remote jobs in almost every field, along with remote work hacks to help your workday run smoothly.
Don’t spend your time hunting them down on your own, though. We’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve gathered the top 20 work-from-home hacks that will help transform your daily routines.
20 Remote Hacks to Implement Today
From optimizing your workspace to keeping your mental gears well-oiled, these working-from-home hacks are your ticket to a more productive and enjoyable remote work experience.
1. Use Multiple Monitors
Don’t think desk—think mobile command center. Give yourself the gift of screen real estate to enhance your productivity. If you frequently switch between screens, you’ll be amazed at the impact a second screen can make.
Multiple monitors allow you to quickly shift focus without losing context. You’ll likely find it’s substantially easier to manage complex tasks or keep an eye on important updates. It’s a simple change with profound impacts on your workflow’s speed and fluidity.
2. Control the Cords
Tangled cords creep across your workspace, creating visual chaos. Investing in cable organizers or clips is not just about tidiness; it’s a commitment to efficiency. Neatly bundled cords help your workspace transform.
It seems insignificant, but eliminating the visual stress of clutter can elevate your productivity and focus. Not to mention, keep your monitors from tumbling off your desk if a pet wanders through and gets tangled in the cord jungle.
3. Go Wireless Where You Can
A wireless mouse, keyboard, and headphones don’t just reduce clutter, they redefine your work environment. With wireless devices, your workspace extends as far as your Wi-Fi reaches. You can attend a video call in the kitchen, brainstorm on the balcony, or simply lean back without yanking cords.
One of the benefits of working remotely is crafting a dynamic workspace that adapts to your needs and movements. It’s a step toward a more modern, flexible, and efficient way of handling your day-to-day tasks.
4. Bookmark Your Must-Haves
Bookmarks aren’t just for books anymore. They’ve been promoted to efficient digital navigation tools.
Try bookmarking your essential websites and tools for quick access. Use the bookmarks as shortcuts to a smoother workday. By having your most-used resources just a click away, you sidestep the time drain of hunting through your browser history or typing in URLs.
5. Set Your Browser to Open Your Tabs
When you start thinking about remote productivity improvement, it’s easy to overlook the small changes that combine for a massive impact. Try to jump-start your morning with a browser that’s as ready as you are. It’s like having a digital assistant who knows exactly what you need.
Imagine opening your laptop to find your email, calendar, and project management tools already waiting for you. You can dive straight into work mode. It’s a small change that streamlines your morning routine, reducing friction and setting a productive tone for the day ahead.
6. Take Breaks
Breaks are so much more than simple downtime. Regular pauses to step away from your screen are crucial for recharging your mental batteries. Whether it’s stretching, enjoying a quick stroll, or just gazing out the window. Taking effective breaks is the not-so-secret sauce to sustained energy and sharp focus.
Breaks can help you push through the afternoon lull and prevent remote work burnout. Next time you feel stuck or your concentration is all over the place, give yourself permission to pause. The time after that break might be the most productive part of your day, and this will easily become your favorite new working-from-home hack.
7. Set Up a Designated Work Area
Even without an entire room dedicated to work, you need to carve out a dedicated corner for work. That physical boundary helps draw a mental boundary between home and work. You’ll create a sanctuary for focus there.
Your designated work area can be as simple as a small desk in a quiet corner or even a converted closet. Sitting down is your signal that it’s time to transition into work mode and defeat the distractions trying to creep down the hallway.
8. Switch Up Your Spaces
Embracing a change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity and productivity. While having a designated work area is key, don’t underestimate the power of variety. Try spending a few hours working from different spots in your home—maybe the sunny spot in your living room in the morning or the quiet nook by the window in the afternoon.
Stepping out to a local library or a park can also offer a refreshing change of pace. The buzz of a coffee shop or the tranquility of nature can stimulate your senses in new ways, potentially unleashing a surge of fresh ideas.
9. Create Areas You Love
It’s easy to focus on workspace functionality and forget to infuse a bit of personality too. Surround yourself with items that inspire or calm you, like a favorite plant, a piece of art that speaks to you, or photos of loved ones.
Personal touches do more than decorate. They create an environment that feels welcoming and uniquely yours. While you’re at it, consider the sensory experience of your workspace. Create lovely and invigorating light by moving your desk close to a window, or use essential oils for subtle scents.
10. Get Dressed
Ditch the pajamas—most days. Dressing for success, even within the confines of your home, adds some much-needed structure to your day. Establishing boundaries for your daily routine is one of the best life hacks for work you can gift yourself when you work remotely. You create a mindset that balances comfort with professionalism, reminding you that while you’re at home, you’re also at work.
At the end of the day, changing back into casual clothes acts as a cue, reminding you that the workday is over and it’s time to relax and recharge. This transition helps you to decompress and clock out mentally as well.
11. Set a Start and End Time for the Day
Here’s the thing about remote work—one of the most significant perks is the flexibility that comes with ditching the commute. However, you should strive to have a regular start and end time most days. It’s like having a reliable frame that you can schedule the rest of your life around.
It’s easy to get distracted by your chatty neighbor, the protagonist who is about to triumph in the book you’re reading, or the 12th trip to the kitchen for a snack. But those distractions add up to ensure you’re never really able to focus on work and your productivity plummets.
It’s OK to mix it up. Flexibility is one of the best work-from-home hacks. But strive to create a routine that keeps you on track without feeling boxed in.
12. Have a Plan B Ready
You know how it goes: one minute you’re cruising through your tasks, and the next, you’re staring at a frozen screen because the power company’s working on the lines in your neighborhood. That’s why having a backup plan is key.
Whether it’s a cozy corner in your local library or a portable hot spot for those inevitable Wi-Fi hiccups, being prepared makes all the difference. When you have a solid backup plan, those unexpected issues won’t throw off your whole day. You can switch gears smoothly and keep your productivity full steam ahead.
13. Set Boundaries
Looking for stress-reducing home office hacks? Try this one first. Set up clear guidelines on when others can join you in your office. Because here’s the thing: working from home means your personal and professional worlds are just a few steps apart. To keep the peace and stay focused, set clear boundaries with your family, your roommates, and yourself.
Share your work schedule and the times you shouldn’t be interrupted unless it’s an emergency—and not just a “we’re out of milk” type of emergency. It’s all about creating that expectation upfront before you start to hit your anxiety limit.
14. Have Healthy Foods and Snacks in Supply
Let’s talk fuel. Just like you wouldn’t expect your car to run on empty, you can’t expect your brain to perform at its best when you’re only living on coffee and whatever is in the pantry. You need to plan ahead for lunches and snacks the same as you would if you were going to an office.
Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and a water bottle at your desk. Think produce and protein—snacks that give you a steady stream of energy, not just a sugar rush followed by a crash. Regular hydration and balanced nutrition are your secret weapons for maintaining focus and avoiding that midafternoon slump.
15. Make Time for Movement
Being sedentary all day isn’t doing your creativity any favors. It’s time to add a little movement to your day. It doesn’t have to be a marathon. A 10-minute stretch, a quick yoga session, or a simple walk around the block can do wonders.
Regular physical activity not only keeps you fit but also clears your mind, boosts your mood, and can even sharpen your focus. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain. Make it a nonnegotiable part of your routine, and watch how it transforms not just your work performance but your overall well-being.
16. Use Music or White Noise to Motivate and Focus
Sometimes, the right playlist or a bit of background noise is all you need to get into the zone. Experiment with different sounds. Maybe it’s a jazz album, nature sounds, or just the hum of a white noise machine.
Auditory cues can help drown out distractions, especially if you don’t have control of busy street noises outside your home office. It’s about creating an auditory bubble that keeps you focused and motivated. Find your sound and let it set the pace for your workday.
17. Block Off Focus Time on Your Calendar
In a world where “busy” is a badge of honor, it’s crucial to guard your focus. Block off chunks of time in your calendar for deep work—those tasks that require all your attention and brainpower.
Treat these blocks as nonnegotiable. Don’t allow for interruptions, such as checking emails. It’s just you and the task at hand. It’s amazing how much more you can get done when you dedicate uninterrupted time to your most important work.
18. Use a Timer to Stay on Track
The clock can be your ally. Try using a timer to break your work into manageable chunks. Maybe that means 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. This technique, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you stay on task without burning out.
You turn work into a series of short sprints, and your mind knows that you get a break in just a little while. Plus, racing against the clock can add a bit of fun and gamification to your day.
19. Create a Routine
A good routine is your road map for the day. Start with a morning ritual that signals the beginning of your workday. That might mean brewing a cup of coffee or a quick meditation session. Then, structure your day with designated times for different tasks, including breaks.
End your day with a solid wrap-up routine. Review what you’ve accomplished and set your agenda for the next day. This consistency brings a sense of order and progress, making each day feel less like a random series of events and more like a well-oiled machine.
20. Make Time to Be Social
Remote work doesn’t have to be lonely. Make an effort to connect with your colleagues. If you haven’t tried them before, virtual coffee breaks are one of the best work-life hacks you’ll discover and can be just as joyful as in-person chats. Participate in online team-building activities, or just drop a friendly message in the team chat.
These interactions are crucial for building a sense of community and collaboration, even when you’re miles apart. Plus, they can be a great source of new ideas, support, and even a few laughs. Remember, socializing isn’t just about fun—it’s an important part of maintaining a healthy, connected work life.
Master the Art of Working Remotely
From setting up your workspace to maintaining healthy routines, these hacks are designed to boost your productivity and daily joy. And if you’re still looking to find the ideal flexible job, don’t forget to explore all the ways that we can support your remote job search here at FlexJobs. It just might be the best remote hack yet!
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