Remote work has become the norm for many developers, designers, and tech professionals. But "working from home" isn't just about location—it's a different way of working that requires new habits, tools, and mindsets. Here's how to not just survive remote work, but thrive in it.
Setting Up Your Physical Space
Your workspace affects your focus, health, and how you show up on camera. Invest in it.
- Dedicated space: Even if it's a corner, make it "work only." Your brain needs the separation.
- Ergonomic basics: Good chair (or standing desk), monitor at eye level, keyboard and mouse that don't hurt your wrists. Your future self will thank you.
- Lighting: Natural light is best. If not possible, a ring light or desk lamp in front of you (not behind) makes you look professional on calls.
- Background: Tidy shelf, plant, or plain wall. Avoid clutter, personal photos, or anything distracting. You're on camera a lot.
The Tech Stack You Actually Need
- Reliable internet: Ethernet beats Wi-Fi if possible. If Wi-Fi is your only option, get a good router and position it well.
- Backup plan: Phone hotspot ready in case internet goes down during an important call.
- Headphones with mic: Reduces echo, blocks background noise, makes you sound clearer.
- Second monitor: If you code or design, this is almost essential. The productivity boost is real.
- Webcam: Laptop webcam is fine, but an external one (even a cheap one) often looks better.
Communication: The Remote Work Superpower
Remote work is 80% communication. Master it.
- Over-communicate: When in doubt, share more. Status updates, blockers, decisions—err on the side of transparency.
- Default to async: Not everything needs a meeting. Use Slack threads, docs, or short video updates.
- Write clearly: Remote teams rely on written communication. Practice clear, concise writing. Use bullet points, headers, and formatting.
- Set expectations: "I'll have this done by EOD Friday" or "I need input on X before I can proceed." Don't make people guess.
Time Management and Boundaries
- Define your hours: Even if flexible, have a start and end time. Communicate it to your team.
- Use calendar blocks: Block focus time, lunch, and "off" hours. Protect them.
- Time zone overlap: Agree on core hours with your team (e.g. 2-4 PM your time). Outside that, work async.
- End-of-day ritual: Close your laptop, tidy your desk, do something that signals "work is done." This mental separation matters.
Staying Visible and Growing Your Career
Remote work can feel invisible. Be intentional about visibility.
- Share wins: When you ship something or solve a hard problem, share it. Not bragging—helping your team know what you're working on.
- Ask for feedback: Regular check-ins with your manager. "How am I doing? What should I focus on?"
- Join optional meetings: Water cooler chats, team socials, company all-hands. Show up even if it's not required.
- Document your work: Write docs, create runbooks, share knowledge. This makes your impact visible.
Avoiding Isolation and Burnout
- Social connection: Join team socials, virtual coffee chats, or coworking sessions. Humans need connection.
- Take breaks: Step away from your desk. Walk, stretch, eat lunch away from your computer.
- Set boundaries: "I'm offline after 6 PM" or "I don't check Slack on weekends." Enforce them.
- Watch for burnout signs: If you're working 12-hour days, can't disconnect, or feel constantly stressed, something needs to change.
Remote work isn't easier than office work—it's different. Master the differences, and you'll unlock the freedom it offers.