Stay Productive At Home: 10 Tips Remote Workers Swear By

Working from home can be empowering—but staying consistently productive takes more than just a laptop and Wi-Fi.
Remote workers often rely on small, intentional habits and tools to create structure, focus, and balance in their day.
This guide pulls together tried-and-true strategies from people who’ve mastered the art of working remotely. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your routine, you’ll find practical ideas to boost your productivity and well-being.

Noise-canceling headphones

• Blocks out distractions like traffic, kids, or loud neighbors.
• Popular picks include Bose QC45 or Sony WH-1000XM5.
• Great for deep work, video calls, or pairing with focus playlists.

A dedicated “work scent”

• Using a specific candle or essential oil while working can create a mental cue for focus.
• Scents like rosemary or peppermint are known to enhance alertness.
• Helps mark a sensory boundary between work and rest zones in your home.

Time-blocking with Google Calendar or Notion

• Breaks the day into clear chunks for deep work, meetings, breaks, etc.
• Provides structure and reduces decision fatigue.
• Makes it easier to visualize your week and prevent overbooking yourself.

A second monitor (or ultra-wide screen)

• Doubles your workspace and reduces the need to switch between windows.
• Great for multitasking, research, and visual work.
• Perfect for side-by-side tasks like coding + documentation or writing + reference.

Daily “fake commute” walks

• A quick walk before and after work mimics a commute.
• Helps mentally separate work time from home time.
• Adds a reliable dose of physical movement and daylight to your day.

Pomodoro timer apps

• Keeps focus sessions intentional with 25-minute work blocks and 5-minute breaks.
• Adds a fun, gamified layer to productivity.
• Prevents burnout by building in regular rest before fatigue sets in.

Laptop stand + external keyboard/mouse

• Promotes better posture and reduces strain on your neck and shoulders.
• Turns a basic laptop setup into an ergonomic workspace.
• Frees up desk space for note-taking or dual-device setups.

Task batching + theme days

• Grouping similar tasks together minimizes context switching.
• Using themes (e.g., “Meeting Monday,” “Writing Wednesday”) makes planning easier.
• Encourages deeper focus by reducing scattered attention.

Standing desk or convertible desk riser

• Adds movement into your day and helps avoid prolonged sitting.
• Can be DIY’d with books or IKEA parts.
• Boosts energy during long calls or creative blocks.

Group accountability (virtual coworking or body doubling)

• Tools like Focusmate pair you with someone to silently co-work online.
• Light social pressure boosts focus and reduces procrastination.
• Great option if you miss office energy or thrive on shared momentum.