By Charles Sosnik
In the last week, many of us have had our day-to-day lives reshaped, and for a lot of people this means working from home for the first time. The shift brings both freedoms and new challenges. Below are practical, experience-based suggestions to make your remote work productive, healthy, and sustainable.
First, create a dedicated workspace. If possible, use a separate room that feels like an office and minimizes distractions. Early in my remote work experience I set up in the kitchen: it worked as a surface for my laptop, but it never felt like a proper workspace. Converting a spare bedroom into an office made a big difference. Putting up work-related items and closing the door at the end of the day helped me separate my work life from my home life. That separation is crucial: when your laptop is within easy reach at all times it becomes tempting to keep working. A clear boundary—stepping out of the room and closing the door—lets you stop working and be at home again.
Your work schedule
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is flexibility. If your role doesn’t require strict hours, tailor your work schedule to your natural rhythms and life responsibilities. Are you most productive in the morning or late at night? Do you need time for childcare or exercise during the day? Use those preferences to plan focused work blocks.
For example, my energy dips in the early afternoon, so I plan lighter tasks then or take a short rest. As a writer, my most productive hours often stretch into the night, so I’ll work late and take a relaxed start the next morning. Working remotely lets you align work with your peak productivity instead of forcing your body to fit a one-size-fits-all schedule. That said, balance is essential: structure your day so you don’t overwork simply because you can. Schedule start and stop times and follow them.
Equipping your gig
Make sure you have the tools you need. Many of the items you relied on in the office are easy to recreate at home: a large monitor or ergonomic laptop setup, a comfortable chair and desk, good lighting, notebooks or legal pads if you prefer paper, and a supply of pens. Invest in comfortable hardware and peripherals so you can work efficiently and avoid strain.
Internet connectivity is essential. Confirm you have sufficient bandwidth for video calls, file transfers, and other collaboration needs. Consider adding a dedicated phone line or a work-specific number if you want to keep voice communication separate from personal calls. Most of your day-to-day interactions will be through computer and phone apps: video conferencing tools, team chat platforms, and cloud productivity suites make collaboration possible from anywhere.
Working in teams
Teamwork remotely requires deliberate communication. If you lead a team, set daily or regular check-ins to align priorities and expectations. Use video calls for planning and status updates, and rely on chat tools for quick questions and informal conversation. Some teams prefer cameras on for a stronger sense of connection; others find that constant video can be tiring. Find the balance that suits your group.
Instant messaging and shared documents keep everyone in sync. Schedule recurring touchpoints, define clear deliverables, and document decisions so team members know what’s expected. Remote collaboration can be as effective as office collaboration when communication processes are clear and consistently followed.
The biggest adjustment
For many people, the largest change is reduced social contact. Working in an office offers spontaneous interactions—breakroom chats, hallway conversations, and quick brainstorms—that are harder to replicate at home. Combat isolation by scheduling brief video calls with colleagues, taking regular breaks, and getting outside for fresh air. A short walk, stretching break, or walking your dog can reset your focus and lift your mood.
Recreate casual interactions by making time for informal virtual meetups—coffee chats or short water-cooler-style check-ins. These small rituals help maintain team cohesion and social well-being.
Practical habits for long-term success
Keep routines that mark the start and end of your workday: get dressed if that helps you switch into “work mode,” set a consistent start time, and plan an intentional way to end your day. Use focused work blocks with short breaks, and protect time for meals and family. Limit after-hours work by turning off notifications or physically closing your workspace. Over time, these habits reduce burnout and improve productivity.
Also, keep a simple emergency plan for connectivity or tech problems, and communicate backup methods with colleagues so collaboration can continue if something goes wrong.
What do you think?
We’d love to hear your tips and questions. If you have remote-work ideas to share or run into challenges, someone in our network may have helpful solutions. Email me directly at [email protected].
About the author
Charles Sosnik is an education journalist and editor and serves as Editor in Chief at the Learning Counsel. He draws on deep connections in the education community to provide context and insight into shifts in education and technology. Charles writes regularly for publications focused on education innovation and strategy. A proud Southerner, he often says he’s an editor by trade and Southern by the grace of God.