As remote work becomes more common, both managers and employees face new challenges in staying productive, connected, and mentally well. Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own work-from-home routine, success hinges on fostering connection, setting boundaries, and creating a sustainable work-life balance. Here’s how to make it work.
1. Foster Belonging and Connection
Remote work can feel isolating, so it’s essential to maintain a sense of team spirit. Managers should schedule both formal and informal check-ins—like daily video calls or end-of-day roundups—to keep communication flowing. Encourage casual interactions too, such as virtual lunches, quizzes, or shared jokes, to replicate the camaraderie of the office.
2. Provide Practical, Personalized Support
Understanding your team’s working styles is key. Detail-oriented employees may prefer structured emails with bullet points, while big-picture thinkers might benefit from verbal briefings followed by written summaries. Flexibility in communication and task management helps everyone stay aligned and productive.
3. Set Clear Schedules and Boundaries
When home becomes the office, it’s easy for work to spill into personal time. Combat this by sticking to regular work hours and clearly communicating your availability. Turn off notifications after hours and resist the urge to check emails late at night. Managers should model and respect these boundaries to support team wellbeing.
4. Create a Dedicated Workspace
Even if space is limited, carve out a specific area for work. Keep it tidy, well-lit, and free from distractions. Avoid working from the couch or bed, as this can blur the line between rest and productivity—and even disrupt sleep. If possible, take your work outside occasionally for a mental refresh.
5. Take Meaningful Breaks
Breaks are more important than ever when working remotely. Step away from your screen, stretch, go for a walk, or enjoy a cup of tea. Schedule a proper lunch break and consider short workouts or yoga to counteract long periods of sitting. These moments of rest boost focus and resilience.
6. Dress for the Day
While it’s tempting to stay in pyjamas, dressing as if you’re going to the office can shift your mindset into work mode. It’s a simple but powerful way to boost motivation and productivity.
7. Fake a Commute
Without a commute, the transition between work and home can vanish. Recreate it with a walk, a podcast, or a short workout before and after work. This mental buffer helps you start and end your day with intention.
8. Make After-Work Plans
Give yourself a reason to log off. Whether it’s a Zoom catch-up with friends, a movie night, or a solo walk, having something to look forward to helps reinforce the boundary between work and personal life.
9. Promote Collective Efficacy
Managers can build team resilience by focusing on what the team can achieve together. Set shared goals, celebrate progress, and acknowledge challenges openly. This sense of “we’re in it together” boosts morale and productivity.
To conclude – remote work offers flexibility, but it also demands intentionality. By fostering connection, supporting individual needs, and maintaining healthy boundaries, both managers and employees can thrive in a work-from-home environment. Balance is not just a personal goal—it’s a team effort.
