Remote work has remained a defining feature of the tech industry since the onset of the Covid pandemic. While many large tech companies are implementing return to office (RTO) mandates, numerous startups continue to champion remote work as an integral part of their culture.
Although remote work is often seen as a valuable perk for employees, staying productive while working from home can be incredibly challenging, especially if you’re new to it.
If you’re struggling to remain motivated in a remote work environment, you’re not alone. Keep reading to uncover practical strategies for maintaining your energy levels while working from home.
Is It Okay To Not Like Working From Home?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine not to enjoy a remote work environment.
Personally speaking, I cannot fathom ever working in an office again after experiencing the flexibility of remote work. As an introvert, being at home also allows me to easily recharge between calls and speaking engagements.
Conversely, I have many clients who swear by in-person and hybrid setups. They love being able to collaborate face-to-face with colleagues rather than through a screen.
The truth is that everyone has their preferences regarding work, and there’s no right or wrong answer.
At the end of the day, you must develop strategies that support your company’s setup while finding the motivation you need to complete your work.
Why Do I Have No Motivation When Working Remotely?
One of the biggest reasons professionals struggle with remote work is that they haven’t internally developed systems to support their productivity. While some people naturally thrive in remote environments, this isn’t always the case. More often than not, you need to create an environment and structure to help you get and stay motivated in a setting that lacks the same framework as a traditional in-person job.
You may also be struggling with motivation because you’re in a work funk. This can happen to anyone, especially when the excitement of a new role wears off or when tasks start to feel repetitive. Recognizing this state is the first step toward overcoming it. Consider implementing small changes to your routine or stepping outside your comfort zone by taking on new projects.
Lastly, your lack of motivation may indicate that it’s time for a change beyond just your work setup. If you find yourself consistently disengaged or questioning your current job, it might be worth evaluating whether your current role truly aligns with your values and career goals.
How Do You Stay Productive When Working From Home?
So, how do you remain motivated and productive when working remotely? Here are 10 strategies worth trying if you need some inspiration to thrive in a remote environment:
1. Reconnect with your “why.”
For starters, try to reconnect to your why. Reflecting on the reasons behind your job can reignite your motivation:
- Why did you originally take your job?
- How does your work contribute to your long-term career goals?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
If money is the driving factor behind your job, that’s completely valid. You might work to support your family, so adding a few pictures of your spouse or kids, or recent trips that your job enabled, to your home office space might provide additional inspiration when you’re not feeling like working.
2. Develop a morning routine.
Speaking of which, how you begin your day can significantly impact the rest of your work day. Reflect on your morning routine and consider any changes you could make to boost your energy levels.
What small adjustments can you make in the morning to set yourself up for success throughout the day? Might you slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before diving into emails? Would a morning stretch or yoga session help you ease into the work day?
3. Establish an evening routine.
Just as important as your morning routine is how you wind down. Developing an evening routine can create a clear end to your work day. Even if you decide to open up your laptop later in the evening, having a defined endpoint helps establish boundaries and prevents burnout.
Personally, I schedule a 4:30 or 5:30 PM Pilates session at the end of the day, which “forces” me to wrap up my work calls and emails by a reasonable time.
I also enjoy tidying up my office, shutting off the lights, and physically closing my home office door to reinforce the end of the work day.
[Read: How To Leave Work At Work: 10 Proven Strategies To Relax]
4. Recreate your commute.
In-office jobs have a commute that separates “home life” from “work life.” With remote work, this separation can blur, making it harder to get motivated.
Many of my clients have found it helpful to implement a “commute” at home. This can be as simple as taking a short walk around the block before starting work or listening to a podcast while you make your morning coffee. This small ritual can mentally prepare you for the day ahead.
5. Add variety to your day.
As a recovering perfectionist, I swear by my Google calendar. However, I also know that adding variety to my work days makes them feel less monotonous.
Consider joining professional groups, attending virtual conferences, or getting coffee with former colleagues to break up your routine and cultivate your network.
6. Get outside.
Incorporating time outdoors into your schedule can increase serotonin levels, improving motivation and productivity. Daily outdoor activities might include checking the mail, walking around your neighborhood, or going for a coffee run.
One of my clients struggling with mental health at work found it incredibly helpful to step outside daily, even if just for lunch.
7. Move your body.
Exercise is one of the quickest ways to boost mental health and well-being. Make sure to include movement in your daily schedule, even if it’s just for a short period. YouTube videos showcase a ton of exercises that can be done from home!
8. Plan for the week ahead.
As you refine your schedule, consider setting aside 30 to 60 minutes on Fridays or Sundays to plan for the upcoming week. Ask yourself:
- What must I achieve this upcoming week?
- How will I know I am successful?
- What energy-boosting activities can I add to my schedule?
- What energy-zapping activities can I remove from my schedule?
Remember that there’s no one perfect schedule. Experiment with various routines until you find what works best for you!
9. Create an accountability system.
An accountability system can help you stay on track when working from home. This might be as simple as checking in with friends who also work remotely.
Some clients find it beneficial to share their daily or weekly goals and then check in on them regularly.
The key is finding an accountability method that keeps you motivated and inspired.
10. Stay engaged with coworkers.
Likewise, remaining engaged with your colleagues can make work days less dull and more productive, but maintaining those relationships requires extra effort when working remotely. Fortunately, tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams facilitate connection. I’m a fan of using voice memos to build deeper connections and stay inspired.
What To Do If I Don’t Like Working From Home?
Many professionals discover that working from home doesn’t suit their work style or personal preferences, and that’s totally okay. Here are some effective ways to cope:
Change your work environment.
Many of my clients find it helpful to switch up their work environment to combat the monotony of working from home. Consider working in a local coffee shop, public library, or co-working space. Better yet, rotate between different locations to maintain variety and keep your work day fresh.
Explore hybrid work arrangements.
If full-time remote work isn’t working for you, discuss hybrid options with your manager. This might look like working from the office 1 to 3 days per week or scheduling in-person collaboration days to gain inspiration from your colleagues. A hybrid model can really offer you the best of both worlds.
Co-work with others.
If going into the office isn’t an option, you can create your own co-working arrangements.
For instance, one of my clients finds it helpful to visit a local friend who also works remotely, allowing them to share a workspace and motivate each other. Another client is most productive when she works from her elderly mother’s house, where she finds comfort and focus time. Additionally, one client successfully negotiated with her company to get them to cover the cost of a co-working space for herself and another colleague who lives in the same city.
Final Thoughts
Finding your groove in remote work takes time and experimentation. Be sure to give yourself grace and the gift of patience as you discover what works to motivate you. It’s a journey, and even small steps can make a big impact on your productivity and happiness. You’ve got this!
