Remote work is a dream, right? No more long commutes, no awkward small talk by the coffee machine, and yes, you can totally rock pajama bottoms all day. But let’s be real, somewhere between the fridge raids and endless notifications, your productivity has gone MIA.
If you’re feeling like you work all day but get nothing done, you might be making some sneaky remote work mistakes that are tanking your efficiency. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the seven biggest culprits (and how to fix them ASAP!).
1. You Start Your Day Like a College Kid on a Sunday Morning
Ah, the joy of rolling out of bed at 9:58 AM for your 10:00 AM Zoom meeting. While working in your pajamas sounds great, it sets a sluggish tone for the rest of the day.
Fix It:
Treat remote work like you’re actually going to the office. Wake up, shower, and wear something that isn’t your sleepwear (yes, even if it’s just a “daytime” hoodie). A morning routine will trick your brain into work mode.
2. Your “Office” is Your Bed (Or Couch, or Kitchen Table)
If your laptop has traveled more around your house than you have in the past year, we have a problem. Your brain associates spaces with activities, and using your bed as an office will make you both a terrible sleeper and an unproductive worker.
Fix It:
Create a dedicated workspace. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a desk and chair that your brain will register as “work territory.” Bonus: It helps with posture too!
3. You Think Multitasking Is a Superpower
You’re on a Zoom call, answering emails, making a to-do list, and somehow also scrolling through Instagram? Sounds productive, except your brain is doing none of these things well. Multitasking is actually killing your focus.
Fix It:
Use the Pomodoro Technique: 25-minute focused work sessions, followed by a 5-minute break. Your brain will thank you.
4. You Take “Flexible Hours” Too Literally
Remote work gives you the freedom to work when you want, but if your workday is an unpredictable mess, you’ll constantly feel behind. One day you start at 8 AM, the next at 2 PM, chaos!
Fix It:
Set clear work hours. Even if your job allows flexibility, having a structured schedule helps you be more consistent and productive.
5. Meetings Have Taken Over Your Life
One Zoom call leads to another, and suddenly, it’s 5 PM, and you haven’t actually done any work. Sound familiar?
Fix It:
Be ruthless about meetings. Ask, “Could this be an email?” If yes, congratulations, you just freed up an hour of your life.
6. You’re Always “On” (a.k.a. Your Boss Owns Your Soul)
Remote work blurred the boundaries between home and office, and now you find yourself replying to emails at midnight and working through dinner.
Fix It:
Set clear boundaries. When your workday ends, log off, mentally and digitally. Turn off notifications, and if necessary, create an “Out of Office” auto-reply for after-hours messages.
7. You Forget to Socialize (Beyond Talking to Your Pet)
Working remotely can feel isolating. When your only conversation of the day is with your cat, you know it’s time for a change.
Fix It:
Make time for virtual coffee chats with coworkers or schedule in-person meetups. Human interaction matters!
Ready to Take Back Your Productivity?
Now that you know what’s been sabotaging your productivity, it’s time to fix it! Which of these mistakes have you been guilty of? Drop a comment and let’s laugh (and improve) together!