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What are some ways that have helped you while working at home?

I have had multiple work-from-home internships, and it just didn't sit right with me. I want to work onsite where I can see the people, body language, and all that. Even though working from home provided comfort without the commuting, dressing up, and the hassle of getting on time. I just can't help working soon in a remote setting. For those working at home, how do you survive it?

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Olga’s Answer

Shaina, that is a very good question. Been working from home for 15 years and there are challenges. Some of the tips have alreayd been described:
- do frequent pauses and go out for a walk, stretch, or change rooms and meditate or breath for a few minutes
- set up calls with colleagues so not all online connects are work-related and can feel the human connection/socialization.
- meet live monthly or bi weekly if possible to get this sense of connection
- set up 3 priorities at the beginning of the day and review them at the end
- take stock of achievements, either end of the day or week
- use outlook calendar to get organized, not just for meetings but to write notes, agendas, to dos
- use one note and drive to share notes and documents
Working from home has some challenges, but frequently I remember all the positives in saving of time, and money when not doing the transit and less stress in some situations that require being at home. Hope this helps, sending positive energy!
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Vinodhan’s Answer

I can totally understand your struggle. I have been on both sides of this—working in the office five days a week and working completely remotely. Currently, I work 100% remote, and while it took an adjustment period, I eventually found strategies that transformed the way I work.

Since you mentioned missing the human element and body language, here are a few ways to survive (and thrive) in a remote setting:

1. Recreate the "Watercooler" Moments
To combat the isolation you mentioned, be intentional about connecting with colleagues. Schedule 15-minute "virtual coffee chats" with teammates just to catch up on life, not work. Also, make it a habit to keep your camera on during smaller meetings so you can still read facial expressions and body language.

2. Set Focus Blocks and Batch Your Emails
When you work from home, the lines between work and life blur, and distractions are everywhere. Set up "focus blocks" on your calendar where you snooze notifications and put your phone away. Dedicate specific times (e.g., three times a day) to check and respond to Slack pings and emails, rather than being reactive all day.

3. Master Async Communication
Remote work thrives on asynchronous (async) communication. Use tools like Slack or Loom to record your thoughts, share screen recordings, and articulate ideas to your team. This allows you to collaborate effectively without the fatigue of back-to-back live video calls.

4. Take Intentional Breaks
After a focus block, step away from your workspace. Try not to think about work—listen to music, take a power nap, or take a quick walk. Your brain cannot maintain a single stretch of focus all day, and moving around replaces the natural breaks you'd get walking around an office.

5. Curate Your Workspace
Create a dedicated office setup so that when you leave that desk, you leave work behind. Investing in an ergonomic chair and a height-adjustable standing desk was a game changer for my productivity and posture. If you miss being around people, you can even take your laptop to a local coffee shop or a co-working space a couple of times a week.

Remote work isn't for everyone, but with the right boundaries, it can be incredibly rewarding. Good luck!
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Matt’s Answer

Hi Shaina. Great question! I have been working from home for 13 years now. Before that, I was in an office environment for 15 years.

The transition to remote work can be a bit of an adjustment. I found that still going through the same routines like getting dressed for work and setting aside a dedicated space for working if possible really helped to get into a productive mindset. Working at a desk and not sitting on your couch helps too.

I made the most of the available communication platforms provided by my employer to keep in touch and make connections with my coworkers. This helped me feel less isolated and more a part of the team. Things have gotten a lot better in remote work since the pandemic in this regard. So many people are working remotely and companies are doing a better job of remote-first communications and providing opportunities to feel included.

Being really organized with your work is key when you are remote. You may feel less pressure from not having a manager watching over your shoulder in person. But it is important to have a strong focus on your work and to be a self-starter. You want to stand out as someone who can deliver what is needed in a remote environment.

Make a conscious effort to connect with your teammates. Start side chats with them and get to know more about their hobbies and activities and share what you like to do. This can go a long way to making you feel a part of the team. Good luck in your remote work journey!
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Amanda’s Answer

I have always dreamed of working from home and this dream came true with COVID. Here are the things I find that make working from home enjoyable for me. I have to preface this that I am in meetings talking with others MOST of the day.

1. Make sure you get up from your desk and do the things. I have to remember that in an office I would have 'water cooler' conversations, I would take breaks, I would take the time to walk up the stairs to different meetings, etc. Working from home does not mean you are glued to your desk.

2. Get outside when you can. Go for a walk, listen to a book, just stare into the wild.

3. Stick to a schedule. I start between 7 and 8 and end between 4 and 5. I rarely go back 'into' my office unless it is important. You have to have the separation.

I do find myself craving communication on the days where I don't have lots of meetings. On those days I find that I leave the house in the evening and just even walk around the local target just to feel connected to something.
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Carla’s Answer

Hi Shaina,
I can definitely relate! I’m also someone who prefers working onsite. I enjoy the energy of the workplace, seeing people face-to-face, and all the informal interactions you naturally have during the day.

A few things have helped me when I’ve had to work remotely:

- Get outside before starting. A coffee run or 15-minute walk can help recreate that change of scenery and energy you normally get from a commute.
- Dress for work. It can be a more comfortable version of your usual work outfit, but it helps create a mental separation between home time and work time.
- Use your camera when possible. It’s not the same as being in person, but seeing facial expressions and body language can make virtual interactions feel much more connected.
- Make time for informal conversations. A quick 10–15 minute virtual coffee with a colleague can help replace some of those spontaneous chats you miss when you’re not in the office.

The key for me has been finding small ways to bring some of the things I love about the office into my work-from-home routine.
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Alexandra’s Answer

Working from home definitely has its pros and cons. Here are some things I'd recommend that help me work from home:
- Have a designated space to do work and only work (even if it's just a desk in the corner of your living room) - this helps creates some separation between work and personal life
- Get ready as though you're going to leave the house - put on an outfit that makes you feel ready for the day
- Have your camera on during virtual meetings and if others aren't doing the same, speak to your manager about how this could be encouraged - it helps create connection even if you're not seeing each other in-person
- If you want to get to know people at your company better, or have identified someone you get along with well, set up a regular 20 minute virtual coffee chat to just get to know one another
- Stick to a routine every day you're working - follow the same working hours, block time on your calendar if you need to do heads-down work, and do your best to stay organized and prioritize work (could be something as simple as keeping a list of weekly tasks that you need to complete)
- If you're going stir crazy, find a place outside of your home like a coffee shop or co-working space that you can work from when you need a change of scenery - I find this helpful when I need to be really focus on a task/project
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Janna’s Answer

I can totally relate to your experience. I’ve also had several work-from-home positions, and while I appreciated the convenience of no commute, I am an extravert and can really missed the energy you get from being around people in person. It feels a lot more natural to read body language and connect with colleagues face-to-face.

Here are a few things that helped me “survive” and even make the most of the experience:

- Have a dedicated workspace - Set up a work area that’s separate from your sleeping or main living spaces. This helps you mentally switch between work and downtime, which can really help avoid fatigue.
- Prioritize connection - In every 1-on-1 or small group meeting, make it a point to ask a personal, non-work question. It helps build relationships and brings some of that human element back into remote work.
- Block your time - It’s surprisingly easy to skip lunch or keep working into the evening. Use your calendar to block time for breaks, meals, and “focus hours” so you can protect your own boundaries.
- Attend in-person events - If your company or team hosts any offsites or local events, go whenever you can. Those interactions go a long way in building deeper connections and making remote work feel a little more grounded.
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Tammy’s Answer

You've already gotten some great advice, so I might echo a few points, but the biggest thing for me was being intentional about making connections. When you’re remote, casual run-ins don’t just happen, you have to create them.

A few things that helped me bridge that gap:
- Reach out for 1-on-1s: Don't be afraid to cold-message people on your team or across the company just to introduce yourself, ask about their role, or learn what they do. As an intern, you have a huge advantage here—most people love talking about their work, especially to help someone starting out.
- Always turn your camera on: If you're having a 1-on-1 or a quick chat, put your video on. It immediately makes the interaction feel more personal and helps you pick up on those visual cues you're missing onsite.
- Set up virtual coffee chats: Once you hit it off with a couple of team members, make it a recurring 15-minute weekly or bi-weekly chat just to catch up on non-work stuff. It goes a long way in recreating that "water cooler" feel.
- Find a mentor: Check if your company has a formal mentorship program. If not, just reach out to someone whose role you admire and ask if they’d be open to chatting periodically.
- Join company events: Look out for virtual social events, employee resource groups, or team trivia. You’ll quickly realize a lot of other people are craving the same connection you are.

At the start of each day, when you look at your to-do list, try to build in at least one point of human contact—whether that’s scheduling a call or just dropping someone a message to check in. It takes extra effort, but it makes remote work feel a lot less isolating.
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Maral’s Answer

I've been working from home for about five years, and one of the best things I've done is set up a special spot just for work. I don't use it for anything else. It's also been helpful to have set work hours and not just pop by my desk whenever. Having a routine for breaks, snacks, and meals really helps me keep work and personal time separate.

A little trick that works for me is changing clothes before I start work. It signals my brain that it's time to focus. Taking breaks to move around and doing a bit of meditation keeps me energized and focused throughout the day.

Lastly, having virtual coffee chats with colleagues has been great, especially during busy weeks. We sometimes hop on a video call just to chat, vent, or take a mental break. These informal conversations really help when you're working long hours.
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Ashley’s Answer

Working from home for about five years has had its challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. The flexibility is fantastic, and I save a lot on gas and food. It's a great way to learn discipline and focus. I've set up a special work area just for work tasks, which helps me stay organized. To keep things fresh, I take breaks to walk outside and enjoy some fresh air. Sometimes, I change my scenery by working from a coffee shop, library, or a friend's place with good WiFi. My workplace values camaraderie, so we have fun meetings and social events that keep us connected and happy. Choosing the right place to work from really makes a difference in enjoying the remote work experience!
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Keilla’s Answer

I totally get it, Shaina. Working remotely can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you love interacting with people face-to-face.

To feel more connected, try making an effort to connect online. It might not happen as naturally as it does in person, so you’ll need to plan for it.

Here are some ideas that might help:

1. Be active in meetings: Turn on your camera when you can, join in, ask questions, and don’t just listen quietly.
2. Have weekly catch-ups with coworkers: Even a short 15-20 minute chat each week can make a big difference.
3. Create casual moments: Try virtual coffee breaks, coworking sessions, or quick check-ins to feel more connected.
4. Set up a regular team session: For example, have a Friday wrap-up where everyone shares successes, challenges, or just casual updates.
5. Use chat thoughtfully: Don’t just message when you need something. Share ideas, celebrate others, and start small conversations.

Remote work might need a bit more effort to feel personal, but by being intentional, you can build strong online connections.
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Kerry’s Answer

I work remotely and really struggled at first. What has helped me immensely is creating structure and a routine so that my work days feel substantially different than my non-work days while I'm home. Creating that divide has helped my productivity and keeping me focused on work and not distracted while I'm home. For me, that structure has been around exercise, getting ready, etc.
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Wendy’s Answer

I’ve worked in-house and remotely and have a lot of experience with both. I can understand why (particularly since you’re young) remote work isn’t for you.

Working in-office helps you build relationships, meet people from different disciplines who you can learn from and provides guaranteed income.

I don’t know what you do but if you already feel remote work isn’t for you, then trust your gut.

Having worked for Fortune 500 companies and marketing agencies before founding my own agency gave me the foundation for growing my career.

Wendy recommends the following next steps:

Have informational interviews with people at organizations
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Mary Jane’s Answer

That's a great question, especially with so many jobs being remote now. Try finding a hobby that lets you connect with others, as you mentioned missing that human interaction. It's important to keep a good balance between work and life, so set up a space where you can start and end your day. Get up and get dressed as if you're going to the office. Use the time you would spend commuting to do something for yourself, like meditating, exercising, or dancing, to kick off your day on a positive note. Keep a notepad or app handy to jot down thoughts that come to you outside of work hours, so they're not on your mind all the time.
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Stacie’s Answer

I have been working from home for multiple years, have found a variety of aspects of remote work that help me be effective. First, use video calls as much as possible. I've worked in different organizations with different practices around video calls, and this truly helps with building relationships, and gets closest to face to face conversations. Show up to these video meetings the same as you would with an in person meeting. Second, start (or use) a chat mechanism with your teams and groups within your organization. Quickly chatting with a group or individual is critical to communicating and effectively collaborating while remove. Last, create a balance throughout your work day of work vs. home activities. Set work hours, but still aim to take breaks so you don't burn out. Also, I've found it helpful to create 'coffee breaks' or just a video call where you can play games and 'hang out' with coworkers just like you would in person.
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Stacey’s Answer

There are tradeoffs to working from home versus working in an office. In an office environment, you have more opportunities to see how colleagues approach problems, learn by observation, and casually engage in conversations. It is often easier to build relationships with colleagues, and you can develop a better understanding of the workplace culture and the unwritten ways that people communicate and work together.

There are several things I have found helpful in succeeding while working from home, but being proactive about communication is probably the most important.

Make an effort to get to know your colleagues virtually. This has been extremely important for me. Set up casual one-on-one meetings and frame them as a coffee chat or an opportunity to get to know each other. People generally enjoy talking about themselves, so ask questions and let the conversation develop naturally. Ask about their role, how they got to the company, what they work on, or what they enjoy about their job. Don't be afraid to make it personal and conversational rather than strictly work-related. At the end of the conversation, you can even say, “This was great. When can we do this again?” Building those relationships over time can make working remotely feel much less isolating.

Try to meet up with colleagues who live in your area, even if your company doesn't have a local office. You may be surprised to discover that people from the same company live relatively close to you. If you find those connections, take advantage of opportunities to grab coffee, have lunch, or work together occasionally. Having face-to-face interactions can make a big difference in building relationships that are harder to establish virtually.

Join company working groups and employee communities. For example, if your company has a women's group, professional development group, volunteer organization, or another employee resource group, consider getting involved. These groups can introduce you to people outside of your immediate team and give you additional opportunities to build relationships and learn about the company. There are often Teams or Slack groups as well, which can be an easy way to start participating.

Whenever possible, keep your camera on during meetings. It can help with visibility and makes it easier for colleagues to connect with you as a person rather than just seeing your name on a screen. Especially when you're new to a company or early in your career, those small visual interactions can help people get to know you.

Finally, if you're struggling with the work-from-home environment, change your surroundings. You don't necessarily have to work from your home office every day. Try working from a local coffee shop, library, coworking space, or another environment where you can be around other people. Sometimes simply getting out of the house and changing your environment can help with focus, energy, and motivation.

Working from home requires being more intentional about the things that happen naturally in an office. The key is to create opportunities for communication, relationship-building, visibility, and learning rather than waiting for those opportunities to come to you.
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Kate’s Answer

You have a lot of great advice here! I have been working fully remote for 6 years now and was hybrid for 5 years before that. One thing I do is get ready for work like I would if I was going into an office. I also turn on my video camera for every single meeting. That way people can see me and not just a dot or avatar on screen. I encourage others to do the same.

I also highly encourage you to get an ergonomic and comfortable desk setup for you. If you can afford buying an extra monitor, nice web cam and comfortable chair. Those things will help you a lot. I have my office setup in another room and when I'm done with work, I leave that room. It helps me keep work and home a little more separated. Hope some of this helps. Best of luck!
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Jezlea’s Answer

What you are describing is actually a really valuable thing to know about yourself early in your career. A lot of people spend years in remote roles feeling exactly what you felt without ever connecting it to a genuine need for in person connection and collaboration. Knowing that about yourself now means you can intentionally seek out onsite or hybrid roles rather than defaulting to remote because it sounds convenient on paper.

For surviving remote work when you have to, the things that help most are creating hard boundaries between work and personal space, building in reasons to leave the house daily, and manufacturing the social interaction that an office provides naturally. Scheduled video calls, working from coffee shops or libraries occasionally, and staying intentionally connected with colleagues beyond just task related communication all help close the gap that remote work creates for people who are energized by human presence.

That said, do not talk yourself into something that genuinely does not work for you just because remote roles are more abundant or flexible. Plenty of industries and companies still operate fully onsite: healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, construction, and most hands-on technical fields all require physical presence by nature. Even in tech and business, many companies have returned to hybrid or fully onsite models. Filtering specifically for those opportunities during your job search is a completely legitimate and smart thing to do given what you already know about how you work best.
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Robel’s Answer

Hello Shaina!

Working from home can be challenging, especially if you're energized by being around people. What helped me was creating structure outside of work. Joining a running club, pickleball group, gym, or other community activities after work gave me something to look forward to and helped replace some of the social interaction that comes naturally in an office.

I also found it helpful to set clear work hours, take short breaks, and maintain a dedicated workspace. Having a routine made it easier to separate work from personal time. If you enjoy face-to-face interactions, make an effort to schedule coffee chats, team calls, or local meetups when possible. Remote work becomes much more enjoyable when you stay active and connected to others outside of your home. 😊
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Josh’s Answer

Hi Shaina - I've worked at home for the last 12 years, and at first, it took a lot of adjustment. I found the following things to be helpful:

1. Having a dedicated space. This doesn't have to be a separate room (unless you have space for that), but can be a dedicated spot where you go each day to work.

2. Getting out of the house every day. Step out for a walk during a break, have plans to leave the house after work, take a less-important meeting from a porch or balcony, etc. It's important to not feel like you are cooped up all day, and when you can, step outside.

3. Stand up. Take a few minutes every hour to stand up, stretch, and look at something other than a screen.

4. If you can, schedule in-person time with local colleagues from time to time. It is easy to feel disconnected when you are only interacting with co-workers virtually. Even if it is just grabbing coffee or lunch, getting time in-person with the people you work with can help to make deeper connections that make remote work more fulfilling.
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Melanie’s Answer

Walking meetings on the phone have been a fantastic change for me. I use them for calls with people I already know well, so I don't need to be on screen. This way, I can enjoy being outside and moving instead of sitting at a desk for every call.

Having a workspace that feels nice is more important than people realize. I like having a dedicated space with good lighting where I enjoy spending time. I still get dressed and make lunch as if I'm going to the office. This helps keep my day organized and stops it from feeling like one long stretch at home.
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Kaitlyn’s Answer

An important part of working from home is staying connected with coworkers. While some things can be handled through emails or messages, try to have virtual face-to-face meetings to build rapport and a sense of community.

Additionally, coworking spaces can be a great setting to work alongside other professionals, network, and add variety to your routine.
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Rikki’s Answer

While historically building trust has typically involved being in physical proximity, we can retrain our thinking to overcome that mental block. Video calls show sufficient intangible signals through facial expression and body language to be able to get to know someone. The main thing to practice is how to be authentic and vulnerable on video calls. Its not natural but through repetition can start feeling more comfortable and can help you build the same depth of relationships as in-person.
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Aee’s Answer

Hi there,

Working from home can be wonderful, and with a bit of discipline, you can make it work for you. What really helps me is having a routine and treating my work hours like I'm at the office. Setting up a special workspace, making clear goals for the day, and taking regular breaks keep me focused and productive.

Staying connected with coworkers, friends, or classmates through virtual meetings and messages is also key. It keeps you from feeling alone and helps you stay engaged and motivated.

Remember to keep a healthy work-life balance. When your workday ends, step away from your workspace and enjoy some hobbies, exercise, or relaxation. This helps prevent burnout and makes working from home more enjoyable.
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Vanessa’s Answer

I have been working remotely for the past 4.5 years, so I completely understand your concern about missing the personal connections that come with being around coworkers every day. While remote work offers flexibility, it can sometimes feel isolating if we do not intentionally create opportunities for connection.

One thing that has helped me is finding community both inside and outside of work. In the workplace, I make an effort to participate in team discussions, keep my camera on during meetings when possible, and reach out to coworkers for informal conversations rather than limiting interactions to work-related topics. Even small moments of connection can help build meaningful professional relationships.

Outside of work, volunteering has been one of the most rewarding ways for me to meet people who share my values and sense of purpose. As a geriatric physician, I am passionate about education and improving care for vulnerable older adults and underserved populations. I am active in my church community, which includes more than 200 members age 65 and older. I also serve as an ambassador for Adopt an Elder and volunteer with Stand-Up Placer and organizations that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

These experiences have connected me with people who share a common mission and have given me opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. They remind me that while work is important, it does not have to be our only source of friendship, connection, or fulfillment.

Be intentional about creating community. Join a professional association, volunteer for a cause, attend local events, participate in faith-based or civic organizations, or even start a regular chat with coworkers. We do this through TEAMS chat. The relationships that bring the greatest sense of belonging often grow from shared values and shared purpose. If remote work is feeling lonely right now, I encourage you to explore activities that align with your interests and passions. These connections can quickly grow and enrich both your personal and professional life.
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Jason’s Answer

Establishing consistent hours that feel comfortable personally, but sufficiently functional for work day to day; making sure your office is in a comfortable, safe, bright space; making sure to take small breaks where possible, and making time to eat lunch and a small breakfast; making plans to see friends in the evenings, especially when so much of one's day is spent working alone!
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Connie’s Answer

There are so many benefits to working in person, but in today's work environment, often that isn't an option. I've done both, more recently working remotely for 20 years. There are several things that help you stay on track and connected with colleagues.
-Get ready for work everyday as if you are going into the office. Don't work in pajamas, sweats, etc. Dress for the job you want, even it you are home. It doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort, but don't sacrifice professionalism.
-Always have your camera on in meetings. It allows you to connect at a different level and helps you stay engaged.
-Regularly connect with colleagues. Set up a recurring 1:1 meeting, create a group chat where you share interests outside of work
-Where possible, meet in person when the opportunity arises
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Jordan’s Answer

I've worked from home for over half my career now. I enjoy it immensely because I received some really good advice about how to approach remote work early on: it is what you make it. The amount of independence afforded by remote work is empowering but also intimidating, at times. The intimidation comes from various areas, including possibilities of social isolation, boredom, distraction, etc. But unlike an in-person office, a remote worker is master of their own domain. When I'm feeling distracted, I give myself a more structured to-do list in the morning. If I'm feeling isolated, I schedule an informal "coffee chat" zoom meeting with a colleague. I think that approach is not for everyone, perhaps, but for those seeking freedom and empowerment over the work they do, which many people claim to want, I can't think of a career style more fit for that than remote work.
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Prithvi’s Answer

That's a great question, and it's normal to feel that way. I've been working for 21 years, with over 16 years in person, so adjusting to remote work was a big change for me too. Here are some tips that helped me adapt:

First, make an effort to connect with colleagues online. While regular work will naturally involve team interactions, joining company-wide activities can help you meet people outside your usual circle. This can give you fresh perspectives and insights into what's happening across the company.

Also, try networking with people outside of work in areas you're passionate about, like hobbies or community activities. This helps you explore who you are beyond your job and meet new people.

Second, if your job involves sitting at a desk, it's important to move around regularly. Remote work can lead to high productivity, but jumping from one meeting to another without breaks can be stressful. Adding some physical activity can help keep you balanced and clear-headed.
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Brittany’s Answer

Hello Shaina! Great question, especially as we consider how more companies have transitioned to a work from home environment. Something that has helped me is utilizing the company's resources for communicating with my work colleagues. For example, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other chatting tools can ensure that you're able to stay connected! Don't hesitate to reach out to people and connect with them. Bonus points if you're able to have a chat with people via webcam so you can see their body language, etc.

I'd also reflect on the type of industry that you'd like to join. Some industries may be more inclined to create that culture of communication amongst colleagues.

I wish you all the best!

Brittany recommends the following next steps:

Reflect on the type of industry you'd like to join.
Research companies related to the industry.
Find any information from employees (Glassdoor is a good example) that suggest how the culture is if they work from home.
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Adriana’s Answer

That’s completely understandable—remote work isn’t the best fit for everyone. I enjoy it because it provides flexibility, eliminates commuting, and can make it easier to manage personal responsibilities.
At the same time, virtual conversations can be just as impactful as in-person conversations when they are intentional. Turning cameras on, scheduling regular one-on-ones, and creating space for informal conversations can help you see facial expressions and body language. A hybrid model can also provide the best of both worlds.
Another option is working occasionally from a coworking facility or café. Being around other people, seeing activity nearby, and having opportunities for brief social interaction can help reduce the feeling of isolation. Ultimately, remote work takes intentional effort to stay connected, while onsite work may naturally provide that connection. It’s perfectly valid to prefer the environment where you feel most engaged and productive.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your advice! While reading your comment, I realized it takes a good company to provide a good remote work environment for an employee; that is why you love remote work. I go to cafes, but I've realized it can get expensive to keep switching co-working spaces and finding a cafe with free WiFi and outlets. In terms of productivity systems, what do you use to prevent burnout? Shaina
Thank you comment icon I agree—a good remote-work environment depends a lot on the company’s culture, communication, and support. To prevent burnout, I try to keep a simple routine: identify my top priorities, work in focused blocks, take real breaks, and avoid staying constantly online. I also build movement into the day through short active pauses, light exercise, or stretching. When I have 10 minutes, I may meditate and do a few stretching exercises. If the weather and schedule allow, taking a 20-minute walk in nature helps me reset and return with more energy. At the end of the day, I use a clear shutdown routine so work does not continue into the evening. For me, the key is combining structure, movement, boundaries, and variety so I can stay productive without feeling isolated. Adriana Rodriguez Garcia
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Lisa’s Answer

HI Shaina - I've been working from home for 27 years. Working from home can feel isolating at times. One thing you might try (if your company allows it) is working from public spaces like a library or coffee shop. Sometimes just getting out of your remote working space and being around other people is helpful.

If you have other remote workers near you, you could reach out to them to see if they'd like to meet up for coffee or to work together somewhere. This is also a great way to build your network of connections and learn more about other roles at the company.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon The thing is, everyone in my community is out of town. Most of the time I go solo, and the way to entertain myself is to eavesdrop (sometimes) in the cafes while working, hehe! Thanks lisa! Shaina
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Nick’s Answer

Creating a dedicated workspace and staying in touch with coworkers can really boost your productivity when working from home. Remember to take breaks from your computer too. Going for a walk or hitting the gym can refresh your mind and help you stay focused.
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Shanelle’s Answer

Working from home can be a great experience with these tips:

1. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate well.

2. Make an easy-to-follow to-do list to help you stay on track.

3. Take quick breaks to keep yourself feeling fresh and full of energy.

4. Put your phone away so you can stay focused.

5. Treat yourself to a little reward after finishing projects to celebrate your success.
Thank you comment icon Hi Shanelle! Love the little reward at the end!! Would it be okay if I reached out about your role as a PM? Shaina
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Saurabh’s Answer

Being disciplined about your routine
Taking regular breaks from screen
Planning your tasks and to-dos for the day helps to keep things functioning smoothly
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Corrie’s Answer

Stay connected with other employees through community or interest groups, set up a dedicated space, and don't be shy about reaching out to your manager for support!
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JD’s Answer

Working from home and working in-person both have their pros and cons. If I were starting my career, I would choose to work in-person. Being around people, having face-to-face chats, and spending time together outside of work are great opportunities.

As we go through different stages in life, our needs can change. I started my career working in-person, but now I prefer remote work because it lets me spend more time with my child.

To stay happy while working from home, I suggest getting ready each day—take a shower, do your hair, and dress nicely. Also, make sure to exercise, take regular breaks, and chat with your team about non-work topics. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but asking about their weekend or sharing fun stories can make work more enjoyable, just like when you’re in the office.

JD recommends the following next steps:

Research networking / in-person activities near you that are relevant to your field so you are not missing out on the human connection element.
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Kim’s Answer

Create a dedicated space for working that feels like it’s a place for you to be successful, dress for work, and take control of your schedule and create an agenda and actions for each week/day, including scheduling virtual meetings and reaching out directly to colleagues via chat. It takes more intention to get to know others when you work remotely, but it can be very rewarding in terms of work/life balance once you get the hang of establishing a work office environment at home. It’s fantastic for quiet and concentration when you need to crank on meeting deadlines..
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Preston’s Answer

Working from home can be challenging, but you can make it easier and boost your productivity with a few simple steps.

1. Set up a dedicated workspace outside your bedroom. Choose a spot in your home, like an office or another room, where you can focus on work. Having a specific place for work helps you switch from home mode to work mode, making it easier to concentrate without distractions.

2. Dress as if you're going to the office. Follow a morning routine similar to when you leave for work. Shower, get dressed, have breakfast, and complete any quick chores before heading to your home office. This routine can improve your focus, reliability, and the quality of your work.

3. Take a daily break for yourself. Spend at least 15 minutes outside each day. A walk or some fresh air can clear your mind and refresh you for the rest of the day. Whether it's a short stroll or walking the dog, this break from your desk can energize you.
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Kristen’s Answer

Define some boundaries - don't feel guilty about taking breaks, get fresh air, put your phone away (take a break from your phone), find other ways to be around people to keep your social battery charged.
Separate yourself away from distractions, like tv, social media, kids - try to define a dedicated work space.
Ensure you are reaching out to people and schedule time with them to talk about work over video - don't rely on only emails, or text messaging, use video meeting platforms to engage with colleagues.
Video engagement is important! Always try to put your video on, this can make the discussions more personal - you get to know the person behind the name on the screen.
If working remote is not for you, that's ok - that is information for you to look for internships and roles that are in-office and that requires you to interact with people.
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Kristen’s Answer

Hi there!

Working from home can be challenging, but it also offers great benefits. Even with the hurdles, I can't imagine going back to an office. Staying connected with co-workers is key, and my leadership team does a fantastic job of keeping us engaged through meetings and chats every day.

To keep your social life vibrant, try staying active outside of work. I enjoy volunteering and meeting friends for coffee or lunch a couple of times a month. Joining local events like trivia nights and art fairs is also a lot of fun. While we spend much time working, there are many ways to stay connected with others and enjoy the perks of remote work.
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Vladimir’s Answer

What helped me most was creating structure and being intentional about connection. I treat working from home like going to the office: start and finish at consistent times, have a dedicated workspace, take proper breaks, and make an effort to connect with colleagues through calls rather than relying only on messages. That said, it’s completely fine to prefer being onsite. Remote work is a skill you can improve, but understanding that you get more energy and learn faster from being around people is also valuable self-awareness.
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Elena’s Answer

I've been working from home for a few years now, and I find it helpful to take screen breaks a couple days a day. This helps me "reset" and focus throughout the day. I also like to stay in communication with my team members even if it's just through Teams messages or a quick call. It might also be helpful to network with people that are local to you to get some more in-person interactions. If there isn't anyone local to you at your company, you could try joining a local organization related to your career, a meetup group, or searching out folks through LinkedIn.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Elena! I plan on doing volunteering or participating in org work just to make myself sane!! Shaina
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Anthony’s Answer

It helps if the job you are working from home keeps you super busy. Otherwise, try to make it as much like if you had to drive to work as you can. You definitely have to have an office set apart/ private from the rest of the house.
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Tara’s Answer

Hi Shaina. I can relate to this as I work from home after years of working in person. For working from home, I make sure to allot time in my schedule to network, meet people, and make relationships. It is good to meet people this way and build connections, but also this helps build empathy so people understand your situation and will be flexible since you work from home. Also, throughout the year, I work with my manager to find time for me to come in person for specific working sessions or big company moments where it's better to be in person. It takes a bit more effort to have face time but you should take ownership in making the time to get more facetime in ways that make sense for you and your workplace.
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Deborah’s Answer

I've been remote for 5 years, and agree there are pros and cons. After RTO earlier this year, I now go in once a week.

I survived it by being really intentional about relationship building. I've found I've been able to do that successfully while virtual, though it is accelerated and aided by being in person (our team has twice annual team weeks where we all come in). I have prioritized reaching out and asking for monthly 1:1s with sponsors or peer mentors and continue to revisit the list of who I need to know and have a relationship with to be effective. I turn my camera on for every meeting. I also have been able to contribute via chat/IM in meetings where I likely wouldn't have contributed real-time otherwise. Finally, I also use Teams to replace the effective "watercooler" time by doing quick drivebys on things - asking for a quick review or check of my knowledge, etc.
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