15 must-know tips for working remotely

Updated 7 Nov 2024

Do you find yourself procrastinating as soon as it’s time to work? Reading the same email over and over again because you can’t concentrate on what it says? Spending too much time on tasks? You’re in the right place - explore these 15 essential tips for working remotely below, for optimum focus, productivity and enjoyment.

15 tips for working remotely

1. Know when you’re most productive
2. Prioritize daily activities with a list
3. Stick to a daily routine
4. Create a home office
5. Create a calendar
6. Manage interruptions
7. Stop multitasking
8. Consider a change of scenery
9. Schedule breaks
10. Block distracting websites
11. Set a timer
12. Get some fresh air
13. Get the right equipment
14. Socialize
15. Know when to clock out

1. Know when you’re most productive 

One of our top tips for working remotely is to get to know when your most productive hours of the day are. As you work, you’ll realize that you’re more productive at certain times of the day compared to others. 

Once you figure out when you’re at your best, start to schedule the more taxing tasks for that time and leave the less demanding things for when your concentration levels start to wane.

2. Prioritize daily activities with a list

At the beginning of each day, prioritize what you have to do by making a list. By keeping track of all your to-do’s and organizing your tasks effectively, you will stay more focused while working remotely. 

Adding some smaller tasks like responding to an email to your list for you to complete first will help you gain momentum for the bigger, more time-consuming pieces of work. 

3. Stick to a daily routine

Another top tip for working remotely is to stick to a daily schedule, whether you like to wake up early or sleep until the last minute. There are multiple distractions at home, so creating a daily routine is one way to make sure you’re being as productive as possible. This may mean creating strict office hours so your friends, family, and neighbors know that when you’re busy, you’re busy. The sooner you set boundaries, the less interruptions you’ll have.

4. Create a home office

One of the major benefits of remote work is that you can quite literally work anywhere - internet permitting of course. 

With that said, not all places are ideal for concentration and productivity, so another tip for working remotely is to create a home office - a space dedicated to work with a good set up and ample natural light.

When it comes to how to concentrate long-term, creating a calm space where you can focus on the task at hand is essential. If you have a separate space to create an actual office, then great, but if not, try to create a dedicated workspace where you can focus. 

5. Create a calendar

When you have a lot to do, it can be hard to know what to focus on, especially if your deadlines are set over a period of weeks. Creating a calendar will help give you an overview of your days and a more visual overview of your tasks. 

Prioritize your work in whatever way works for you, be it a physical calendar, a planner or an app and keep it close at hand so when your mind starts to wander, you can quickly refocus. 

6. Manage interruptions 

We know it’s impossible to remove all interruptions completely (and some may even be a welcome interruption - cat trying to sleep on your laptop? We'll definitely allow it). 

That said, keeping interruptions to a minimum can really help improve your concentration in the long term. One top tip for working remotely is to limit the notifications on your phone. Switch off anything that isn’t important or work-related and consider blocking out certain times of your day to reduce distractions from social media, friends, and life admin.

7. Stop multitasking

No matter your work style, you won't be productive if you're always trying to multi-task. By concentrating on one task at a time, you give yourself the mental space to actually be productive no matter how tedious the task may be. By giving it your full attention, you’ll get it done faster. 

If you multitask, not only do you stress yourself out by switching between tasks, you also don’t give the task your full attention which then impacts negatively on your ability to complete the work. If you’re really struggling, a change of scenery may really help clear your mind. 

8. Consider a change of scenery

Another top tip for working remotely is to change up your scenery every so often. One of the benefits of working remotely is that you can work from anywhere, so consider heading to a coffee shop or even a working vacation, or a pet sitting opportunity where you can stay in homes around the world in exchange for pet care. 

If you love pets and you’re in need of a change of environment while remote working, click below to find out more about how becoming a pet sitter works to help with your work-life balance.

9. Schedule breaks 

Another top tip for working remotely: be as diligent with your breaks as you are with your deadlines. It’s really important for your brain to take regular breaks, especially if you're working on a screen for the majority of the day. 

Schedule in short breaks as you work, especially if you find your attention ebbing. This can mean going to make a hot drink or playing with the pooch (or both!). If you’re in the flow and work through a scheduled break, remember to still take that time once you’ve finished. 

Related article: How to become a pet sitter with no experience

10. Block distracting websites

As detrimental as technology can be when it comes to maintaining focus, there are many options out there that can work to your benefit. Focus extensions for your browser allow you to block certain websites you know will distract you, like Twitter and Instagram. So, if you find yourself tempted to check social media during your work hours, all you’ll see is a blurred image and a reminder to get back to work - now that’s a top tip for working remotely and staying productive.

11. Set a timer

On days when you’re really struggling to focus, try setting a timer on your phone or use a productivity program. Set the timer on your phone for however long you consider appropriate, turn off push notifications and then put it out of sight until the timer goes off. This tactic puts a strict structure on your time and refocuses your attention on the task at hand.

12. Get some fresh air 

One of our most important tips for working remotely is to make sure you’re getting fresh air. Getting outdoors boosts your mood, gets your blood pumping around your body and gives you the chance to soak up some vitamin D. 

If you don’t have any pets, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get outdoors when you’re busy working from home. So remember, pet sitting is always an option for you if you love animals and you work remotely.

Related article: How house sitting influenced my writing

13. Get the right equipment

Something you really need to get right when you’re working from home is your equipment set up. So, for your own health and safety, take this tip for working remotely seriously: be sure to get the right chair and desk set up so that you’re working from a comfortable position. If you work for a company, make the most of your working from home allowance and purchase an ergonomic chair, standing desk, noise-cancelling headphones, plants, lighting - anything you can think of to make your working environment comfortable and motivating.

14. Socialize

When working from home, it can be easy to feel isolated and sometimes lonely, so be sure to stay connected with friends and work colleagues not only online through video calls, but in person, too. And if you love animals, pet sitting is a great way to meet like-minded others in a new location - a trip to the local dog park will have you meeting other dog lovers just like you.

15. Know when to clock out 

It can be tempting to take a laid-back approach to remote working, but that can quickly lead to burnout. Create a predetermined set of work hours so that you can enjoy your evenings off and feel ready to jump straight back into work the following day. If you let yourself fall into the habit of squeezing work in here and there, you create an imbalance between your work and social life that isn’t productive or beneficial for your wellbeing.

What real remote workers have to say

Hopefully you’ve found our tips for working remotely helpful - you should be all set to create a productive, motivating home environment and schedule now. 

And if a change of scenery has got you thinking, take a look at what these (real life) pet sitters who care for animals around the world while pet sitting have to say about their lifestyle.

• “I started pet sitting because I have been working remotely since the pandemic. The company of pets makes such a difference to me. Having a cat in my lap while I work, or taking a doggie for a walk during my breaks and after work!” @Andrealovesanimals
• “I love working remotely, period. Have been doing it for years. Being able to sit while telecommuting makes it even better.” @Maggie8K
• “I work remotely and it has allowed me to do some great sits, most recently a few weeks ago in Oakland, CA.” @Emmeelue84

Like the sound of the company of pets and a regular change of scenery? Great - take a look at how to become a pet sitter below.

Helpful resources

• 10 tips on how to become a house sitter
• Cat sitting for long-term travelers
• House sitting in exchange for accommodation