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Working from home has become the new “normal” at Belmar. Our company has fully adopted and transitioned to a WFH structure since March 2020. Despite the new structure, our team has been able to achieve a better work-life balance, an increase in company-wide engagement rate, and an overall growth in productivity. Here are some tips and tricks that have allowed our team to stay on their ‘A’ game while working from home:
- Maintain a regular schedule The biggest difference between working from home and working in the office is that you are in charge of your environment. WFH allows you to be flexible with your hours, but the key is to stick to that same daily schedule so that it becomes a habit.
- Designate a home-office space and keep it tidy Whether it be a separate room, the dining table, or a corner of your bedroom, it is imperative to have a dedicated work area. By establishing an area of your home as your work space, it will train your brain to associate the space with work and allow you to be more productive.
- Schedule regular company-wide huddles Despite working from home, you can still maintain connections and communication with your team and co-workers. Whether that be once a month or bi-weekly, establish a cadence for company-wide huddles where you can discuss short-term wins and company-wide updates.
- Say “yes” to company-wide socials and eventsUnlike working from the office, you no longer have the luxury of grabbing lunch with your colleague or chatting with your office neighbour during your break. To ensure that you are still engaging with your coworkers, make sure to attend team-wide socials and virtual events. At Belmar, our team aims to have at least one social a month to foster a close culture. But don’t worry, social distancing, and all guidance is followed to make sure that these events are safe for all who attend.
- Build transitions into (and out of) work Your work commute allowed your brain to prepare for the workday ahead. Whether it was listening to a podcast or reading a book, try to add these habits into your morning routine to help ease you into your workday. At the end of the day, do the reverse – go workout, take a walk, or read a book to signal to your brain that it is now time relax and de-stress.
- Avoid work creep When working from home, it is easy for work to creep into your home life. Thus, it is important to set a schedule and stick to those hours to maintain a healthy work schedule.
- Use a calendar or planner to stay on track To mitigate any feelings of being overwhelmed, use a physical or online calendar to stay up-to-date with meetings and other commitments. As well, every morning, outline the tasks that you need to complete, and check them off as you go.
- Leverage digital tools to increase collaboration and provide clear communication Online meetings are just not the same as in-person meetings. However, there are many tools and applications that can be leveraged to increase collaboration within the team. Our team at Belmar uses Slack for internal messages to replicate the sense of tapping your office neighbour for some advice and screen sharing for providing feedback and getting on the same page.
- Ensure you have the right equipment You may be accustomed to working with a dual-screen set-up in the office, which may or may not be possible at home. However, do your best to equip yourself with the tools you need to do your job. In some cases, your company may be able to provide you with additional resources.
- Get some fresh air during your breakIt can become quite tiring and suffocating sitting in the same spot for hours staring at your computer. To stay focused and productive throughout the day, use your lunch break as a time to step outside for a few minutes to enjoy the sunlight and fresh air.
FAQ
What is the most effective way to stay productive while working from home?
The most effective way to stay productive at home is to maintain a consistent daily schedule and treat work hours like you would in an office. Creating a dedicated workspace, using digital tools for collaboration, and planning your tasks through a calendar or planner help reduce distractions and improve focus.
How can remote employees avoid burnout and work creep?
Remote burnout usually happens when the boundaries between personal time and work time disappear. Set office hours, log off at the same time each day, take breaks, and build a habit that signals the end of your workday—like a walk, workout, or reading. This prevents constant “checking in” and supports healthy work-life balance.
What tools can improve communication and teamwork while working remotely?
Tools like Slack for quick messaging, Zoom or Teams for video calls, and screen sharing for feedback or training help replicate in-office collaboration. Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com also keep everyone aligned on tasks, deadlines, and teamwork.
How can remote workers stay engaged with coworkers without being in the office?
Virtual socials, online team huddles, and scheduled check-ins help maintain connection and prevent isolation. Even one short social activity each month can build culture and relationships. At Belmar, team-wide virtual gatherings help replace office chats and keep everyone connected.
What setup or equipment is recommended for working from home comfortably?
A comfortable chair, reliable internet, proper lighting, and, when possible, a dual-screen setup can significantly improve productivity. If employees need additional equipment, many organizations offer support or reimbursement to create a safe, ergonomic workspace at home.