Remote Work Setup

Productivity

⚡ Productivity

Workflow- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Cable Management Improvement

A tip suggesting to improve cable management under the desk to reduce clutter, as Gabriel mentions his current setup has a 'small jungle' of wires.

6 Easy Steps to Hide Cables Under Your Desk

A resource for ultimate cable management tips to streamline and declutter desk setups.

Don’t buy everything at once

Buy items gradually, considering if they suit the space, to avoid an unsatisfactory final result.

Don’t settle for a cheaper version

Invest in the best option even if expensive; cheaper alternatives may lead to regret and double spending.

Sophisticated, minimalist setups

Tip for other makers: prefer setups with mostly neutral colors and a couple of small pops of color to minimize distractions.

Intentional purchases

Tip: make each purchase for the setup intentional, considering how items look together.

Clear communication with the team

Tip for working from home: Staying aligned despite remote work to keep things moving smoothly.

Simplified Workspace with Warm, Tactile Materials

A tip to create a calm and intentional space by using warm, tactile materials and keeping the workspace focused and distraction-free.

Invest in higher quality items for workspace

Don’t be afraid to spend money (within reason) on the workspace as it's where you spend most of your time; it's worth investing in yourself, productiv...

Delegate tasks to an assistant

Delegate boring, simple videos that don't challenge enough to an assistant to save time and focus on stimulating work.

Know your natural pace for remote work

A tip emphasizing adapting to daily energy levels, allowing for breaks and flexibility to avoid burnout.

Occasional in-person team meetups

A tip recommending in-person gatherings to strengthen team relationships despite remote work.

Embrace Apple Ecosystem

Fully embracing the Apple ecosystem at home for low maintenance, smooth operation, less tinkering, and more focus on important tasks.

Focus on what is really needed for the workspace, avoiding getting swept up in online aesthetic setups and understanding personal habits, preferences,...

Experiment and Grow

Don't be afraid to try things out, make changes, allow growth through experience to discover what works best for the workspace.

Enjoy the Process

Building the ideal setup should be fun, not stressful, enjoying the process of creating a space that supports you.

Stay Connected with Team

Be available and approachable to colleagues, value open communication and staying connected while working remotely.

Separate Work and Home Modes

Mentally create clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid distractions from household tasks when working from home.

Position desk by centring on wall

Centring the desk on the wall to balance the space with off-centre windows, using art for visual symmetry.

Invest in items suiting your routine

Choosing workspace items tailored to personal workflow rather than following others' setups.

Manage cable clutter with under-desk mounting

Mounting devices (Mac Studio, hard drives, outlets) under the desk to avoid wire pulling when raising/lowering a sit/stand desk.

Easy charging for wireless devices

Setting up charging solutions (e.g., mouse dock, hidden USB-C cable) to avoid wire clutter from wireless device charging.

Plan everything in detail before buying

Advice to plan furniture sizes, decorations, and placement to ensure everything fits as desired.

9 Easy Desk Setup Fixes for a Tidier, Calmer Workspace

Tips for decluttering the desk with 9 simple, no-drill fixes to improve the home office setup.

Invest in aesthetics and keep the workspace clean

The space stared at eight hours a day should reward looking at and be kept clean.

Plan everything first: measure three times, cut once

Tip emphasizing meticulous planning before setting up the workspace, to avoid mistakes and ensure components fit well.

Take as long as required with cable management

Recommendation to invest time in cable management, using clips and kits to keep the setup neat and clutter-free.

Iterative setup improvement

No perfect setup is built overnight; evolve the workspace over time with gradual upgrades and small adjustments.

Think vertical with wall rails, pegboards, ledges and trays

Maximizes space by using vertical storage solutions to keep the desk surface clear.

Avoid overloading storage to prevent mess

Keeps even smart storage looking tidy by not cramming too many items into it.

Label items for quick identification

Saves time by reducing the seconds spent searching for needed items in the workspace.

Use mobile items like trolleys and clip-on hooks

Adds flexibility by allowing storage to be moved when not in use, ideal for small fixed desks.

Do simple cleaning to prepare for the day

Tip for WFH routine: helps start the day organized.

Workspace evolution over time

No perfect setup overnight; allow gradual upgrades and adjustments to grow with needs.

Declutter and optimise storage

Maintain a clean, minimal workspace by managing cables effectively, important for small space constraints.

Keep door open when kids are awake

Be available as a dad and husband while working from home, balancing family and work.

Adopt 'working around life' philosophy

Make work fit around life instead of vice versa, carving out time for tasks while being present for family, improving efficiency and embracing importa...

Short breaks every couple of hours

Tip for working from home to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Tidy and dedicated workspace

Tip for working from home to enhance productivity and separate work from personal life.

Keep things minimal and organised

Minimal and organised setup helps with focus and is aesthetically satisfying.

Research before buying workspace items

Tip to avoid wasting money: watch videos and research each piece before purchasing to prevent regret.

Start with basics for first desk setup (e.g., IKEA)

Advice for beginners to begin with essential, affordable items and improve over time based on needs.

Balance functionality with aesthetics authentically

A tip to balance functionality and aesthetics in a workspace in a way that feels true to oneself.

No finish line, be happy with setup at every stage

Advice to find satisfaction with the setup at each stage and avoid comparing to others online.

Good lighting setup

Both cosy and focused lighting, with different setups for different times of the day; using focal (desk) and ambient (floor) lighting, avoiding ceilin...

Experimenting with workspace items

Tip to not be afraid to try new things, like mechanical keyboard which was unexpectedly liked.

Tidy desk setup

Organise the desk environment to keep distractions out of sight and stay on track.

Prioritise functionality over aesthetics initially

Focus on ergonomics, flexibility, and productivity first; then add inspiring elements like art or plants.

Find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, or X

Tip for other makers to improve their workspaces by finding inspiration on social platforms.

Choose an aesthetic that resonates

Tip for other makers to select an aesthetic that they connect with for their workspace.

Take your time when building a setup

Don't rush into purchases; it's better to build a dream setup slowly than end up with something just 'pretty okay'.

Keep your desk as clean as possible

Cleaning the desk before bed every night prevents waking up to clutter and improves the day's productivity.

Organise Your Space

Declutter the desk to essentials and use drawer units, shelves, or organisers for storage to maintain a tidy workspace.

Tech and Tools Setup

Consider multiple screens for multitasking and use cable management solutions like clips, ties, or cord organisers to keep the workspace clean.

Organizing tasks into weekly and daily blocks

Manages work without feeling overwhelmed, enhancing workflow and productivity.

Going for a walk or meditating for brainstorming

Allows ideas to flow, aiding in creative thinking for illustrations or animations.

Create a space that suits your needs by defining its purpose

Influences purchases, lighting, furniture arrangement, and atmosphere (bright/dark).

List essential and secondary items

Prioritizes necessary tools first, adding others later to manage budget and build gradually.

Identify Setup Needs (work hours/gaming/cosiness)

A tip to start by identifying needs like long work hours, gaming, or cosiness to guide setup choices.

Make workspace fit with home interior and decor

Ensure the home office setup blends naturally with the rest of the home's decor, not looking too office-like.

Place workspace in own room if possible

If having the means, place the workspace in a separate room where the door can be closed for privacy and separation.

Use bespoke furniture or solutions to hide hardware

Consider using custom furniture or solutions to hide some of the hardware for a neater workspace.

Make workstation look good and integrate with home

Keep the workstation simple, cosy, and integrated with the rest of the home to create a pleasant working environment.

Create a dedicated workspace

Helps associate the space with work, making it easier to focus compared to working in shared areas like the living room.

Let the setup take time and experiment

Involve planning and trial and error with different layouts and item placements to find the optimal setup.

Gather inspiration from multiple sources

Tip to collect ideas from various sources but focus on personal needs for workspace design.

Prioritize lighting, cable management, and organization

Key areas that impact the success of a desk setup, according to Guillaume.

Stay organized with clean desk

Tip to maintain a clean workspace for better productivity and clear mind.

Do a complete makeover slowly

Waiting a week or two after making a change to assess if it's liked before buying accompanying items to avoid wasting money, as exemplified by the mon...

Consider storage for functionality and aesthetics

Choosing storage that is both practical to use and aesthetically pleasing to avoid desk clutter and dissatisfaction.

Organized workspace

Anton prefers an organized space to focus, as chaos makes focusing challenging; his setup has great storage to keep things tidy.

Consider space look and vibe

Tip for other makers: think about the appearance and atmosphere of the workspace when improving it.

Be patient when building a home office

Building a great home office setup takes time, so patience is needed.

Avoid Urgent Projects

Selecting clients and projects that align with a slow, thoughtful work pace to maintain focus and avoid anxiety from external pressure.

Decide on a workspace theme

Tip to create an idea of the desired space look, such as minimalist or light and airy, to guide setup.

Spend time on cable management

Tip to streamline and declutter the desk setup by hiding cables using desk features and tools.

Scout Reddit for Reviews

Tip to ensure needed parts for setup: Use Reddit to check if components are necessary before purchasing.

Get inspiration online for desk setup

The best advice for building a cool setup is to get inspiration online, considering products that boost productivity and well-being.

"Getting Things Done" by David Allen

Presents a system (GTD) to manage tasks and projects effectively, keeping work and life organized and under control.

"The Productivity Project" by Chris Bailey

Shares results of a year-long productivity experiment with over 30 tested strategies, including striving for imperfection and using the 20-second rule...

If you start from scratch, plan it out. Don't start piece by piece but try to see and imagine the final result down to the last detail. Save your mood boards and albums of things you like, even ask for suggestions if needed, and make sure to check everything in person before purchasing (if possible). And ambient light is everything — you can never have too much of it.

Tips for improving workspaces, emphasizing planning, visualizing the final result, saving references, seeking suggestions, checking items in person, a...

Adapt to your surroundings and find comfort, or improve your space to achieve that. You don’t need much to make it cosy — keep it clean and organised. A clean room equals a clear mind, and that will help you stay focused on what’s important — and maybe add a plant or two.

Tips for working from home, including adapting to the environment, keeping the space clean and organized, and adding plants for cosiness.

Designate a workspace

Create a dedicated, comfortable, and productive workspace to minimise distractions during remote work.

Keep the workspace tidy with storage solutions and regular decluttering to maximise efficiency.

Identify your statement piece

A tip for setup enthusiasts to have an item that catches attention and boosts engagement.

Create zones in your space

Advice to separate different tasks or work/play stations in the workspace.

Think about impact when improving workspace

Focus on what will most enhance the comfort, efficiency, or pleasure of the space to spend money wisely and keep clutter at bay.

Good Services by Lou Downe

Book that opened Robert's eyes to what makes good product design.

Start small with workspace essentials

Tip to get necessary work essentials first, then gradually add items to make the space enjoyable.

Make. It. Yours.

Tip for other makers to add personality and hobbies to their workspace to stand out from basic setups.

Position desk next to window for natural light

Setup tip to utilize natural light during the day for editing, reducing eye strain.

Invest in current needs over trends

Advice for improving workspaces: focus on personal needs rather than trends, ensuring the setup suits one's personality.

Start small and don't spend a ton of money

A tip for improving workspaces, suggesting to begin with minimal investment and focus on necessities.

Get rid of stuff you don't need and arrange necessary items pleasantly

Advice for workspace improvement, emphasizing decluttering and organizing essential items.

Proper workspace setup

Ensuring the workspace is arranged to support sustainable and efficient work practices.

Create a space you love

Designing a workspace that encourages productivity and is visually appealing.

Follow your own style and comfort

Tips for improving workspaces: Make the desk fit personal needs, choose productive items, and express personality.

Ambient Lighting Control

Each person having control over their own area's lighting to adjust to personal preferences, resolved through negotiation.

Minimalist Workspace Approach

Only keeping necessary items that add value; storing unused tools/gadgets (not used for two weeks) in a drawer to save desk space.

Invest in devices one by one based on priorities

Avoid buying everything at once; focus on purchasing items according to what is most needed first to manage budget and setup effectively.

Create mockups of the setup in Photoshop before purchase

Helps in deciding the best display orientations and overall setup arrangement to ensure suitability.

Follow a color scheme with neutral and pastel shades

Makes the workspace easy on the eyes, avoids distraction, and helps in concentrating on work.

Assigning space purposes

Using different home spaces for specific activities (e.g., sofa/corner chair for thinking, desktop for work/meetings) to help the brain associate spac...

Shutdown routine

Tying up loose ends in communication and organizing tasks for the next day after work to mentally disconnect and ensure peace of mind.

Open shelving and under-desk storage

Maximise space and light flow by keeping the area clutter-free and organised.

Personalized workspace

Setting up the workspace to suit personal preferences makes it a liked place, increasing energy for work.

Keep most important tools close at hand

A tip to minimize arm movements and enhance productivity by placing essential tools nearby.

Place items in intuitive locations

A tip to encourage returning items to their original homes, reducing clutter and improving organization.

Check emails early for timely client responses

A practice to ensure clients on the mainland receive prompt responses.

Make your office somewhere you want to spend time in

Tip for other makers to improve workspaces; Cole is more productive in a comfortable space.

Change mindset when working from home by drinking coffee, eating something sweet, listening to music, or using aroma therapy

Helps improve productivity and lessen anxiety.

Separate workspace from home

Having a dedicated workspace improves work-life separation, enhancing efficiency during work and relaxation during off-hours.

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Time Management- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Pomodoro technique

Time management method used by Will to manage his time and stay focused.

Create your own WFH routine

Build a routine that suits oneself best rather than copying others when working from home.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through tiny, consistent changes leading to significant improvements over time.

"Make Time" by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Offers a practical framework to reclaim time from busyness, with tips to focus on what matters through designing the day and optimizing energy.

"Eat That Frog!" by Brian Tracy

Advocates tackling the toughest task first thing in the morning to beat procrastination and improve daily productivity.

Have a clear daily plan

Tip for working from home: Knowing tasks helps stay on track.

Start work early (8 am) for creative hours

Beginning the workday by 8 am to utilise most creative hours (8 am-noon), saving busywork for after lunch.

Canva time management template

Custom template created on Canva to manage work, personal, book, and advisor work items for better time management.

Daily 'start-work' ritual (pet, place in spot, reward, redirect)

Consistently pet cats, place them in their spot with treats, and redirect unwanted behavior to build routine.

Work in focused sprints

Tackle tasks during kids' nap times and dedicate uninterrupted time to bigger projects at night with flexible scheduling.

Work in small windows of time, save deep focus for night

Adapt to family needs by using small time windows during the day and quiet night hours for deep work.

Clear work hours

Tip for working from home to maintain structure and balance, separating work from personal time.

End-of-day routine

Such as shutting down the laptop or changing environments to separate work from personal time.

Make a daily task plan

Tip for staying productive: List all tasks for the day to organize work and stay on track.

A timer used for implementing the Pomodoro technique to manage work intervals.

Use external pressures like setting a timer, body doubling with coworkers/friends, and recurring check-ins for accountability

Strategies to stay focused and productive while working from home.

Set daily schedule with to-do list

Use a to-do list or daily/weekly schedule (via apps like Notion) to track tasks, stay on top of responsibilities, and manage a busy routine.

Visualise tasks and schedule

Start the day by visualising work tasks and setting up a schedule, even a rough plan.

Structuring day with focused work sessions

Organise the day with dedicated work sprints and regular breaks to reset, such as walking.

Productive morning routine

Start the day early with exercise (gym or walk), plan priorities, and establish a structured start to work.

Don't sleep in until the last minute when working from home

Getting up an hour earlier, having breakfast, and properly waking up makes you feel better than sleeping in and feeling sluggish.

Wall calendar for monthly task planning

Organizes tasks, helping manage work and stay on track with deadlines.

Track work with a monthly plan broken down weekly

A way to organize work and stay on top of tasks, preferring weekly planning over daily.

Structured Daily Routine (e.g., 8-4 or 9-5)

Maintains a flexible but structured routine with admin tasks in morning/evening and creative work during the day, aiding productivity.

Structured Routine

Starting the day with morning pages, setting intentions, and following a 9-5 work schedule to maintain work-life balance.

Prioritize top tasks in the morning

Identify and tackle the most important task first to maximize deep work chances.

Schedule tasks in a calendar

Mark everything in a calendar to plan days, avoid overworking or forgetting tasks, and stay focused.

Use time blocks and a to-do list

Productivity tip to manage the day and stay focused, avoiding unproductive days.

Personal agile board for task management

A tool to write down and prioritise tasks based on urgency, helping to focus and avoid remembering everything.

Separate meeting days and focus days

Anton's goal to have days free of meetings and days dedicated to them for better focused work.

Create a daily stand-up for intentions

Tip to set daily work intentions, even if not all tasks are completed, to stay organized.

Research Reviews from Multiple Sources

Tip for improving workspaces: Read reviews from various sources, especially recent ones, to assess product quality and suitability.

Limit side gig time to no more than two hours daily

To prevent burnout and maintain a balance between main job and side projects.

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Introduces a simple rule to push past hesitation and take action in just five seconds, helping overcome procrastination and build mental resilience.

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Shares a morning routine to transform life by setting a positive tone for the day, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

Blends smart productivity tips with self-care strategies, arguing that joy is the key to productivity and providing actionable advice to boost accompl...

The Joy of Missing Out by Tanya Dalton

Helps readers find balance by focusing on what truly matters, reducing burnout risk from trying to do it all through practical systems to simplify lif...

Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Emphasizes the importance of rest for enhancing productivity, providing practical tips on deliberate rest strategies like taking breaks and setting bo...

"Deep Work" by Cal Newport

Teaches the art of focusing deeply on important tasks without distractions, outlining four key rules to transform habits and achieve exceptional resul...

"The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Focuses on identifying the most important task each day to do less but achieve more, helping with prioritization and reducing distractions.

"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg

Explores the science behind habits and how to change them to improve productivity, with stories from diverse fields illustrating habit impact.

"168 Hours" by Laura Vanderkam

Debunks the myth of not having enough time by auditing weekly hours and allocating time to important activities for a balanced life.

"When" by Daniel H. Pink

Explores the science of timing to leverage personal rhythms and natural daily patterns for optimal scheduling of activities.

"Time Management Magic" by Lee Cockerell

Shares executive-level strategies from a former Disney executive to organise work and personal life, moving from surviving to thriving.

"The Time Chunking Method" by Damon Zahariades

Breaks the day into manageable time chunks for focused work, reducing stress and improving organisation and productivity.

"First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill, and Rebecca R. Merrill

Emphasises prioritising important tasks over urgent ones to align daily actions with long-term goals and values.

"The Organized Mind" by Daniel J. Levitin

Explores how the brain manages information and provides strategies to stay organised amid distractions, enhancing productivity and reducing stress.

"Your Best Year Ever" by Michael Hyatt

Combines time management and goal-setting techniques to set and achieve important goals through a structured growth framework.

Establish a routine

Start your day at the same time each morning to create structure and consistency, signaling to the brain it's time to work.

The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Book about essentialism, helping with focus and productivity.

Clear working plan

Tip for working from home: have a daily clear working plan and avoid including weekends.

Complete most important tasks in the morning

Since mornings are when one is most alert and focused, avoiding frustration from kid interruptions.

The PARA Method by Tiago Forte

Book providing an easy-to-follow system for organizing digital life and recalling saved content.

Focus on small wins, set micro-goals, work in short bursts with timers

Tips to overcome procrastination and increase productivity by tackling tiny tasks and minimizing distractions.

Pomodoro method

25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break, with longer sprints and breaks as needed.

Plan and structure the day like an office setting

Tip for working from home: determine a schedule for start, breaks, and end of workday to maintain productivity.

Use a TODO.txt file to track tasks, moving lines as priorities shift and deleting completed items

A system for staying organized, managing tasks with a simple text file.

Scheduled Focus Time

Setting aside specific time slots for focused work to maximize productivity while working from home.

Time blocking technique

Planning the schedule hourly, including meals, gym, and work, to manage time effectively and avoid tasks dragging on, following Parkinson’s Law.

Use Pomodoros throughout the day

A time-management technique to take needed breaks and stay productive.

Take multiple short breaks when working from home

Combat distractions by working in chunks, taking 5-10 minute breaks (e.g., walking dog, playing guitar) to avoid burnout on complex projects.

Writing out tasks

Writing tasks on paper and crossing them out upon completion to enhance focus and satisfaction.

Take frequent breaks

Taking quick breaks helps reset the mind, undo tunnel vision, and return to work with a refreshed perspective for better problem-solving.

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Focus Techniques- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Listen to podcasts for concentration

Conversational speech in podcasts helps with focus while working from home, more than music.

Lyric-free music played during creative tasks to mitigate distractions.

Separate space for gaming (if possible)

Tip: have a separate space for gaming to avoid distractions in the workspace.

Dress as if going to work in person

Tip: avoid wearing pajamas at the desk; putting effort into attire helps get into a serious headspace.

Get ready as if commuting to an office

Helps put you in a different, more serious mood to work, even when working from home.

Start with exciting tasks for ADHD management

Focus on more exciting long-form or short-form videos first as it's difficult to force oneself to do unstimulating tasks with ADHD.

Switch workspaces occasionally

Sometimes use the MacBook Pro in the bedroom for admin stuff or bring it to coffee shops with the iPad Pro for new inspiration.

Apple Music focus playlists (20% volume)

Used to help with focus while writing copy, developing strategies, or editing videos.

Avoid distractions during creative hours

Staying focused by avoiding email, Slack, or Twist during the morning creative window to boost productivity.

Have a cosy and tidy office space

Helps in starting the day well and being productive while working from home.

Set task timers and take breaks

Improve productivity by setting timers for each task and taking breaks away from the desk, such as walking outside.

Minimize distractions in home workspace

Vital tip to create a space that reduces distractions, crucial for productivity when working from home.

Check phone only after sitting at desk

A new habit to build focus, avoiding phone distractions until starting work at the desk.

Avoid household chores during work

Staying off chores like laundry or dishes while working to prevent burnout and ensure tasks are completed.

Put phone away during work

Place the phone on charge across the room, set to 'Do Not Disturb', and take phone breaks (30 minutes every two hours) to maintain focus and work mome...

Lo-fi or Ambient Music

Sets the vibe for work, creating a calming atmosphere to enhance focus and motivation.

Block distractions with Do Not Disturb mode

Use Do Not Disturb on phone and computer to minimize interruptions.

Limit Zoom Meetings

Minimizing Zoom calls (no more than one or two per week) to prevent disruption of focused work time and maintain productivity.

Leave Phone in Another Room

Keeping the phone in a separate room to eliminate distractions and enhance concentration during work hours.

Limit social media use

To reduce distraction and avoid bad moods from excessive use.

Watch TechSource

Recommended for getting inspiration from various setups reviewed by Ed.

Listen to music with headphones while working

Aids in focusing and reducing distractions during work hours.

Lo-fi/comfy beats video (1-hour)

An hour-long YouTube video to signal break time when finished.

Maintain a clean and minimalist desk setup

A tip to minimise distractions and boost productivity, as it has significantly helped in the creator's own setup.

Cut down on distractions

Advice to optimize the workspace by removing unnecessary elements to improve focus and productivity.

Keep the workspace tidy

A cluttered space can disrupt concentration, so maintaining tidiness is important for focus.

Practice discipline when working from home

Staying on track despite the home environment's potential for distractions.

Find a dedicated, distraction-free workspace

Even in shared spaces, a specific area for work helps in concentrating without interruptions.

Single monitor setup

Using one monitor to narrow focus, helpful for deep analytical and reasoning tasks.

Clean workspace

A clutter-free desk keeps the mind clear, reduces distractions, and aids concentration.

reusable earplugs

When it’s time to buckle down and concentrate, reusable earplugs can be a real help, especially when your office mate is on a call.

Ritual and routine for focus

Establishing morning rituals like making coffee or tea to clear the mind before work.

Showering and getting ready for work from home

Showering and preparing for the day to maintain productivity while working from home.

Working from a local coffee shop when losing focus

Relocating to a coffee shop with an iPad Pro when focus wanes at home.

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Other- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

"Overwhelmed" by Brigid Schulte

Delves into cultural and societal pressures causing overwhelm, offering practical tips to reclaim time and balance work and personal responsibilities ...

"Drop the Ball" by Tiffany Dufu

Encourages letting go of perfectionism and delegating more, offering practical tips for women to balance professional and personal responsibilities by...

Invest in good lighting

Tip to use low-level lighting like lamps and LEDs with warmer tones and consistent colour palette (70–20–10 rule) to improve workspace mood.

Before building your desk setup, start by understanding your needs and personal style, but don’t feel the need to include everything you like. 'Less is more' is key to visual clarity. Your setup will evolve over time, so flexibility matters. Invest in quality items, even second-hand ones, since they tend to hold their value and can be resold or passed on when you no longer need them.

Tips for other makers to improve their workspaces, emphasizing understanding needs, 'less is more', flexibility, and investing in quality items.

Plan your schedule and to-do list in detail when working from home to stay focused and avoid blurring the line between work and personal time.

Tips for working from home to maintain productivity and work-life balance.

Morning routine (making coffee, opening Sleep Cycle app)

Sets up the day for productivity, part of the daily schedule to start work effectively.

Using headphones to block distractions

Helps stay focused and get into the flow, improving productivity while working from home.

Tidying up the workspace every morning

Putting things back and clearing unnecessary items to keep the desk organized and focused.

Grouping similar items for organization

Helps keep everything organized and easy to find, maintaining a clean workspace.

Take your time building your ideal desk setup, starting with what you have and building gradually

Advice to avoid complete overhauls and invest in bigger items slowly.

Embrace imperfections in your setup; it's okay if things look worn and used

Tip to prioritize realism over an influencer-perfect aesthetic.

Consider modularity and upgradability when choosing furniture and accessories

Example given of reusing the KARLBY tabletop with a new Ergo Desk Frame.

Start with defining the purpose and desired feel of your workspace (energising, cosy, etc.)

Tip to shape the setup based on intended use and atmosphere.

Switch up work locations (kitchen, living room) to avoid getting unfocused at the desk

Advice to change scenery for better focus and productivity.

Separate sleeping and working areas

Create separation between bedroom and workspace, e.g., facing back towards the bed or using physical dividers, to stay focused and improve sleep quali...

Make bed immediately

Make the bed right after waking up to avoid distraction from a cluttered bed, which can cause unease and disrupt focus.

Invest in good quality products (especially staples like desk, chair, monitors)

They can last a long time and provide a return on investment, though may be expensive initially.

Don't get everything immediately; save up, wait for sales, or look for affordable alternatives

A tip for improving workspaces without overspending, being practical with purchases.

Buy only the things that you need, not what you want

Avoiding unnecessary items to maintain simplicity and functionality in the setup.

Plan and measure before setting up

Key to getting the setup right, avoiding rushing the process.

Have a separate space for work

Helps in focusing on work and staying productive when working from home.

Stay disciplined and don't delay things

A habit that helps in managing work effectively and avoiding piled-up tasks.

The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest (audiobook)

Audiobook recommended for challenging self-sabotage and transforming habits.

Ramit Sethi's content on Spotify

Content focused on improving relationship with money, available on Spotify.

Create a mood board with Canva

Tip to visualize workspace items and ensure they fit the desired theme before purchasing.

Experiment to find comfortable workspace

Advice to experiment and find what makes you most comfortable and productive in your own home office, as setup is individual.

Place desk near a window for natural light

Soaking up natural light is a great mood booster and helps you feel more awake and focused.

Position desk perpendicular to window to avoid distraction

Allows getting natural light without being tempted to gaze outside all day, suitable for easily distracted people.

Utilize underused spots like under stairs or hallway nook

These surprising gems can serve as compact workspaces in small living areas.

Back-to-back desks for shared space

Gives each person their own zone, helping to maintain peace in a shared office.

U-shaped layout for three desks in small office

Positions each desk against a wall, opening into the room, keeping center clear to avoid cramped feeling.

Wide hallway, large closet or living room nook as workspace

Turns underutilised areas into functional workstations when no spare room is available.

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Delves into two systems of thinking (fast intuitive and slow logical) to explain decision-making, helping leverage this understanding to enhance produ...

Remote: Office Not Required

Written by Basecamp founders, this book offers practical tips on staying productive, motivated, and building remote work culture, suitable for new rem...

The Remote Work Revolution

Tsedal Neeley provides research-backed strategies and tools for successful remote work, ideal for understanding best practices.

Virtual Freedom

Chris Ducker guides on delegating tasks, managing virtual teams, outsourcing, and leadership to free up time, aimed at entrepreneurs and virtual team ...

The Long-Distance Leader

Offers practical tips on communication, trust-building, and management for leading remote teams, using the 3 O model (self-leadership, engaging others...

Work Together Anywhere

Provides a roadmap for creating productive remote work culture with advice on teamwork, communication, and collaboration, suitable for improving team ...

The Art of Working Remotely

Scott Dawson shares personal journey and practical tips for remote work success, including setting up an effective workspace, for new remote workers.

Distributed Teams

John O’Duinn gives insights on building/managing distributed teams with communication and cohesion strategies, updated with COVID-19 remote work insig...

The Ultimate Guide to Remote Work

Zapier Team’s all-in-one guide on remote work best practices, tools, communication, and productivity, from a 100% distributed company.

"Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

A classic book teaching the importance of setting healthy boundaries in all areas of life, providing practical advice on how to say no and set limits,...

"The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Teaches to focus on the most important task each day to achieve great results without giving up personal time, helping to cut distractions and boost p...

"Off the Clock" by Laura Vanderkam

Explores how to feel less busy while getting more done, sharing practical tips on creating time abundance and managing schedules effectively through r...

"The Work-Life Balance Myth" by David J. McNeff

Challenges traditional strict separation of work and personal life, introducing the holistic "Seven-Slice Method" for integrating different life aspec...

"Feel-Good Productivity" by Ali Abdaal

Focuses on achieving work-life balance by prioritising joyful activities, providing strategies to enhance productivity in a fulfilling and sustainable...

"Work Simply" by Carson Tate

Provides strategies to streamline work and free up personal time by identifying and tailoring to personal productivity styles (Arrangers, Prioritisers...

"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma

Advocates for a morning routine to take control of the day, boosting productivity, well-being, and achieving more in personal and professional areas t...

Indistractable by Nir Eyal with Julie Li

Nir Eyal offers practical techniques to help you control your attention and manage both internal and external triggers that lead to distraction, provi...

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

Cal Newport discusses how to declutter your digital life and regain control over your technology use, presenting a philosophy that advocates for inten...

The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

Nicholas Carr explores how the internet is reshaping our brains and diminishing our ability to concentrate, delving into the science of how constant d...

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown teaches the disciplined pursuit of less, focusing on what truly matters to eliminate non-essential tasks and activities, helping readers ...

Focus by Daniel Goleman

Daniel Goleman dives into the science of attention, offering insights on how to improve focus in an increasingly distracted world, exploring its role ...

The Art of Focus by Dan Koe

Dan Koe offers a unique perspective on achieving focus through a blend of modern business strategies, productivity, spirituality, philosophy, psycholo...

The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu

Tim Wu explores the history and strategies used by advertisers, technology companies, and other entities to capture and monetise our attention, examin...

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Johann Hari investigates the reasons behind the widespread decline in our ability to concentrate, exploring factors like technology, environmental cha...

Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey provides a comprehensive guide to managing your attention and boosting productivity, combining practical tips with scientific insights to...

I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam

Vanderkam debunks the myth that you can't have it all by analysing the schedules of successful women who manage to balance work and family through det...

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey

Covey applies his classic principles of effectiveness to family life, providing a framework to balance family and work through effective habits, commu...

The Working Mom Survival Guide by Suzanne Riss and Teresa Palagano

Offers down-to-earth tips and real-life advice for working mums juggling career and family, packed with relatable stories and practical strategies to ...

Balance is B.S. by Tamara Loehr

Loehr challenges the conventional idea of perfect work-life balance, offering a fresh perspective on integrating work and family life in a harmonious ...

The New Corner Office by Laura Vanderkam

Provides strategies for thriving in remote work while balancing commitments, with advice on creating productive home workspaces, managing time, and se...

Mompowerment by Suzanne Brown

Shares stories and strategies from working mums who balanced careers and family lives through personal anecdotes and practical advice to navigate dual...

The Family Manager Takes Charge by Kathy Peel

Provides a comprehensive guide to managing a household like a business, with structured advice on organising schedules, budgeting, meal planning, and ...

Home Office Checklist

A complete checklist to help organise a home office with 50+ ideas, available as a two-page PDF document for free download.

Be patient and never give up, invest in good quality items

Advice for other makers: creating a dream setup takes time and money, but patience and quality investments are worth it for a happy space.

BGE blogging course

A blogging course that is helping Ross Robinson grow his business.

Prioritise function over form

Start with gear that meets functional needs before focusing on aesthetics to avoid impractical but stylish items.

Improve video call and recording setup

Current goal to enhance the setup for better video communication and content creation.

71 total recommendationsView Category →

Communication- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Communicate with colleagues

Tip to join huddles or coffee catch-ups to avoid isolation while working remotely.

Forge connections over Slack with time, effort, and openness

Advice for overcoming the social aspect of WFH, building relationships with co-workers through the platform.

2 total recommendationsView Category →

Automation- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss

Shows how to streamline tasks and automate routines to save time and boost efficiency, focusing on working smarter, not harder.

1 total recommendationsView Category →

Writing- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Improve writing skills and use Grammarly

Enhance asynchronous communication by expressing clearly; use Grammarly to tidy up writing.

1 total recommendationsView Category →

Project Management- Remote Work Setup

⚡ Productivity

Set clear goals with Todoist or Notion

Outline daily tasks and objectives, prioritizing important work and using tools to measure productivity.

1 total recommendationsView Category →

Productivity - Remote Work Setup Guide