Work from home tips are practical habits and setup changes that help you stay productive, comfortable, and mentally well while working remotely. The best approach combines a clear routine, an ergonomic workspace, smart time management, and boundaries that protect your focus.
Below are proven, UK-friendly tips you can apply immediately—whether you’re hybrid, fully remote, self-employed, or managing a team.
Quick answer: What are the best work from home tips?
The best work from home tips are: set consistent work hours, create a dedicated workspace, plan your day in blocks, reduce digital distractions, communicate proactively, take regular breaks, and protect your wellbeing with movement and clear boundaries.
Why working from home can feel harder than expected
Remote work removes commuting, but it also removes natural structure. Many people struggle with blurred boundaries, constant notifications, and a workspace that wasn’t designed for eight hours of screen time.
Common challenges UK workers report include:
- Context switching from household tasks to deep work
- Back/neck strain from makeshift setups (sofa, kitchen chair)
- Always-on pressure from chats, emails, and meetings
- Loneliness and reduced informal connection
Expert insight: In knowledge work, productivity tends to drop when your day becomes “reaction-driven” (messages and meetings) rather than “priority-driven” (planned tasks). The tips below focus on building back that structure.
Workspace setup: the foundation of good work from home tips
Your environment affects your energy, focus, and comfort. A few adjustments can reduce fatigue and help you concentrate for longer.
1) Create a dedicated work zone (even if it’s small)
Definition: A dedicated work zone is a consistent place used mainly for work, helping your brain associate that area with focus.
- Use a specific corner of a room, not the bed or sofa
- If space is tight, try a folding desk or a laptop stand you can pack away
- Keep work items together in a box or drawer to reduce clutter
2) Aim for a basic ergonomic setup
You don’t need an expensive chair to improve ergonomics. Start with the essentials:
- Screen height: top of monitor roughly at eye level (use books or a stand)
- Chair support: cushion or rolled towel for lower back
- Keyboard/mouse: elbows around 90 degrees; wrists neutral
- Feet: flat on the floor or on a footrest (a sturdy box works)
Real-world example: A Brighton-based customer support adviser switched from laptop-on-lap to a £25 laptop stand + external keyboard. Within a week, they reported fewer headaches and less neck tension after long shifts.
3) Improve lighting and reduce eye strain
- Face a window if possible for natural light (avoid glare on the screen)
- Use a desk lamp with warm/neutral light for dark afternoons
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
4) Keep your workspace “meeting-ready”
A meeting-ready space reduces stress and prevents last-minute scrambling.
- Keep your background tidy or use a consistent blur
- Check audio once a week (microphone, headset, settings)
- Have a notepad and pen within reach for quick capture
Work from home tips for productivity and focus
Productivity at home is less about working longer and more about working with clarity. These techniques help you plan, prioritise, and finish tasks without burning out.
5) Start the day with a 10-minute plan
Definition: Daily planning is choosing your top priorities before distractions begin.
Use this simple structure:
- Top 3 outcomes: What must be true by end of day?
- One “must-do” task: The most important deliverable
- Admin window: A set time for emails/messages
6) Time block your calendar (even if you’re not a manager)
- Block 60–90 minutes for deep work
- Batch meetings into set windows where possible
- Add a 10-minute buffer between calls for notes and resets
Real-world example: A London-based analyst moved all recurring meetings to Tuesdays/Thursdays and reserved Monday mornings for deep work. They cut late finishes by keeping high-focus tasks out of fragmented meeting days.
7) Use a “shutdown ritual” to stop work bleeding into the evening
A shutdown ritual is a short routine that signals your working day is finished.
- Write tomorrow’s Top 3
- Close tabs and log out of work accounts
- Tidy your desk for 2 minutes
- Physically leave the work zone (even if it’s just closing a laptop)
8) Control distractions with one change at a time
Try these high-impact, low-effort switches:
- Put your phone in another room for one focus block
- Turn off non-essential notifications (especially chat pop-ups)
- Use “Do Not Disturb” during deep work blocks and tell your team your hours
- Keep only one browser window open when writing or analysing
9) Work in sprints (Pomodoro-style) for mental stamina
- 25 minutes focus + 5 minutes break, repeated 3–4 times
- Or 50 minutes focus + 10 minutes break if you prefer longer flow
This method works well for writing, reporting, coding, and admin catch-up.
10) Choose the right task for your energy level
Definition: Energy-based planning matches tasks to when you feel most alert.
- Morning: deep work (strategy, writing, problem solving)
- Early afternoon: meetings and collaboration
- Late afternoon: admin, inbox, planning
Communication tips for remote and hybrid work
Good communication is a core remote-working skill. It prevents rework, reduces misunderstandings, and builds trust.
11) Over-communicate the “what, when, and next step”
- What: What you’re doing
- When: When it’ll be done (realistic ETA)
- Next step: What you need from others, if anything
12) Use agendas for meetings (and end with actions)
For recurring calls, keep a shared agenda document.
- Start with the goal of the meeting
- List discussion points in priority order
- Finish with clear owners and deadlines
13) Choose the right channel
- Chat: quick clarifications
- Email: formal decisions and external stakeholders
- Doc/comment: feedback and collaboration
- Call: sensitive topics or complex alignment
14) Set expectations for response times
One of the most practical work from home tips is agreeing what “urgent” means.
- Define typical response windows (e.g., within 4 working hours)
- Create an escalation path for urgent issues
- Avoid “always online” culture where possible
Wellbeing and health: sustainable work from home tips
Remote work is only effective if it’s sustainable. Comfort, movement, and mental boundaries protect your long-term performance.
15) Move every hour (micro-movement counts)
- Stand during a call
- Stretch calves/hips for 60 seconds
- Walk to fill your water bottle
Practical UK idea: If you’re able, add a short “fake commute” walk before work or at lunch—10–15 minutes around the block can improve mood and focus.
16) Protect your lunch break
- Put lunch in your calendar
- Eat away from your desk at least 3 days a week
- Prep an easy option (soup, salad, leftovers) to avoid skipping meals
17) Manage stress with clear boundaries
- Set a realistic end time and communicate it
- Don’t “just check” messages after hours
- If you’re hybrid, keep home days for focus work when possible
18) Prevent loneliness with planned connection
- Schedule a weekly virtual coffee with a colleague
- Use a co-working day once a fortnight if your role allows
- Join a professional community or local networking group
19) Keep home and work separate where you can
- Use separate browser profiles for work/personal
- Separate devices if available (or separate user accounts)
- Store work kit out of sight after hours
Home life logistics: reduce friction and save time
Many remote workers lose time to small daily annoyances. A few systems can create smoother days.
20) Build a “start-of-day” checklist
- Open your task list and calendar
- Close personal tabs
- Fill water, make tea/coffee
- Confirm your Top 3 tasks
21) Plan for deliveries, pets, and family interruptions
- Use a sign or signal for “in a meeting”
- Schedule demanding tasks when the house is quiet
- Keep a quick reset plan for interruptions (note where you stopped)
22) Use a “one-touch” admin rule
When possible, handle small admin items once:
- Book appointments immediately
- File documents right away
- Answer simple emails in one pass (or schedule them)
Work from home tips for managers (UK teams)
If you manage people remotely, your job is to create clarity, trust, and psychological safety.
23) Measure outcomes, not online time
Definition: Outcome-based management focuses on deliverables and quality rather than hours visibly spent online.
- Set clear goals and deadlines
- Agree what “good” looks like
- Review progress in short, regular check-ins
24) Improve meeting hygiene
- Default to 25/50-minute meetings instead of 30/60
- Cancel meetings with no agenda
- Rotate facilitation so everyone participates
25) Support new starters with a simple onboarding plan
- First-week schedule with key contacts and goals
- Buddy system for informal questions
- Written “how we work” guide (tools, response times, processes)
Summary: the work from home tips that make the biggest difference
If you only implement five changes, start here:
- Create a consistent workspace and improve ergonomics
- Plan your day with Top 3 priorities
- Time block deep work and batch admin
- Reduce notifications and protect focus sprints
- Set boundaries with a shutdown ritual and real breaks
These habits support productivity, comfort, and long-term wellbeing—without needing a perfect home office.
FAQ: Work from home tips
What is the best daily routine for working from home?
A strong work-from-home routine includes a consistent start time, a 10-minute plan (Top 3 priorities), 1–2 deep work blocks, a protected lunch break, and a short shutdown ritual to end the day. Consistency matters more than complexity.
How can I stay productive working from home with distractions?
Start by controlling the biggest distractions: silence non-essential notifications, put your phone in another room for focus blocks, and time block your day. If distractions are household-related, agree “quiet hours” with others and schedule deep work when the home is calm.
Do I need a proper office chair to work from home?
No—but you do need basic ergonomic support. Raise your screen to eye level, support your lower back with a cushion, keep elbows around 90 degrees, and ensure your feet are supported. Small changes often reduce discomfort significantly.
How do I stop working from home from affecting my mental health?
Use boundaries (set hours, shutdown ritual), movement (short walks and standing breaks), and planned social connection (weekly catch-ups). If stress persists, speak to your manager, GP, or an employee assistance programme if available.
What are good work from home tips for hybrid workers in the UK?
On home days, prioritise deep work and tasks requiring focus. On office days, schedule collaboration, meetings, and relationship-building. Keep one consistent system for tasks and notes so nothing gets lost between locations.
How can I make video calls more professional at home?
Use stable lighting, keep your background tidy (or use blur), and prioritise clear audio with a headset. Keep a meeting-ready setup so you can join calls confidently without last-minute changes.