Remote work has its own pitfalls. Many people repeat the same mistakes, often without realizing these patterns are holding them back. Here are the most common productivity mistakes and how to avoid them.
Environment Mistakes
Working From Bed
It seems comfortable, but it's problematic:
- Poor posture and ergonomics
- Blurs sleep and work associations
- Reduces sleep quality over time
- Makes getting up and working harder
Instead: Have a designated work spot, even if small. Reserve bed for sleep.
No Dedicated Workspace
- Working from random spots lacks consistency
- No mental association with "work mode"
- Constantly setting up and finding materials
- Harder to establish routines
Instead: Designate one spot, even a corner or section of a table.
Ignoring Ergonomics
- "Temporary" discomfort becomes chronic
- Pain and fatigue reduce focus
- Small problems become bigger ones
Instead: Invest in a decent chair. Position screen properly. Take breaks.
Time Management Mistakes
No Set Hours
- Work expands to fill all time
- No clear boundaries with others
- Either overworking or underworking
- Constant availability exhausts you
Instead: Set work hours and stick to them most days.
Skipping Breaks
- "I'll just power through" doesn't work
- Focus deteriorates without breaks
- Physical strain accumulates
- Afternoon productivity crashes
Instead: Schedule breaks. Take real breaks away from desk.
No Lunch Break
- Eating at desk while working
- Skipping meals entirely
- No mid-day mental reset
Instead: Take 30+ minutes. Step away from workspace. Actually eat.
Boundary Mistakes
Always Being Available
- Responding to messages instantly, always
- Checking work communications in evenings/weekends
- Feeling guilty when not immediately responsive
- Never truly disconnecting from work
Instead: Set response time expectations. Protect off-hours.
Letting Work Spread
- Work items throughout your living space
- Laptop in living room, bedroom, kitchen
- Never putting work "away"
- Home becomes office, not home
Instead: Contain work to designated area. Put things away at end of day.
No End-of-Day Ritual
- Work just... fades into evening
- No clear transition point
- Mind stays in work mode
- Difficulty relaxing
Instead: Create shutdown routine. Review, close, put away, transition.
Focus Mistakes
Multitasking
- Attempting multiple tasks simultaneously
- Constant context switching
- Partial attention on everything
- Nothing gets full focus
Instead: One task at a time. Block time for single-focus work.
Phone on Desk
- Constant temptation to check
- Notifications interrupt focus
- Even seeing it reduces concentration
Instead: Phone in another room during focus periods. Check at specific times.
Too Many Open Tabs
- Visual clutter reduces focus
- Each tab is a potential distraction
- Harder to find what you need
- Browser becomes cognitive burden
Instead: Close tabs you're not using. Keep only current task visible.
Routine Mistakes
No Morning Routine
- Rolling out of bed to laptop
- No transition into work mode
- Starting day in reactive mode
- Missing the "commute" benefit
Instead: Create consistent morning sequence before work starts.
Staying in Pajamas
- Comfortable but signals "not really working"
- Affects your mental state
- Blurs home/work identity
Instead: Change clothes, even if casual. Signal "work mode" to yourself.
Inconsistent Schedule
- Different start times each day
- No predictable rhythm
- Hard to build sustainable habits
- Others can't know when you're available
Instead: Consistent core hours. Flexibility within structure.
Wellbeing Mistakes
Never Leaving the Apartment
- No fresh air or daylight
- No change of scenery
- Cabin fever and isolation
- Missing incidental exercise
Instead: Leave apartment daily, even briefly. Walk, errand, anything.
Isolation
- No social interaction during work day
- Missing casual colleague connection
- Feeling disconnected
Instead: Schedule social contact. Virtual coffee with colleagues. See friends.
Most Mistakes Are Gradual
These patterns often develop slowly. You start skipping one break, then all breaks. You check email once in the evening, then constantly. Periodic self-assessment helps catch problems before they become entrenched habits.