Home Office: Our Tips & Tricks from 20+ Years of Remote Work Expertise

Remote work became the norm almost overnight during the pandemic. Many organizations struggled at first. Over time, though, they saw real benefits. One report shows that 90% of companies now offer flexible work options. Still, only 61% of project professionals work remotely at least once a week "PMI Pulse of the Profession 2024 Report", page 15. Some leaders are pushing for a return to the office. Yet many employees say hybrid or fully remote setups work best. Our experience shows that remote work can boost output, if managed right.

But opinions vary: only 25% of senior leaders see remote work as more effective than on-site arrangements, while 33% of project managers feel that way "PMI Pulse of the Profession 2024 Report", page 16. Experts call this gap “productivity paranoia.” Clear strategies and regular communication help close it. In this guide, we'll talk about our own learnings from 20+ years of remote work.

Our Story: Why we are Remote-only
Remote Work Made Simple: Helpful Tips & Tricks
Pro's and Con's of Remote Work
Bridging the Gap Between Leaders and Teams
Future Trends and Innovations in Remote Work
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Looking back, the concept of remote work was once a bold experiment. In the early days, when the internet was still evolving and communication was largely bound to physical offices, the idea of working from home seemed almost fantastical. I remember the early conversations during the Coronavirus era when people would ask, “You lucky guys do home office, don’t you?” This wasn’t just about comfort—it was a new way of approaching work, and it soon became clear that decentralized work was not only possible but could also be highly effective.

We at ProjectWizards are remote-only from the beginning. That means we have 20+ years of remote work experience on our belts. In this guide, we share our tried-and-true tips and tricks with you.

Our Story: Why we are Remote-only

Our remote story started in 2004 — long before “remote work” became a buzzword. Back then, people thought we were a bit crazy. Some even called it a hobby. But why are we remote-only? Our headquarters is in Melle – a small but cozy town in Lower Saxony, Germany. Big companies can build their whole infrastructure around their offices. Think of SAP in Walldorf or Trigema in Burladingen. But for smaller businesses, especially new ones, that just doesn't work. Attracting talented people and convincing them to relocate can be incredibly challenging.

So, we decided to go fully remote. Today, our team is scattered across Germany. We meet in person every three months to stay connected and hold regular online meetings via Zoom. Here are some tips that helped us over the past two decades:

Remote Work Made Simple: Helpful Tips & Tricks

To help you succeed in a remote work environment, here are some practical tips and strategies that have been refined over our extensive experience:

1. Establish a Routine

Even though remote work offers flexibility, having a daily routine can help create structure. Define clear working hours and stick to them as much as possible.

In the video below, the Productivity YouTuber Ali Abdaal shares how he sets up his "ideal week" to maintain a routine and focus on what truly matters.

2. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Whether it's a corner of your living room or a fully equipped office, having your own workspace makes a big difference. If possible, set up a dedicated office you can leave behind at the end of the day. Closing the door has a powerful psychological effect. It clearly signals, "I'm done working now," and helps you mentally disconnect.

If you don't have a separate room, try going for a short walk after work. Even a quick stroll around the block can create that feeling of "coming home," helping you leave work behind.

3. Leverage Asynchronous Communication

Not every discussion needs to happen in real time. Use tools like email or collaborative platforms to communicate effectively without the pressure of immediate responses.

4. Prioritize Breaks and Physical Activity

Schedule short breaks to stretch, walk, or simply relax. A refreshed mind is key to maintaining high productivity. Plus, (but this also goes for office workers) try to stand up shortly every hour.

Even standing up once per hour for 5 minutes yields massive health benefits:

• Improves posture, reducing neck and back pain.
• Slightly increases calorie burn.
• Boosts energy, productivity, and concentration.
• Lowers risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

However, standing alone doesn't substitute for regular exercise. Make sure to add physical activity to the mix.

5. Invest in Reliable Technology

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and the right equipment for your digital workflow. Traveling to a remote island or a cozy cabin in the woods might sound appealing. But if you need to talk to colleagues or do online research, staying connected is essential. Always check your internet access beforehand, so your remote adventure doesn't disrupt your workflow.

6. Meeting Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts for Online Meetings

Dos:

• Check Your Tech: Test your internet, camera, and software before joining.
• Be Prepared: Keep relevant materials accessible.
• Start on Time: Be punctual; inform others if delayed.
• Clear Communication: Speak clearly, introduce yourself, and smile—it comes through in your voice.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear suitable business attire visible on camera.
• Moderate Effectively: Set an agenda, introduce participants, and manage speaking turns.
• Minimize Distractions: Ensure a quiet environment, mute microphones when not speaking, and tidy your desktop before screen-sharing.
• Keep it Short: Limit meetings to under 90 minutes to maintain engagement.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Multitasking: Don’t check emails, social media, or do other work.
• No Interruptions: Allow others to finish speaking; politely interject only when necessary.
• Avoid Disturbing Noises: Be mindful of eating or drinking sounds near microphones.
• Watch Gestures: Avoid potentially misunderstood gestures, especially in international settings.
• Don’t Skip Moderation: Lack of clear moderation leads to off-topic discussions and monologues.

Curious for more? Check out our full article on Do's and Don'ts in virtual meetings

7. Regularly Review and Adjust

What works today might need tweaking tomorrow. Regularly assess your work habits and make adjustments to improve efficiency. It’s a good idea to e.g. block an hour every Friday afternoon to review your week, reflect on your progress, and adjust your plans for the next one.

Some questions you may ask yourself:

• What went well this week, and what could be improved?
• Which tasks did I complete this week, and what should I prioritize next?
• What important activities or events do I need to prepare for in the coming weeks?
• Where do I currently stand regarding my quarterly goals?

Pro's and Con's of Remote Work

Benefits and Opportunities of a Home Office Setup

One of the most compelling aspects of remote work is the flexibility it offers. When you’re not tethered to a traditional office, you gain the freedom to structure your day in a way that suits your lifestyle and work habits. Here are some key benefits:

• Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Remote work allows for a personalized schedule. This flexibility often leads to improved work-life balance and higher job satisfaction.
• Increased Autonomy: Employees have the opportunity to manage their time and workload independently, which can foster a sense of ownership and accountability.
• Cost Savings: Both employees and employers benefit from reduced overhead costs. There’s less need for physical office space, and employees save time and money on commuting.
• Access to Global Talent: Organizations can tap into a wider talent pool, unbound by geographic restrictions.

Our long-standing experience—over 20 years of running a home-office only operation—has taught us that these benefits, when paired with the right strategies and tools, can lead to a highly productive and engaged workforce. It’s not just about working from home; it’s about creating an environment where innovation and efficiency thrive.

Despite its many benefits, remote work comes with its own set of challenges. The absence of physical interaction can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, miscommunication, or even burnout if boundaries are not maintained.

Common Challenges of a Home Office Setup

• Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction: Working from home might mean fewer face-to-face interactions, which can affect team cohesion.
• Blurred Boundaries: Without a clear separation between work and personal life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of working too much.
• Communication Hurdles: The absence of in-person cues can lead to misunderstandings and delays in decision-making.

Reflecting on our early experiences, we remember a time when working remotely meant not only fighting against the skepticism of traditional office cultures but also learning the hard way about the importance of structured communication. Our decentralized approach initially faced resistance—many thought it was impossible to coordinate effectively from different locations. However, by establishing clear guidelines for working hours, communication protocols, and team meetings, we turned these challenges into opportunities for innovation.

A crucial lesson learned was that a home office cannot simply be ordered by an employer—it must be a mutually agreed-upon, voluntary arrangement. This principle of voluntariness has been central to our success and is something every organization should consider.

Bridging the Gap Between Leaders and Teams

A critical aspect of remote work is the way it’s perceived by different levels of management. Senior leaders and project managers often have contrasting views on the effectiveness of remote work. While project managers tend to be more optimistic—33% believe remote work is more effective—only 25% of senior leaders share this sentiment. This difference may stem from what some experts call “productivity paranoia,” where leaders worry that remote work leads to lost productivity due to the absence of physical oversight.

In our experience, trust and clear communication bridge this gap. By focusing on results instead of tracking every minute, managers empower teams to work independently. The best part? It creates a culture where everyone feels valued and trusted. That's exactly how we've built a team we're incredibly proud of—with very low turnover, too.

Our journey has taught us that successful remote management requires:

• Clear Goals and Expectations: Define measurable objectives and ensure every team member understands their role.
• Regular Check-Ins: While remote work offers flexibility, regular updates and virtual meetings help maintain team cohesion.
• Transparent Communication: Utilize digital tools to create open channels for feedback, ideas, and problem-solving.

By embracing these principles, we have managed to maintain strong, productive teams even in the absence of a physical office space.

Future Trends and Innovations in Remote Work

Looking ahead, the landscape of remote work is set to evolve even further. Advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and enhanced cybersecurity, promise to redefine how teams collaborate and innovate. Here are some trends to keep an eye on:

• Increased Adoption of AI: Automation tools and AI-driven platforms will further streamline workflows, making routine tasks more efficient.
• Hybrid Work Models: While fully remote work has its merits, many organizations are exploring hybrid models that blend the best of both in-person and remote work.
• Enhanced Virtual Collaboration: With improved digital communication tools and immersive virtual environments, the gap between remote and in-person interactions will continue to narrow.
• Focus on Employee Well-being: As remote work becomes the norm, companies will invest more in initiatives that promote mental health, work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction.
• Greater Emphasis on Data Security: With an increasing reliance on digital tools, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures will only grow.

Embracing these trends will require organizations to stay agile and forward-thinking. Our long history of home-office success is rooted in our ability to adapt and innovate, a philosophy that will undoubtedly drive future advancements in remote work.

We invite you to take these lessons to heart and explore new ways to enhance your own remote work practices. The future of work is here and it’s flexible, dynamic, and full of opportunity. Let’s build a future where productivity and innovation know no bounds.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)