How to Create a Productive WFH Routine

At Jordan Digital Marketing, working remotely is one of our core values; the founder and company firmly believes in it. Since working remotely is intentional at JDM (as our job ads say, “We were remote before it was cool!”), we have developed resources and gathered tips for creating a productive WFH routine. 

Here are five ways we support employees in being their most balanced, productive selves while WFH.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

In the early days of Covid, many people set up their WFH space from their couch, bed, or kitchen table. People found that their work and personal lives blended, and it was hard to differentiate between work and personal life. Setting up a specific area in your home dedicated to work allows employees to create mental distinction.

Most companies provide a WFH stipend to new hires so they can make their best WFH space. At JDM, we provide all new hires with a home office stipend, a list of ideas, and tried and true purchases. We encourage employees to purchase what makes them happy and productive, whether that’s a walking pad, new plants, or a gaming chair.

Establish a Routine

Most JDMers find it helpful to establish a consistent routine, similar to what someone would do in an office setting. Since all employees are fully remote, and we are dispersed across the USA and in many time zones (even HST!), establishing a routine and rhythm to the workday helps set the tone for a productive day.

Employees on the East Coast have expressed that they enjoy starting before the team on the West Coast, as it allows them time to start on projects, prepare questions for the West Coast team, and get a head start on the day. At JDM, we encourage flexibility and allow employees to tailor their schedules to fit their most productive hours. Some employees utilize the differences in time zones to their advantage and break up their work day by heading to the gym or running errands.

Time Management

WFH and time management go hand in hand. Some employees like using the Pomodoro technique or time blocking. At JDM, we have built in-house software that employees use to help them with their time management. I can personally say that one of the most crucial parts of my daily routine is setting up my dashboard in JDM’s in-house software to ensure I have enough time allocated to the day’s most important priorities.

Minimize Distractions

I like to think of myself as really good at ignoring distractions, but I’ve also had to set sound systems in place to minimize distractions (and as a mother of two school-aged children and two dogs, there are plenty of them)! 

Using noise-canceling headphones is an easy and effective way to minimize distractions—not only for me but also to be courteous and keep background noise to a minimum for internal and external meetings. I also set boundaries with my family members regarding when I can and cannot be reached, I take my dogs for a daily morning walk, and I make sure I have a plan in place for childcare. 

You’ll notice that all of this is self-directed; JDM has a culture of trust and autonomy, empowering employees to create distraction-free environments that best suit their needs.

Take Regular Breaks

Regular breaks are crucial for maintaining productivity and mental well-being. Short breaks throughout the day help employees recharge. At JDM, it’s common to see an employee’s Slack status change throughout the day to reflect their breaks from work. 

Seeing dog walking, pizza, weight lifting, and other fun emojis throughout the day always makes me smile. Promoting a healthy work-life balance encourages employees to take breaks and step away from their desks to prevent burnout.

For those of us in companies that have maintained remote flexibility, Covid marked the beginning of a WFH lifestyle that’s stayed consistent over the last four-plus years. That said, best practices tend to slip over the years if you don’t pay attention to them. Whether you’re a WFH longtimer or new to the WFH world, make sure you’re taking the above tips to heart.