How to be productive in remote first company?

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Remote Work Visualization

Posted: 14th February 2025

The shift to remote work has fundamentally transformed the software development landscape, presenting both unique challenges and opportunities for developers worldwide. Success in a remote environment requires more than just technical expertise—it demands a thoughtful approach to workspace design, communication, and personal productivity. This comprehensive guide draws from years of remote work best practices in the software industry, helping you create an optimal environment for writing code, collaborating with team members, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Whether you're a seasoned remote developer or transitioning to remote work, these strategies will help you maximize your productivity while maintaining code quality and team collaboration. The key is to establish systems that work for your specific situation while remaining flexible enough to adapt as circumstances change.

1. Workspace Optimization

Your workspace serves as the foundation for remote productivity. Creating an ergonomic, distraction-free environment is crucial for maintaining focus during long coding sessions and virtual meetings. The right setup can significantly impact your code quality and overall productivity.

Recommended Equipment

  • Adjustable standing desk (e.g., Fully Jarvis or VariDesk)
  • Ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support
  • External monitor setup (minimum 27" recommended)
  • Professional-grade microphone and webcam
  • Dedicate a specific area solely for work, preferably with natural light and good ventilation
  • Invest in proper lighting, including bias lighting for monitors to reduce eye strain
  • Use noise-canceling headphones to maintain focus in noisy environments
  • Ensure reliable internet connectivity with a backup solution

2. Digital Infrastructure Setup

A thoughtfully configured digital workspace is key to maintaining high productivity in a remote setting. Beyond the standard development tools, you'll need additional infrastructure to ensure seamless collaboration and efficient workflow management. Focus on tools that enhance remote collaboration, automate routine tasks, and maintain security.

Recommended Tools

  • IDE Extensions: Live Share for VS Code/IntelliJ, GitHub Copilot for AI assistance
  • Terminal Setup: iTerm2/Windows Terminal with Oh My Zsh, tmux for session management
  • Cloud Development: GitHub Codespaces or GitPod for consistent environments
  • API Testing: Postman/Insomnia with shared workspace configurations
  • Set up a robust backup system with both local and cloud solutions (Time Machine, Backblaze)
  • Configure a secure home network with a dedicated VLAN for work if possible
  • Use container technologies like Docker with pre-configured development environments for consistent setups across the team
  • Implement comprehensive security measures: hardware security keys, encrypted drives, and VPN
  • Create automated scripts for environment setup and maintenance to ensure quick recovery in case of system issues

3. Communication Strategies

Effective communication becomes even more critical in a remote setting. Clear, intentional communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures project success. The key is finding the right balance between synchronous and asynchronous communication methods.

Communication Best Practices

  • Document all important decisions and discussions in a central location
  • Use async communication by default, reserving meetings for complex discussions
  • Maintain detailed pull request descriptions and code documentation
  • Schedule regular one-on-ones with team members and leads
  • Practice over-communication rather than assuming information is understood

4. Time Management & Focus

Remote work requires exceptional time management skills and the ability to maintain focus despite potential distractions. Creating structured routines while remaining flexible is key to sustainable productivity.

Time Management Techniques

  • Use time-blocking techniques to separate deep work from shallow tasks
  • Implement the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focus, 5-minute break)
  • Track your productive hours and schedule important tasks accordingly
  • Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
  • Use focus apps to block distracting websites during work hours

5. Team Collaboration

Successful remote development relies heavily on effective team collaboration. Creating a virtual environment that promotes teamwork and knowledge sharing is essential for project success.

Collaboration Tools

  • Miro for virtual whiteboarding
  • Notion for team documentation
  • Loom for async video updates
  • Tuple for pair programming

Collaboration Best Practices

  • Participate actively in virtual team events and casual conversations
  • Share knowledge through team presentations and documentation
  • Maintain transparency about your work progress and blockers
  • Foster a culture of async code reviews and feedback

6. Health & Well-being

Maintaining physical and mental well-being is crucial for long-term success in remote work. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management contribute significantly to sustained productivity.

Well-being Practices

  • Take regular breaks to stretch and move throughout the day
  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and morning routine
  • Practice stress-management techniques like meditation or exercise
  • Schedule regular social interactions to combat isolation
  • Use vacation time effectively to prevent burnout