Congratulations on your remote job! Now it's time to up your game and embrace the challenges. We've researched and compiled top tips to maximize productivity and thrive in your remote work setup. Whether you're looking for free or paid solutions, we've got you covered with remote work tips for success.

Everyone loves free

If you want to optimize your remote work setup without spending a dime then you’re just in luck. Not everything in your setup needs to come with a price tag. If you’re ballin on a budget here are some tips to help improve your remote work setup without spending a dime. 

To the windows or the walls

Windows can be an amazing addition to any workspace, but important to be mindful of their placement to avoid potential issues. Placing windows behind your screen can cause eye strain leading to headaches. And although sunsets are gorgeous, we don’t think you want to stare into them while you’re trying to work. On the other hand, placing a window behind you in your setup can make it difficult for others to see you during video calls. With windows, it pays to be strategic - place them to the side for the best results. This thoughtful decision will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

Get to cleaning

Dealing with a cluttered or busy background during video calls can be a real pain, both for you and those on the call. If you find yourself in a public place, try to snag a table next to a wall. This way, you can turn and face the wall while working alone and have it as your backdrop during video calls. Another nifty trick, no matter where you're working, is to make use of the blur filter during video calls to hide any potential distractions lurking behind you.

Press the breaks 

You've been glued to that screen for hours, zoning out, and getting nowhere fast. Say hello to eye strain and a fried brain. At FMK, we have found that using the Pomodoro Method can help us be more conscious of the time spent in front of the screen while keeping us on track for finishing that task on time. Find a website or app that sets up a Pomodoro clock for you (find our fave here). Don't like 25-minute time blocks? No problem! Just tweak the durations to your liking, but stick with the method. Now get going and conquer those tasks!

Image: Sketchplanations

Not everything in life is free

Look, we all dig free remote work tips, but let's face it – you gotta spend some cash to truly level up your remote work game. Investing in the right gear results in a workflow that makes sense and boosts your productivity like there's no tomorrow. So get ready to roll up those sleeves and open up your wallet.

Block the blue light

Blue light's long-term effects might be a mystery, but we're not taking any chances. You say you can't sleep or get sore eyes after a long day of work? You can most likely blame blue light. Beat those sneaky light rays with some easy solutions. First, scout your computer and monitor for any blue light reduction settings. No luck? Find yourself some blue light blocker glasses. Just make sure to skip the lowest of the low, but no need to splurge either (check out our fave pair). Wear contact lenses? Well, your eye doc might be able to set you up with blue light blocking contacts.

Create an office

Now, if you're lucky enough to have a spare room that you can transform into your personal haven of productivity, then go ahead and claim it! But for those who don't have that luxury, fear not, my friend. You can still make it work. Think outside the box and get creative with your solutions. Hang some curtains to create a makeshift office space, or invest in a room divider that can instantly transform any corner of your home into a designated work area. We've found some great room dividers at thrift stores and vintage resale shops - so don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Fidget the day away

Fidget items? They're not just for children. We all have those moments during a work call when we need something to occupy our hands. And let's be honest, sometimes we require a little extra concentration while listening. That's where our beloved childhood toys come in. Take the water wiggler, for example. Who would have imagined that a simple water-filled tube could be so captivating? Check out the FMK team’s fave here. Classic stress balls are always a reliable choice too. But if you're looking for something more refined, don't worry, we have you covered. Check out flippy chains that can blend right in with your office supplies. No matter what you pick out, it will save your sanity during those work meetings that could have been an email. 

Raise your feet

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck at our desks, unable to move around or change our work environment. If this sounds like you, then it's time to consider a foot riser for your desk. But hey, why settle for a boring old foot riser when you can have a rocking one? That's right, a foot riser that allows you to fidget while staying seated. And here's a little tip from us at FMK - throw on a pair of cozy house slippers on top of those plastic risers to keep your toes nice and toasty, especially on those chilly mornings. Trust us, it's the perfect combo for maximum comfort and productivity.

Time to indulge

At FMK, our focus is on investing in high-quality products that enhance our daily lives. It's time to break free from being overly frugal and indulge in premium work equipment that can truly be game changers. While it may cause a temporary dent in your wallet, the long-term benefits will make it worthwhile.

The perfect desk

One suggestion we've received is to get an adjustable desk that allows you to sit or stand while you work. Sitting all day is not ideal for our health, so investing in a desk like this can be a game changer. Look for ones with buttons to save your preferred sitting and standing heights for convenience. You can also consider adding a walking pad under your desk to get some steps in during the work day. Don't hesitate to ask your employer if they can purchase these items, as there may be budgets for home office equipment.

Protect your laptop

Sometimes you might find yourself wanting to work from a different location other than your home office setup. Don't leave your precious laptop vulnerable though, as it is the lifeline of your work. That's why it's essential to invest in a bag that not only provides protection but also has a built-in laptop sleeve. When it comes to selecting a bag, you must carefully consider how frequently you will be using it, what you'll be carrying, and naturally, your personal style. Not sure where to start? We found our best luck to be on Etsy and if you’re looking for an untraditional work bag, you just might love the work of MCW Handmade. 

Give yourself space

Using an additional monitor with your laptop is a game-changer for productivity. It gives you the freedom to work with multiple applications or documents at the same time, making multitasking a breeze. Plus, it's a great way to avoid eye strain when you're dealing with smaller texts. Trust us, having a big enough monitor that allows you to split your screen is a life hack we can't get enough of. And if you're not sure how many monitors you need, just measure your workspace to figure out what will fit. Oh, and if you're an Apple user, check out the spaces feature to customize your desktops to your heart's content. It's all about finding what works best for you.

Sit in comfort

Sick and tired of spending most of your workday with your behind glued to an uncomfortable chair? Then it's time to invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair that will not only support your body's health but also make you feel like you can take on the world. It’s time to say goodbye to that old kitchen chair. And again, don't be afraid to ask your company for some extra funds to make this happen. After all, a happy and healthy employee is a productive employee.

Now to find what works

Let's get real: it's time to figure out what kind of budget you have to work with (or lack thereof). No more excuses - start making small changes today, even if you can't afford that wish list item just yet. Remember, these are remote work tips, not rules so there is no need to take it all on at once. Sure, some of the changes might feel insignificant, but it's the cumulative effect of small shifts over time that will make the biggest difference. So go ahead - be bold and take the plunge into your remote work journey. We've got your back. After all, a happy and healthy employee is a productive employee, and you deserve nothing less.