Introduction:
Hi I’m Max – A High Performance Coach.
The pandemic changed the way many of us work, and one of its lasting impacts is how we engage in our jobs. With more of the workforce operating remotely, it has raised important questions about workplace culture, productivity, and work-life balance.
In my view, the autonomy that comes with remote work acts as an amplifier—high performers shine even more, while those who underperform can struggle further. Today’s reading is for high performers working remotely—how can you get the most out of yourself beyond just eliminating distractions (because, let’s face it, you’ve probably already mastered that)?
Here’s the fundamental question we need to answer: How do you design your work environment at home to optimize performance? As a coach, I’m not in the business of giving direct advice, but here are three key points to consider.
1) The Frequency of Touchpoints with Your Team
Remote work can often feel isolating, and the synergy that comes from being in the same office can be lost when teams are working in isolation. For some dysfunctional teams, remote work may have been a blessing. But for high-performing teams, it can feel like a curse, especially if communication falls apart.
Here’s the question you need to ask: How many touchpoints with your team do you need for optimal synergy, and what should these touchpoints look like? Dry, uninspired Zoom meetings can kill team morale. Instead, think about how you can inject life back into your virtual meetings. Whether that’s through more engaging formats, shorter but more frequent check-ins, or incorporating some form of team-building, the quality of your team’s interactions will define how well they can maintain productivity and cohesion.
Really ask yourself this question, don’t assume that you already know and that they way you’re currently doing things can’t be improved.
2) Create Your Own Workflow
Here’s where working remotely offers a unique opportunity: you can design your own workflow. In an office setting, hours are set, and you’re often confined to a rigid schedule, depending on the workplace of course. While this structure works for some, it can hinder others from reaching their peak performance. Now that you’re working from home, you have the chance to create a routine that’s aligned with your natural rhythms.
The question to ask yourself is, how many hours can you work in a row before your output starts to drop? If you’re a high performer, there’s a good chance you push yourself hard, thinking more work equals more productivity. But that’s a fallacy. Your effectiveness will actually increase when you schedule regular breaks.
This isn’t about laziness—it’s about being strategic. A well-timed break can reset your brain and recharge your energy. So, what constitutes an effective break? It’s anything that allows you to truly refresh—taking a walk around the block, doing a quick meditation, or even calling a family member for a chat. Avoid distractions like social media or YouTube shorts, as they don’t help reset your focus.
3) Design Your Environment for Optimal Performance
Yes, we all know a tidy workspace is important, but let’s go a little deeper than that. Your psyche attaches certain emotions to particular spaces. Just like athletes feel “in the zone” when they step onto the field, you can use environmental cues to help ground your productivity.
During periods of high performance, work at your usual desk space—this will reinforce positive associations with being productive. However, during prolonged periods of stress, shift your environment. Working from parks, cafes, or co-working spaces can stimulate creativity and inject fresh energy into your day.
If you work from the same space every day, especially when stressed, your body may start to associate that space with anxiety and pressure, which can lead to burnout. Shifting environments regularly can counter this and keep your mind agile.
Conclusion:
Taking charge of your output while working remotely comes down to leading yourself effectively. By optimizing how you interact with your team, crafting a workflow that works for you, and designing an environment that supports your performance, you’ll continue to thrive, even outside the traditional office setting.
Remote work has given us a new kind of autonomy—use it to your advantage.
If today’s reading resonated with you, schedule a complimentary conversation with me here.
Max
High Performance Coach.
