How do you maintain your motivation and productivity in virtual environments?

Regular updates and discussions with your manager, colleagues and clients about the project scope, deadlines and deliverables is important. This ongoing dialogue ensures that everyone is on the same page and can address any issues or adjustments immediately.

I opted for a setup in a room separate from my bedroom—essential for maintaining that mental split. Not everyone has this luxury, but if you do, it’s a game changer. During the day, my walking treadmill is a boon, allowing me to hit my daily goal of 10,000 steps during short breaks. This not only keeps me physically active but also boosts my mental clarity. Living in the Netherlands, the winter can be tough with limited daylight, so I invested in a medical lamp that mimics natural sunlight. Just 20 minutes a day under this lamp during the darker months significantly uplifts my mood. Additionally, a pair of noise-canceling headphones and a curated playlist are indispensable, helping me maintain focus and flow, no matter the chaos around

How to create a comfortable remote working environment? A good friend of mine hat her desk next to her bed and when she woke up in the middle of the night she saw her the work which wasn't finished. After 6 months she was completed overwhelmed and frustrated. She recognized having that she need to move her work related stuff out of the bed room or lock it in a cabinet. It took just a week and she was mentally back on track. Ensure that you are able to setup an appropriate work place at home and stay healthy.

Working from a dedicated space instead of your bed or couch signals your brain that it's time to work. This mental separation from relaxation zones can greatly improve your focus and productivity.

In addition to core hours, allocate time for independent work, creative projects or tasks that require intense attention. This flexibility allows you to tackle your responsibilities without the rigidity of a traditional office schedule.

Stay in touch with your team is important to feel part of the team/company, rather just working alone from home. When I led an international team, I have setup with each team member a bi-weekly 1:1. In this call, we touched almost everything, personal & business topics, how the feel and how can I support them. In the other week, I had always the team call and used this call as sharing and learning opportunity (peer-consulting) because from a business perspective they didn't had joint projects but could benefit from each other. To stay engaged and stay in their mind, I also sent corp. branding items, cups, T-Shirts, giveaways to them. In this case, their home looks like a satellite office, a bit more corp. like and creates belonging.

Virtual team-building activities like games, quizzes, or happy hours are not only fun, but they are also essential for building cordial relationships and strengthening team bonds. These activities can help you feel more connected and integrated with your coworkers.

I believe in consistency when it comes to health and well-being: what systems can I build to make things work for me? But it isn’t about hitting targets; it’s about taking thoughtful steps. My journey began with an honest assessment of what might boost my well-being—improved nutrition, regular exercise, and breaks from the digital world. Implementing these changes one at a time allowed each new habit to take root before introducing the next. Just a gradual approach that truly enhances life. Sure, there are days when routines falter, but the resilience built over time means I can pause and then pick up where I left off without missing a beat.

Working remotely often means working long hours at a desk without the natural breaks of an office environment. This can lead to physical problems like poor posture, eye strain and lack of physical activity. To combat this, incorporate regular activity into your day.