Here's how you can smoothly transition from in-person to remote work as a software designer.

Create a dedicated workspace that is conducive to productivity and minimal distractions. Ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up with a comfortable chair, desk, and all necessary equipment like a high-quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Good lighting and a quiet environment can also help in maintaining focus. This physical separation of work from personal spaces helps mentally distinguish between work time and personal time.

Free from distraction is a key aspect of working from home when no one else is around to keep you 'honest'. Especially on days I struggle to focus these rules keep me delivering high quality work for my clients: - smartphone/tablets on silent and out of reach (drawers, other rooms, etc). - personal laptops/computers are switched off and stay off during my working hours. - if the door to my study is closed the family knows I must not be disturbed and noise must be kept to a minimum when around that area of the house.

Clearly define your work hours and communicate these to your household and your team to avoid interruptions. Setting boundaries also means knowing when to step away from work to prevent burnout. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro technique for structured work-break intervals to manage time effectively and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Utilize the right tools and technologies to stay connected with your team and maintain productivity. This includes communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, project management tools like Jira or Asana, and version control systems like Git. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and back-up solutions like a Wi-Fi dongle or personal hotspot for uninterrupted work.

Routine is important and so is getting out of the house to keep you performing at your best. Two things I have found most helpful: 1. Be in the gym first thing (for me it is just after 6) clears your head and sets you up for the day. Back home by 8 and ready to start the work day. 2. One hour lunch break marked as not available in my calendar that I spend away from screens (walk, cook, eat, etc). 3. (Bonus) while some days are longer than others, once the work laptop is off it stays off until the next day (no late night emails or reviews).

Stick to a regular routine similar to one you would have if you were going into an office. Start your day at the same time, dress in comfortable yet work-appropriate attire, and schedule regular breaks. Maintaining these routines can help in mentally preparing for a productive workday and can create a sense of normalcy and structure.

Remote work often requires additional skills compared to in-office work, such as proficiency in online collaboration tools, time management, and self-motivation. Take the time to enhance these skills through online courses and training. Additionally, strengthen your communication skills to ensure you can convey ideas effectively in a remote setting.

Foster effective online collaboration by being proactive in communication and using tools designed for virtual teamwork. Regular video calls, shared digital workspaces, and clear documentation of work can help maintain the collaborative spirit. Be clear in your communications and over-communicate if necessary to avoid misunderstandings.

It is important to be mindful of what type your remote working is taking... the ability to schedule and organise when remotely working with 1 or 2 clients is very different to when you are managing 5+ clients. In the first case you should define the general blocks of time for that remote work. Managing more clients you will also have to deal with unpredictable quiet and excessively busy periods. When busy the key aspect becomes the triage of issues: urgency and scale of time to deal with issue and prompt communication with the client (even if that messaging is time/data needed to scope/reproduce the issue before fixing) This becomes more critical while working on production systems with 3rd parties that can break beyond your remit.

Pay attention to your mental health and well-being. Remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or disconnect. Make an effort to engage socially with your peers through virtual coffee breaks or casual meetings. Also, consider the importance of physical activity; try to incorporate some form of exercise into your routine to balance the sedentary nature of remote work. Lastly, stay connected with industry trends and networking opportunities, which can provide additional motivation and insight into how others are navigating remote work.