Is Remote Work Ruining Productivity? What I Learned After Closing My Business and Working From Home Full-Time

When COVID hit, everything changed. My business, Healthy Life Solutions, had to close its doors because I couldn’t see clients in person anymore. It was heartbreaking—I’d built something meaningful, something I truly believed helped others. Suddenly, I was forced to shift everything online. Fast forward a few years, and here I am, working from home full-time.

But here’s the big question I’ve been asking myself: Is this a good thing, or is something getting lost in the process? Remote work has its perks, but it also comes with its challenges, and I’ve experienced both sides. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of working remotely (or hybrid if you have the option) and figure out if this “new normal” is really working for us.

The Pros of Remote Work: Why It Feels Like a Dream Sometimes

1. Flexibility Like Never Before One thing I can’t deny—I love freedom. If I need to take a break in the middle of the day to walk and reduce my stress and just breathe, I can. No commutes, no rigid schedule. That flexibility has been a game-changer for someone like me who’s been juggling work, life, and new projects.
2. Saving Money I used to spend a fortune on gas, office rent, and grabbing lunch out. Now, I save so much just by staying home. If you’re like me and trying to rebuild after financial struggles, every bit helps.
3. A More Personalised Workflow At home, I’ve discovered when I work best and get up at around 5.30 a.m. For me, mornings are golden, while afternoons are great for creative tasks. I could never have that level of control working a traditional office schedule.

The Cons of Remote Work: What They Don’t Tell You

1. Work-Life Balance? What’s That? One thing I’ve struggled with is knowing when to stop working but that is a work in progress. When your “office” is just a few steps away, it’s easy to let work bleed into your evenings—or weekends. I’ll admit, that I’m still figuring out how to set proper boundaries, but I am using the skills and knowledge I have around stress management to do that.
2. Missing That Human Connection Remember those little chats over coffee or the camaraderie of working alongside a team? I miss that, a lot. Zoom calls don’t come close to replacing the energy of being with people. My wife keeps me company but that can be a distraction as well.
3. Distractions at Home It’s not all peace. Between household chores, deliveries, and just plain procrastination, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle some days, and the upside? It gets me to practice what I preach.
4. Feeling Invisible One thing I’ve noticed is that working remotely can make you feel a bit… out of sight, out of mind. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or collaborators, it’s harder to stay connected and visible when everything’s virtual.

What About Hybrid Models?

My son works this way for the NHS and for those who’ve found themselves working part-time in an office and part-time at home, the balance sounds ideal in theory. But here’s the catch: hybrid models can create inequity. In-office workers often get more face time and opportunities, while remote workers may feel like they’re missing out.

What I’ve Learned About Making Remote Work… Work

If you’re in the same boat as me, trying to navigate this work-from-home life, here’s what I’ve discovered:

• Set Boundaries: This has been a lifesaver for me. I set a clear start and stop time for work, and I stick to it (well, most days).
• Stay Connected: You could schedule calls and meetups when you can, it is so important to just to keep that human connection alive.
• Structure Your Day: I treat my mornings like gold—this is when I’m most productive. Afternoons are for lighter tasks or creative brainstorming. I have around 6 important tasks I focus on and that are featured in my diary in order of importance.
• Take Breaks: I’ve learned to step away from the screen when I need to recharge, even if it’s just to make a cup of tea. As a stress manager, I have a bag of tricks I can call on and teach this to others, your health depends on this intervention.

So, Is Remote Work Really Better?

The answer? It depends. For me, it’s been both a blessing and a challenge. I love the freedom, but I also miss the energy of in-person work, meeting my clients, and the clear boundaries it gave me.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Are you thriving in a remote or hybrid setup, or are you struggling to find balance? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to know what’s working (or not working) for you!

So something to think about. Also, if you're curious, join my growing community here for more.

Cheers,

Gary