Where do you feel most productive? When we asked women about their ideal work environment, over a third (36 percent) said they’re most productive at home, while 41 percent said their productivity completely depends on the day or task.
Personally, my best deep work is done in the hum of a coffee shop, surrounded by the rhythmic click-clack of keyboards and the steady whir of an espresso machine. The energy around me holds me accountable—if my work-from-home peers are heads-down, I feel compelled to match their focus. I check my phone less, work more efficiently, and even feel a sense of friendly competition: How much can I get done before my neighbor takes a stretch break?
But, of course, productivity is personal. “Some people function best working remotely where they have no distractions, some people function best in a busy office, and then there are folks who function somewhere in between. The key is to understand your own limits and how you optimally function,” says workplace mental health and productivity expert Dr. Kristin Tugman.
Read more: 20 Ways Busy Women Stay Focused
Why your productivity fluctuates based on location
The environment where you work plays a crucial role in determining your productivity levels, and seemingly small factors can have a direct impact on how well you focus and complete tasks.
For example, natural light has been shown to reduce eye strain and boost alertness, while dim or artificial lighting can contribute to discomfort and fatigue. Temperature affects productivity, too. A room that’s too warm can make you feel sluggish, while an overly cold environment can be distracting. Noise levels also play a role in productivity—some people thrive in the quiet solitude of their home, while others need some level of background noise to concentrate.
Working from different locations can influence the dynamics of productivity. For example, collaborative brainstorming sessions might be more efficient in an office, where the team’s energy fuels creativity and idea generation. Working in person allows for immediate feedback, and having colleagues nearby encourages spontaneous discussions, making it easier to explore solutions more quickly.
On the flip side, tasks that need deep concentration are often better tackled in quieter spaces, like a home office. With fewer distractions, you can really dive into complex work, like analysis or writing, and maintain focus without interruptions. Plus, remote work allows you to better control your environment, helping you focus more deeply on challenging tasks.
How to identify your personal productivity patterns
Self-awareness is the first step to maximizing your optimal performance.
“I think a good place for folks to start is to determine when they’re most productive,” Tugman says. “Identify if you struggle to get going in the morning or if you feel completely spent by the end of the day. When is it easiest to motivate yourself to get work done and when are you most open to having meetings? Understanding when you’re at your best will help you schedule focus time and meetings accordingly.”
Ask yourself:
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Do I have a natural energy slump during the day? If so, when does it happen?
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At what point in the day do I feel most motivated to tackle difficult or deep-focus work?
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When do I find myself procrastinating the most, and what’s usually causing it?
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When do I struggle the most to stay focused during meetings or conversations?
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Are there certain times of day when I consistently check my phone or social media?
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When do I feel the least resistance to starting new tasks?
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What time of day do I write the clearest emails or communicate the most effectively?
“The biggest mistake people make is not taking control of their own calendar. Your calendar is yours to manage in a way that allows you to perform at your best,” Tugman says. “It’s perfectly okay to schedule meetings no earlier than 9 or 10 a.m., for example, and to block out time during the day for focused work instead of letting your schedule fill up entirely with meetings. It comes down to understanding your limits and setting boundaries accordingly.
“Another common mistake is believing you can’t set boundaries—that you’re subject to the will of others at work. Setting boundaries isn’t just okay; it’s essential to achieving optimal performance and long-term success.”
Read more: 10 Email Templates for Setting Boundaries & Communicating Your Needs at Work
5 ways to maximize productivity in any location
1. Create a dedicated workspace
Having an intentional work area is essential for any employee looking to stay productive. For remote workers, this becomes even more important. “Having a space designated solely for work helps create a clear mental shift—stepping into that space signals it’s time to focus, while stepping away reinforces that work is over and personal time begins. Without this separation, the lines between work and home life can easily blur, increasing the risk of burnout,” she says.
While it might be tempting to work from bed, the couch, or even the kitchen table, these can all lead to distractions and a lack of focus. A designated desk or work area, whenever possible, helps establish a more immersive atmosphere.
2. Focus on your three top priorities each day
Identifying and concentrating on your three most important tasks each day can significantly enhance your productivity. By narrowing your focus, you avoid feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list and can allocate your energy to what truly matters.
Start each day by assessing your workload and selecting the three tasks that will have the most impact on your goals. For example, if you’re a writer, your top priorities might include completing a draft for an article, responding to emails from editors, and researching for your next piece. As you work through your priorities, break tasks into smaller steps. If you’re drafting an article, you might break that down into outlining key points, writing the introduction, and editing a specific section. This helps your work feel less daunting and allows you to celebrate small wins along the way.
Read more: How to Turn Down the Noise & Actually Get Work Done
3. Stick to routines to ease daily stress
Routines create stability and reduce decision fatigue. Experts agree simplifying your everyday habits and establishing structure in your day can boost productivity and help you maintain better focus, no matter where you’re clocking in.
“Simple steps like preparing breakfast and lunch the night before or laying out clothes can help streamline the morning. Organize your calendar in advance, ensuring that commitments outside of work—like appointments, school pickups, or activities—are accounted for. Having these events scheduled helps prevent work meetings from overlapping with personal responsibilities,” says Tugman.
Robert C. Pozen, co-author of Remote, Inc.: How to Thrive at Work…Wherever You Are highlights additional strategies for optimizing productivity in Harvard Business Review:
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Build buffer time into your schedule for unexpected events or emergencies
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Limit screen-checking to once per hour instead of constantly refreshing
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Scan emails by subject and sender to quickly filter out what’s not urgent
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Break big projects into smaller steps and celebrate each milestone
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Delegate tasks that don’t align with your top priorities
4. Time block for deep work tasks
Regardless of where you work, set aside dedicated chunks of time throughout the day for focused work. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute work sprints with five-minute breaks) or schedule 90-minute deep work sessions based on your energy levels. Try to tackle high-focus, complex tasks during your peak energy hours and save easier, routine tasks for when your energy naturally dips.
Enforcing deep work time in an office requires clear communication and boundary-setting. “In an office setting, it can be helpful to establish ‘office hours’ for collaboration,” Tugman says. “Letting coworkers know when you’re available for questions or casual drop-ins helps balance focused work time with opportunities for connection, reducing unpredictable distractions that can derail the day.”
5. Recreate the elements you love about your favorite workspace
Whether you feel most productive in a quiet library-esque setting or a collaborative open office, consider the sensory elements that help you focus and bring them into your workspace. I prefer coffee shops, but since working from a café every day (and spending $8 on lattes) isn’t always feasible, I try to bring the same vibe into my home office. That might mean making a fun homemade latte, playing a YouTube video with ambient café sounds, adjusting my lighting for a cozy feel, or even switching up my seating. Small changes can make a big difference in recreating the energy that keeps you motivated.
Read more: Is Everyone Else Happily Remote Without Me? Exploring Social Wellbeing
