How to Build A Better Routine for Remote and Hybrid Working

Working from home is one of the lasting effects of lockdown, and it has its benefits. No sweaty commutes. No office distractions. Time for deep un-interrupted work. But once the novelty wears off, it can get a bit... messy.

Whether you’re working fully remotely or splitting your time between home and the office, your routine can be a little out of whack. Hybrid and remote working both come with perks: flexibility, autonomy, and freedom from commuting. But they also come with challenges: it’s easy to overwork, lose structure, or feel disconnected from real human beings.

So how do you create a routine that actually works, wherever you’re working from?

The New Demand For Hybrid Working

Since the pandemic, the world of work has changed dramatically. In early 2023, the Office for National Statistics reported that around 44% of working adults in the UK were doing some form of remote work.

Now, 74% of UK workers now prefer a hybrid or fully remote setup. Most people aren’t going back to the office five days a week, and they don’t want to. So if you’re working from home full-time, or just a few days a week, you’re very much part of the new normal.

The Good Stuff: Why Remote Working Works

There are plenty of perks to working from home and they’re much easy to quantify than the not-so-great stuff.

Flexibility to structure your day how you like

Time and money saved on commuting

More autonomy, which can boost job satisfaction

Better focus and periods of deep work without office distractions

More time at home, which can help fit in more ‘life admin’.

When done right, remote working can genuinely improve your quality of life. But the key word here is routine.

The Struggles of Working From Home

For all its benefits, working from home can be challenging. These are usually harder to spot or quantify. Some of the most common struggles include:

Lack of structure: Without a commute or clear cut-off, the day can blur

Overworking: It’s harder to “leave” work when it’s just there, all the time

Disconnection: Fewer spontaneous chats = less sense of belonging

Distractions: TV, laundry, popping to the shop

Screen fatigue: Back-to-back Zooms can be surprisingly draining

If you’ve ever looked up and realised you haven’t moved in hours, you’re definitely not alone.

7 Habits to Create a Better WFH Routine

Here are some small, practical tweaks that can make a big difference to your remote routine:

1. Create a Fake Commute

Start your day with a short walk, cycle, or coffee on a bench. It helps switch your brain into ‘work mode’, just like a real commute would. It also creates a bit of separation between home and work, even if you’re not leaving the house.

2. Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

No more working from bed. Even if it's a corner of the kitchen table, having a consistent work spot helps with focus and switching off at the end of the day. If possible, work in a different room from where you relax.

3. Stick to a Clear Start and Finish Time

Without a commute to bookend your day, it’s easy to just... keep going. Set a time to log off and actually log off. Shut the laptop. Leave the room. Don’t check emails later “just in case.”

4. Sync Your Week

If you’re hybrid, avoid making your home days all admin and your office days back-to-back meetings. Create a rhythm that works across the whole week so your energy isn’t constantly playing catch-up.

5. Take Real Breaks (and Move Your Body)

Make space for breaks that aren’t scrolling TikTok. Stretch, step outside, make a real lunch. Your brain isn’t designed for 8 hours of back-to-back screen time.

6. Use Screen Time Boundaries

Set time blocks where notifications are off and focus is on. Apps like Forest or Freedom can help reduce distractions. End-of-day screen limits can also help you mentally ‘leave’ work.

7. Make Time for Real Connection

Message a colleague, call a friend, have a non-work chat. Loneliness is one of the most common remote working struggles, so proactively build in moments of connection, even if they're virtual.

Balance is the Goal

Remote working isn’t all or nothing. It’s about finding a balance that works for you. With a few mindful habits, you can enjoy the flexibility without losing your sense of routine, connection, or sanity.

So whether you're working from a spare room or a kitchen table, building a better remote routine could be your secret weapon to feeling more grounded, focused, and well.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Some people thrive with full flexibility, others need more structure. But whether you’re remote full-time or juggling home and office days, a solid routine helps you avoid burnout, boost focus, and actually enjoy the perks of flexible working.

So try a few of these tweaks and see what sticks. Your future self (and your brain) will thank you.