Remote work has taken the professional world by storm. For the coffee shop nomad, the living room laptop warrior, and the co-working corner enthusiast, the flexibility of remote work speaks directly to the modern hunger for freedom and balance.

But does working from home mean our productivity is as fluid as our location? Not always. Here's how to achieve the dream of working smarter in your flexible office space, without breaking a sweat.

Steering Clear of Stressful Environments

Remote work promised to liberate us from the fluorescent-lit cubicles of yore, yet many find themselves in similarly uninspiring setups. When home becomes the office, it's easy for the two to become indistinguishable, and with it, the workday can extend its grip into what was once personal time.

Choosing Comfort: Whether it's the corner of your bedroom, a converted closet, or the living room sofa, choosing a space that you associate solely with work can establish important psychological boundaries.

Ergonomics Matter: Invest in a good chair, ensure the screen is at eye level, and remember to take frequent, short breaks to counteract the sedentary lifestyle that often comes with remote work.

Selecting the Proverbial Corner Office

Much like a successful real estate venture, when it comes to remote work, it's all about location.

Noise and Distraction: The spot you choose should minimize external disturbances. Being next to a high-traffic area in your house or where windows permit a cacophony of street sounds may not be ideal.

Good Lighting: Natural light can improve mood and alertness, making it easier to tackle tasks efficiently. If natural light is a stretch, invest in some good artificial lighting to simulate sunny afternoons.

Finding Your Tribe in Flex Space

One of the most significant benefits of traditional office spaces is the sense of community. It's where we make those water-cooler-forged friendships and have those serendipitous conversations that sometimes lead to the next big thing.

Join a Community: Whether it's through a co-working space, social media groups, or professional forums, find peers who understand the unique challenges of remote work.

Co-mentorship: Seek out a mentor or offer to be one. These intergenerational exchanges can be invaluable, providing fresh perspectives and shared wisdom.

Collaboration Over Isolation

The rise of remote work has often been seen as a boon for introverts and a challenge for team players. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Virtual Coworking: Platforms are emerging that allow remote workers to 'be' in a virtual office together. It's like having friends on mute helping to recreate the background buzz of a bustling work environment minus the interruptions.

Human Interaction: Tools like Zoom, Teams and Slack should not replace face-to-face interactions. Make the effort to meet colleagues or clients in person when it's safe to do so, or at the very least, schedule regular video calls.

Eschewing the Myth of Lone Working

The Nietzschean idea that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger can be applied to the remote work landscape, but it's not always best practice.

Healthy Dependence: Creating a network of support, whether it's a virtual assistant or collaborating closely with home-based colleagues, can ensure the burden of work is shared and that accountability remains high.

Setting Boundaries: Ensuring that work doesn't spill over into the rest of your life can be challenging, but it's vital. Having set hours and a designated 'off' button can prevent burnout and protect personal time.

Flexibility need not be synonymous with a lack of structure. In mastering the art of effortless productivity within your remote workspace, you are not only taking charge of your professional destiny but also your personal one.

By aligning your environment with your goals, tapping into the energy of a like-minded community, and remembering that sometimes, collaboration is key, you can excel in a career where the office extends no further than your WiFi signal.

Check out how our Mantle Space membership options can help you become more productive offering opportunities to collaborate, networking and grow your business.