Until now we’ve all come across dozens of articles, online events, webinars, and who-knows-what-else with advice on how to be most productive while working from home. We are all aware of what all the professional coaches, motivational speakers, and influencers say on how it should be done ‘by the book’.

But ‘by the book’ rarely applies to real life. So we started to wonder - is that how remote working actually happens? Is it that simple to be productive while you’re stuck at home deprived of social interactions and the comfort and ergonimics of an office?

We’ve decided to check up on that and ask the cool folks from our community how they’re doing so far - what goes well for them and what doesn’t. Because, you know, being one-sided is no fun.

And as many times before, Puzl members never cease to amaze us! 😍 

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Tsvetomir Dimitrov, Commercial Director at iTrack 

How has your workflow changed when your living room is now your office?

The main difference is the matter of fact I am working from my couch instead of sitting on the desk for a whole 8 hours. Now if that is not fun, to earn money from your couch, then tell me what it is?

Which are the 3 habits that are working well for you and are boosting your productivity?

Being organized - now in my schedule, I have included the making of breakfast!

Being responsible - no matter if I am at home or at the office the job is well done.

Being positive -  little more time and these tough times will pass.
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Which are the 3 habits that are sabotaging your productivity and make you flip every now and then?

Hmm, the TV and the informal environment I should say. I am having school lessons with my daughter next to me, get it? Nevertheless, my work remains a 100% priority!

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Ruslan Leteyski, CEO at Eri Digital

How has your workflow changed when your living room is now your office?

Actually, it hasn’t changed that much. Our company is fully-remote anyway. The only difference is that some of our members and I have ditched the “social aspect” of going to work. 

Which are the 3 habits that are working well for you and are boosting your productivity?

Working out - I’ve added a workout or a walk at the end of each workday which helps me recharge. I like to go to the park for a run, which heals the “stay-at-home sickness” I get when I don’t leave the house for more than 48+ hours. (I know running in the park is illegal, but THUG LIFE 4EVER 🏿 )

Having a clear "time off” - a couple of hours for non-work is essential to differentiate the days. My PS4 is on fire right now.

Not having coffee/tea breaks with my buddies at Puzl and chit-chatting helps my productivity. Breaks my heart though. 

Which are the 3 habits that are sabotaging your productivity and make you flip every now and then?

I don’t think there are any new bad habits that I’ve picked up, but the worst offenders are:

Checking my phone/social media too often, for too much time.

Chatting with friends.

Jumping on a research spree on some random pointless topic.

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Valentina Fedriga, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Via Engineering Bulgaria

How has your workflow changed when your living room is now your office?

Since we have relocated our office to the living room, I believe I have been even more productive than before. There have not been many changes in relation to the workflow just how we manage it has become more creative. The combination of higher productivity levels and constantly striving to make each process more dynamic, however, can be a double-edged sword. 

On the one hand, you do manage to go through more things and you need to keep your positivity growing. During the quarantine, there is little else to be done when you are confined between four walls. The work we do is definitely making our days more exciting and dynamic. 

On the other hand, since the space we normally relax in has become an office, it can be difficult to switch-off. All in all, I believe it is all about managing your workload effectively and having regular catch-ups with your colleagues so that you create an atmosphere where you support and motivate each other.

Although this period is challenging for everyone, I believe Via has managed to do a great job of continuing to grow, strengthening internal relationships, and keeping the positive spirit alive. This has created an atmosphere, where people have high-performance levels and continue to develop.


Which are the 3 habits that are working well for you and are boosting your productivity?

The first thing would be to have a dedicated working space, preferably away from the areas where you normally relax. 

The second thing is to keep everything organized and have a schedule to follow. 

The third one is having regular catch-ups with everyone from the company. In these meetings, you would talk not only about work-related stuff but also use this time to get to know each other's personalities.

Which are the 3 habits that are sabotaging your productivity and make you flip every now and then?

When the kitchen is close by it is difficult not to indulge in whatever tasty thing you have made. These breaks can interfere with the schedule you have created for yourself. 

The other thing is having other people in the room you are working in. Since they are also missing the social interaction they used to have, they are more inclined to start a conversation out of the blue. This can be distracting and impact the level of productivity. 

The last one is having pets. It is almost impossible to resist petting them, which also interferes with your scheduling and focus. 

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To sum up some of our best practices:

  • Try to keep a routine which is for sure different than the one from the office to have a schedule;
  • Create daily milestones; 
  • Try to keep the regular working hours - this affects the productivity, avoid doing overtime;
  • Take breaks;
  • Dress as you're going to work;
  • Collaborate and communicate more, but don’t overdo it;
  • Create regular happy hours for the entire team (drinks after work) and just talk about topics unrelated to work.