New Habits, New Half: How to Stay Productive While Working From Home
The year’s halfway over—but your most productive self might just be getting started.
We’re officially halfway through the year.
For some, like those of us at Microsoft, July marks the start of a brand-new fiscal year—a time to reset, reflect, and refocus. Whether your company is flipping the calendar or not, this is a great moment to evaluate your habits and establish a more effective work-from-home routine that works for you.
As I’ve written in past articles, we each get 168 hours a week. The trick isn’t finding more time, it’s making better use of it and working from home. It can be either your best productivity move or your biggest distraction minefield. The difference comes down to daily habits.
Here are ten proven strategies I’ve used and refined over time to stay productive, energized, and sane while working remotely:
1. Start with a Routine That Grounds You
For me, it’s a morning workout, coffee (sometimes two rounds), and a quick scan of Microsoft Copilot to prioritize what matters. Your version might look different, but building a daily rhythm sets the tone for everything else. It’s not about cramming more in—it’s about starting with intention.
2. Own Your Calendar—Before It Owns You
One of the most significant breakthroughs I’ve had this year was redesigning how I use Outlook. I set up four folders: Action, Read Later, Waiting, and Reference. Every Friday, I block time to clean up my inbox and prep for the week ahead. That structure, combined with Microsoft Copilot writing my follow-ups, has significantly reduced stress and dramatically increased my response time.
3. Create a Workspace That Works for You
Your environment matters. A clean, defined workspace (even if it’s just a corner) sends a clear signal: this is where I focus. Bonus points for ergonomic gear and decent lighting—it makes a real difference.
4. Treat Your Time Like a Budget
Would you spend $1,200 a year on coffee-shop espresso? Probably not, but you might without realizing it. I invested in a high-end automatic espresso machine at home, and it’s one of the best investments I’ve made in terms of productivity. Coffee fuels my mornings, powers my writing, and anchors my routine. Time, like money, is best managed with intention.
5. Batch Your Tasks (And Your Distractions)
Try the 90/20 rule: work for 90 minutes, followed by a 20-minute break. During that time, shut off Slack notifications, silence your phone, and go deep. Then give yourself space to breathe. It’s not just good for productivity—it’s good for your brain.
6. Leverage AI—Don’t Let It Overwhelm You
With tools like Microsoft Copilot, AI isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on the right things. Let Copilot help you draft emails, summarize threads, or prep for meetings. The goal is clarity, not chaos.
7. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Building new habits, especially in July, when others are still in “summer mode,” can be challenging. But this is the perfect time. If you’re starting a new fiscal year, a new project, or even just a new chapter, don’t try to reinvent everything at once. Focus on one habit at a time. Stack wins. Small shifts = significant results.
8. Close Your Day, Don’t Just Drift
A simple end-of-day ritual can work wonders: close your laptop, jot down your top 3 tasks for tomorrow, and walk away. That signal tells your brain “work is done,” and helps prevent burnout.
9. Communicate Like You’re In the Room
Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind. Use video calls, quick check-ins, or even Slack emojis to stay visible. Don’t disappear—especially when you’re doing great work—visibility matters.
10. Reflect and Reset Weekly
Every Friday, I block 30 minutes to reflect on what worked. What didn’t? What needs to change? This habit has helped me iterate on my systems—whether that’s how I handle meetings, organize my inbox, or manage my energy.
Final Thought
Suppose the first half of your year didn’t go as well as you hoped, good. That means you still have time to course correct. If your productivity has been on point? Even better, build on it.
Working from home isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters with intention, clarity, and energy.
And hey—don’t forget the coffee.
Inspired to reset your routine? Let’s connect. What habits are you building for the second half of the year?
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