Borderless with boundaries: Rethinking productivity ft. OOOpen hour #3

Remote work has opened doors to flexibility, autonomy, and global collaboration. But with it comes with its own challenges as 77% of professionals report experiencing burnout, and 91% say unmanageable stress affects their work quality. The pressure to always be available, respond instantly, and prove productivity has turned remote work into an ‘always on’ cycle that’s hard to break.

At OOOpen Hour #3, we tackled this challenge head-on with Rohini Rajeev, Founder & Chief Practice Officer of The Able Mind. Rohini shared practical ways to set boundaries, break free from hustle culture, and redefine productivity on our own terms.

Why hustle culture Is holding us back

Rohini opened the session with a crucial reminder:

Being busy is not the same as being productive. If exhaustion is your metric for success, it’s time to reassess.

The remote work model should give us flexibility, yet many professionals feel guilty when they’re not working beyond hours. “Your worth isn’t measured by how long you stay online—it’s measured by the value you bring,” she emphasized. Without clear boundaries, work creeps into personal time, leading to stress, fatigue, and eventual burnout.

Practical strategies for balance & productivity

Remote work offers flexibility and autonomy, but it also requires intentional effort to maintain productivity and well-being. For those looking to build a more sustainable and effective remote work experience, Rohini shared actionable strategies to enhance efficiency, focus, and overall balance.

1. Becoming your own manager

One of the biggest shifts in remote work is taking ownership of your productivity. Without the structure of an office, self-management becomes crucial. Here’s how:

• Stick to a routine – Establishing daily structures helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. Consistency in wake-up times, work hours, and breaks can significantly improve productivity. However, a routine doesn’t have to be rigid allowing a flexible buffer of 15 to 30 minutes can make it more sustainable.
• Prioritize tasks wisely – Using the Eisenhower Matrix can help distinguish between urgent and important tasks, ensuring that time is spent on what truly matters.
• Set boundaries – Clearly defining work hours, creating a dedicated workspace, and communicating expectations with colleagues and family members prevents work from bleeding into personal life.

2. Creating a productive & healthy work environment

Your work environment plays a key role in how efficiently you perform. A few strategic adjustments can make a big difference:

• Invest in the right chair – Ergonomics matter. A comfortable setup minimizes strain and boosts efficiency.
• Dress up for work – Even when working from home, dressing professionally can shift your mindset and enhance confidence.
• Leverage digital tools – Platforms like Notion help streamline organization, task management, and workflow, making remote work more structured and efficient.

3. Avoiding remote work fatigue

Working remotely can sometimes lead to digital fatigue, especially when virtual meetings and online collaboration become overwhelming. To mitigate this:

• Limit unnecessary meetings – Reduce video call fatigue by opting for asynchronous communication when possible.
• Use Enterprise Social Networks (ESN) strategically – While these platforms help build company culture, it's important to balance engagement to avoid digital overload.
• Incorporate planned breaks – Regular pauses that include movement and mindfulness can prevent exhaustion and enhance long-term productivity.

4. Finding work-life harmony

Striking a balance between work and personal life is essential for sustainable remote work. Simple practices can ensure a healthier approach:

• Take regular breaks – Stepping away from work every 1-1.5 hours for 10-15 minutes improves focus and reduces stress.
• Dedicate time to well-being – Setting aside time before and after work for mental and physical health activities fosters resilience.
• Foster transparent communication – Regular check-ins and open conversations with colleagues help minimize stress, clarify expectations, and maintain alignment within teams.

Real challenges, real solutions

The discussion led to thoughtful questions from the community, reflecting everyday struggles remote workers face.

Rajab Ali, a community member shared about his difficulty with managing different time zones in long-term projects along with his family responsibilities. To this Rohini stressed the importance of seeking help and structuring work efficiently, advising, “Trying to manage everything alone leads to exhaustion. Effective communication and team coordination can make global collaboration smoother.”‍

Building on this, Shazeena shared her difficulty in sticking to routines. Rohini recommended, “Start small and don’t force yourself into rigid schedules. Pick a habit you enjoy, like having your morning coffee without checking emails—it’s all about making small, sustainable changes.”‍

This resonated with Kyle, who admitted feeling guilty when he has free time to himself from his busy schedule. Rohini encouraged self-reflection, saying, “Ask yourself why you feel guilty. Is it an internal expectation or external pressure? Recognizing the root of that guilt helps you change the narrative.”‍

Shifting gears, Nadiya Khan sought advice on overcoming meeting anxiety and rambling that a lot of members resonated with. Rohini suggested self-awareness techniques: “Ask yourself why you’re overexplaining. Are you worried about being misunderstood? Are you filling silence out of nervousness? Identifying the cause helps you manage it better.”‍

One thing that stood out in the discussion was that remote work isn’t always easy, but it’s not impossible to manage either. With the right mindset and a few small but meaningful adjustments, it’s possible to take control of your time, ease the stress, and build a routine that supports both productivity and well-being.

Out of Office x The Able Mind: Supporting your remote journey

This session was part of our partnership with The Able Mind, a mental well-being platform dedicated to supporting professionals. As an Out of Office community member, you get an exclusive discount on mental health services—because success should never come at the cost of well-being.

Through this collaboration, we aim to empower remote professionals with not just career opportunities but the right tools and resources to thrive—both professionally and mentally. Remote work should be about freedom, not exhaustion. By setting clear boundaries, focusing on impact over hours, and prioritizing well-being, we can truly break free from the ‘Always on’ trap.

Missed the session? Keep the conversation going in the community, and we’ll see you at the next OOOpen Hour!

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