Remote Work Isn't the Problem (Your Workflow Is)

After a year of working remotely on my own projects, I learned that productivity isn't about where you work—it's about how you work.

Nischal Timalsina
remote-workproductivityopinionworkflow
6 min read

Remote Work Isn't the Problem (Your Workflow Is)

Everyone's debating remote vs office. I think they're asking the wrong question.

The Real Issue

It's not WHERE you work. It's HOW you work.

I've been unproductive in offices. I've been productive in coffee shops in Thamel. The location wasn't the factor—my workflow was.

What Actually Matters

1. Clear Goals

Unproductive (office or remote):

Productive:

The difference: Specific, measurable tasks.

I spend 10 minutes each morning writing down exactly what I want to finish. Not "work on app"—specific features or fixes.

2. Time Blocking

Doesn't work:

9 AM - 6 PM: Work

Works:

9:00 - 10:30  →  Implement booking form
10:30 - 11:00 →  Break / coffee
11:00 - 12:30 →  Write tests
12:30 - 1:30  →  Lunch
1:30 - 3:00   →  Fix reported bugs
3:00 - 3:30   →  Review code / plan tomorrow

Why it works: Your brain knows exactly what to do at each time. No deciding, just doing.

3. Deep Work Blocks

Bad:

Good:

My rule: First 3 hours of the day = zero distractions. That's when I do hard coding. Email/messages after lunch.

Remote Work Challenges (And Solutions)

Challenge 1: Distractions at Home

Problem: Family, TV, bed nearby.

Solution:

Challenge 2: Isolation

Problem: No coworkers to talk to.

Solution:

Challenge 3: Overworking

Problem: Never "leaving" work.

Solution:

This is actually harder than in-office work. Need discipline.

Office Work Challenges

Let's be honest about offices too:

Problem 1: Constant Interruptions

"Hey, quick question..." → 20 minute conversation → Lost your train of thought → Need 15 minutes to get back in flow

Cost: ~30-45 minutes per interruption. 5 interruptions = half your day gone.

Problem 2: Commute

Kathmandu traffic: 1-2 hours daily.

That's 5-10 hours per week not coding, not learning, not relaxing. Just sitting in traffic.

Problem 3: Fixed Hours

Good coding requires flow state. Flow state doesn't care about 9-5.

Sometimes I'm most productive 8 PM - 11 PM. Can't do that in an office.

What Works for Me (Remote)

My Setup

Hardware:

Software:

Environment:

My Daily Routine

6:30 AM  → Wake up, exercise
7:30 AM  → Breakfast
8:00 AM  → Check messages, plan day
9:00 AM  → Deep work (hardest task)
11:00 AM → Short break
11:15 AM → Deep work (second task)
1:00 PM  → Lunch
2:00 PM  → Lighter tasks (testing, reviews, emails)
4:00 PM  → Learning / side projects
6:00 PM  → Stop working

Key: Deep work in morning when brain is fresh. Admin stuff after lunch.

What I Track

Every week I review:

Not tracking to stress myself out. Tracking to improve.

The Hybrid Middle Ground

Some people need a mix. That's fine.

Example hybrid:

Or:

Point: Design what works for YOUR work, not what works for "everyone."

Unpopular Opinion

Most "return to office" mandates aren't about productivity. They're about:

If you measure actual output, remote workers often do MORE, not less.

But: This requires:

Not everyone has these. That's okay. Some people need structure of an office.

For Employers

Stop debating remote vs office. Start asking:

  1. What work needs collaboration?

    • Pair programming sessions
    • Design reviews
    • Brainstorming

    → These benefit from in-person or video calls

  2. What work needs focus?

    • Writing code
    • Debugging complex issues
    • System design

    → These benefit from uninterrupted time

  3. What's your actual goal?

    • Ship features faster?
    • Retain good developers?
    • Build team culture?

    Then measure THAT. Not "hours in office."

For Developers

Remote work is a skill. If you're struggling:

Try:

Give it: 2-3 months. Takes time to build new habits.

If it still doesn't work: Office might be better for you. That's fine. Know yourself.

My Take

Remote work is better for:

Office work is better for:

Best solution: Let people choose.

Trust developers to know what works for them. Judge by output, not hours in seat.

Bottom Line

The location debate misses the point.

Good workflow = productive anywhere Bad workflow = unproductive anywhere

Focus on:

Do this right, and you'll be productive working from Thamel, an office in Durbarmarg, or a beach in Pokhara.

The choice is yours.