7 tips for working remotely

Sharon Waterhouse
Written by Sharon Waterhouse
Sharon Waterhouse
Written by Sharon Waterhouse Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Sharon Waterhouse is the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Health Fund, a not-for-profit health insurer that has supported its members for more than 70 years. Since stepping into the CEO role in 2014, Sharon has led significant organisational transformation — strengthening the fund’s financial position, improving member experience, and driving innovation across product, service, and digital channels. With over two decades of senior leadership experience in the financial services sector, she brings a strong strategic focus and deep commitment to delivering sustainable, member-centred outcomes.

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Published: March 17, 2020
Last checked: March 19, 2026
Working from home Phoenix Health Fund

There’s always been professions where working from home or on the move is the norm, but in today’s environment, technology and necessity have meant that more and more employers are offering flexible working arrangements.

While working outside a conventional office eliminates some distractions and saves on commuting time, without discipline and motivation it can create opportunities for distractions like Netflix, unannounced visitors and that pesky full basket of laundry.

Phoenix Health is one organisation that embraces a remote working model for staff where possible — we have staff located all around Australia. We recently jumped into a digital meeting room with our remote employees and gathered their tips for a productive remote working environment.

7 tips for working remotely

  • Start and end your day with a routine. This looks different to everyone, but keeping normal habits like a regular alarm time, preparing your lunch so you’re eating healthily and maintaining after-work commitments helps establish productive routines.
  • Set up a dedicated workspace. This one is important. Set yourself up with everything you need to be productive (e.g. separate screens, printers, a comfortable and supportive chair). You’ll be spending a significant amount of time in this space, so it’s important not to just “make do.”
  • Maintain regular working hours, including scheduled breaks. One of the biggest advantages of working remotely is flexibility, but keeping structure ensures work doesn’t creep into your downtime and vice versa.
  • Establish communication channels and embrace them. Programs such as Slack and Teams are great for collaboration and quick messages that don’t need to be emails. Remember how often you’d chat to colleagues in a conventional office. Be clear and concise in your communication and keep the tone positive — it can be harder to convey tone in writing, so don’t be afraid to use an exclamation mark or emoji where appropriate.
  • Set ground rules for everyone in your workspace. Boundaries are necessary when working remotely. If you’ve got kids, a spouse or housemate coming and going, it’s important to set expectations so you have the space you need to focus and meet deadlines.
  • Use a VPN. A VPN, or virtual private network, helps secure your connection and protect sensitive information. Many people already use one in a conventional office, and using one remotely ensures your work remains secure regardless of the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
  • Look after your physical and mental health. At times, working remotely can feel isolating. Make time to socialise with colleagues, leave the house where possible and exercise. Fresh air and sunlight can make a real difference — vitamin D plays an important role in supporting your immune system.

Whether it’s by choice or necessity, there are clear advantages to working remotely. Embrace the flexibility, maintain balance and productivity will follow.