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What it’s like working remotely: The good, the challenges, and tips for success
At HLabs, creativity knows no borders! With more than half of our team working remotely, we’ve built a dynamic, flexible, and highly collaborative environment that thrives beyond the traditional office space. Whether you're designing from a cozy café in Amsterdam, strategizing from a beachside retreat, or animating from your home studio, working at HLabs means being part of a global team that values innovation, connection, and seamless digital collaboration.
But what does remote work really look like for us? Meet Maryanne, Suraj, and Carla—three HLabs team members who have mastered the art of working remotely in their own unique ways. From Maryanne’s early-morning deep dives into projects in Canada to Suraj’s streamlined web development workflow in India and Carla’s creative marketing brainstorms while on the move, each of them brings a distinct approach to staying productive, connected, and inspired.
From virtual brainstorming sessions and async workflows to creative jam sessions that spark big ideas, here’s an inside look at how we make remote work, well… work!
Maryanne starting the day with coffee and the team’s morning meeting!
Meet Maryane: HLabs’ project manager and karaoke enthusiast
What does your typical workday look like?
My day starts at 4 AM (9 AM UK time)—yes, by choice. Do I have to slap myself awake at this ungodly hour? Thankfully, no. 😂
First, I drink water (because apparently, that’s what responsible adults do), then coffee, which my husband—bless him—preps beforehand.
After that? It depends. The first few hours set the tone for the day, and since no two days are ever the same, I go with the flow. Some days are smooth, others feel like I’m juggling flaming swords, but honestly? Such is the life of a project manager. The goal stays the same though: keep things moving, solve problems before they happen, and make progress—big or small.
And if all else fails? Well, there’s always coffee.
Where do you usually work from—home office, coworking space, or a café?
I must work at home - not because I’m anti-social, but because I randomly burst into song like I’m in a musical—loudly. Pretty sure a coworking space would not appreciate my impromptu concerts. Then, once a week, we escape to a café just to avoid cabin fever.
How do you stay motivated and avoid distractions at home?
What if I’m the distraction? 😂
But seriously, noise-canceling headphones are my best friend, and I try—keyword: try—to stick to a list. Does it always work? Debatable. I get distracted easily, so sometimes, my motivation is just pure fear of the consequences if I don’t get things done. (Hey, whatever works, right?)
Meet Suraj: Our fast & focused developer
What does your typical workday look like?
I do have a routine, but I probably miss most of it. I wake up between 10-11 AM, then do some self-study or personal work. I start work at HLabs around 2-3 PM (9 AM UK time). At 7-8 PM (2-3 PM UK time), I head to the gym, then continue working until 11:30 PM (6 PM UK time).
What’s the best and worst thing about working remotely?
Working remotely has its own perks and drawbacks. A major perk is that you can be as comfortable as you want. However, there are also cons—such as noise and getting interrupted by family for other tasks. Productivity can sometimes be unpredictable.
How do you stay motivated and avoid distractions at home?
To stay motivated, I listen to music and go to the gym—my two go-to activities. I try to keep my phone away as much as possible so I don't get distracted from work.
Meet Carla: Our globe-trotting marketing manager
What does your typical workday look like?
It’s always different for me 😛 Since the pandemic, I’ve fully embraced the digital nomad life—living and working from different places along the way.
Where do you usually work from?
I mostly work from home, but on days when I'm not busy with morning yoga or a game of Padel, I get an early start. While the UK team is still deep in dreamland, it’s around lunchtime in Southeast Asia, so sometimes I take my laptop and go to a nice cafe and work from there.
What’s the best and worst thing about working remotely?
The best thing is not having to dress up and put too much thought on what to wear. Before, wearing flipflops to work is frowned upon, but now it’s a way of life 😂
Fostering culture and team bonding in a remote world
Keeping a strong company culture while working remotely requires intentional effort, and at HLabs, we make it a priority. Communication plays a huge part in this, and tools like Slack and Google Meet help to stay connected with the team—whether through morning meetings, virtual team days, or casual check-ins. We also #shoutout to our fellow colleagues on a good job and celebrate their achievements. Virtual team day meetups are always a blast, with games and quizzes that bring everyone together beyond work tasks. We also keep conversations flowing by dropping random questions and host Friday Tunes in Slack to spark discussions, making sure that small talk and casual interactions don’t get lost in a remote setting. Inside jokes play a big role in bonding, including some cheeky client-specific ones—only because we love working with our clients, of course. Wink.
While remote work has its perks, it can sometimes feel isolating. We find that stepping away from the screen helps—whether it’s hitting the gym, taking a walk, or just switching up my environment. Catching up with teammates on internal calls also makes a big difference, especially when we talk about things other than work. Even a quick chat about lunch or weekend plans can recreate those casual interactions that keep a team feeling connected. Through structured meetups, spontaneous conversations, and shared humor, we make sure the HLabs culture stays strong—no matter where we’re working from.
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Is remote working the right fit for you?
While remote work offers significant flexibility and independence, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Managing your own schedule and avoiding the daily commute has its perks, but the absence of in-person team dynamics can sometimes feel isolating. Additionally, it can be more challenging to disconnect at the end of the day when work and home spaces blend together. Setting boundaries is crucial, but it requires ongoing effort.
While we enjoyed the flexibility to work during my most productive hours and take breaks as needed, some people may struggle with the solitude or distractions that come with working from home. For those who thrive on social interactions or need more structure, remote work can feel isolating or ungrounded.
Ultimately, remote work demands a self-driven mindset and strong time management skills, but it’s not the right fit for everyone, especially if you value constant collaboration and face-to-face engagement.
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