The impact of remote work on creativity—how to thrive while working remotely

Remote work is no longer just a trend—it’s the new norm for many creative professionals. What would have been unimaginable a decade ago has now become a permanent fixture in our lives. A working style that skyrocketed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has now transformed into a lasting reality for many—especially those in the creative industries.

This new era of remote work presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to fostering creativity. From the cons to the perks of remote work, let’s explore the impact of working remotely and how it’s reshaped the way creative professionals collaborate, innovate, and create.

Before the pandemic, remote work in the creative industry was a rarity, a luxury even. Freelancers and digital nomads enjoyed the freedom, but the majority—those in advertising agencies, design firms, and media companies—were tied to office spaces believed essential for collaboration and company culture.

Then came 2020. Practically overnight, creative professionals had to adapt to working from home, leaning on new tools and platforms to stay productive. Video conferencing, remote team management software, project management software, and cloud-based collaboration became our lifelines. While some struggled, others, like myself, saw a surge in work, adapting seamlessly to this new way of working.

Now with plenty of remote job sites out there to help creatives find their next job, this shift challenged the necessity of physical offices. As a result, many businesses have embraced permanent remote or hybrid models, blending the best of both worlds. Hybrid models, in particular, have become popular, allowing employees to split their time between remote work and office-based activities that thrive on face-to-face interaction, such as brainstorming and team meetings. So, has hybrid work become the new normal?

The transition to remote work has brought about numerous advantages for creative professionals, reshaping the way they approach their work and enhancing various aspects of the creative process. Here are some of the biggest benefits of working remotely, from my own perspective, and from fellow creatives I know who also work remotely:

One of the most significant benefits of remote work for creatives is the increased flexibility it provides. Without the constraints of traditional office hours, creative professionals can work during the times when they are most productive and inspired. While you’ll still likely have a few Zoom calls and meetings to coordinate with your clients or team, you mostly get to choose your own hours.

Say goodbye to traffic jams and hello to extra hours in your day. For many remote creatives, this invaluable perk means gaining back valuable time. As the saying goes “time is money”, and when I started working remotely, this immediately freed up nearly 2 hours of daily commuting for me. Just that one shift has given me 10 more hours per week to dedicate to whatever I want!

Remote work means you can live anywhere. No need to stay close to the office, which might be in an expensive city. I moved to a rural town with a lower cost of living, saving money not just on rent but also on daily commuting costs. For companies, this flexibility often extends to managing global payroll for an international workforce.

Balancing work and personal life becomes easier when you work from home. Need to pick up the kids or run an errand? It’s simpler without the commute. Two of my remote-working friends with kids find it much easier to manage family activities this way. Whereas, if they worked in a traditional office space, they would have to schedule everything with their employer.

As with most things, working remotely can be a double-edged sword. Working remotely can vastly benefit you in many ways, but it may also have negative impacts you didn’t expect. Often this is because there are many “perks” of working in a traditional office space that get taken for granted, because in the past, there wasn’t much of an alternative work option. Let’s dive into some of the biggest challenges creatives working remotely will face. 

One major downside of remote work is isolation. Creative professionals often thrive on collaboration and spontaneous interactions, which are harder to achieve remotely. For me this definitely has had the biggest negative impact. I often miss the sense of comradery that you get from working in a traditional office setting, making everything feel more like a “team effort”. This was something I didn’t realize I would miss so much until it was working remotely. 

Working from home can blur the lines between professional and personal life. Household distractions, such as family members, pets, and household chores, can quickly disrupt your focus. Additionally, the temptation to work beyond regular hours can lead to burnout if boundaries are not managed. This can create the feeling that you’re always at work. Creatives may struggle to find a balance that allows them to maintain their creativity without overworking.

In an office, a quick chat with a colleague is easy. Remotely, all communication happens via phone, email, or video calls, which can be time-consuming and slow down your work. Again, this is something that can easily be overlooked when you are working in a traditional office space. It can be really easy to just swing by someone’s office to get a question answered quickly. But when you work remotely, everything then will likely be done by phone, email, Slack, or zoom call, which can be time-consuming and draining.

Working in the same place, usually from your home, can also create motivation and creative block issues. This can be because your surroundings aren’t changing as frequently and because while working from home, you aren’t necessarily forced to “get out and about”. This can result in decreased productivity and a feeling of stagnation, which can negatively affect creative output.

Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits and challenges of working remotely, let’s look at some strategies creatives can use to enhance their productivity. These tips should help creatives maintain a healthier work-life balance, which will reduce the chance of burnout, and keep the creative juices flowing!

A consistent routine provides the structure often missing in remote work. Set specific work hours, take regular breaks, and define a start and end to your workday to maintain discipline and avoid overworking. I can’t stress enough how important this is, and how easy it can be to get derailed from your routine. If that happens, don’t beat yourself up over it, but do hold yourself accountable to get back into your routine. Having a routine is your “best friend” when it comes to remote work!

Having a dedicated workspace helps maintain focus and productivity. Keep this space separate from areas of relaxation to create a clear boundary between work and personal life. It can be easy, especially if you are living alone, to spend your entire day in your “workspace”. But to increase productivity, don’t spend your entire day in your workspace.

Along with a routine and a dedicated workspace, you’ll need to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life to prevent burn out. Communicate your work hours to family members or housemates to minimize interruptions. Use tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings on your phone and listen to ambient music to shift into work mode.

Mental and physical well-being are crucial for creativity. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and adequate rest can rejuvenate your mind and body, boosting your creativity and productivity—I would say that nearly 50% of my creative ideas or inspiration come to me when I’m outside in nature or exercising. Take time for hobbies, social activities, and relaxation.

The evolution of remote work in the creative industry has been a journey of adaptation and discovery. While remote work offers many advantages for creatives, it also introduces significant challenges that need to be addressed to maintain productivity, creativity, and well-being.

You’ll need to take a proactive approach to address the challenges and leverage the benefits of remote work. By developing a structured routine, establishing a dedicated workspace, utilizing clear boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, creative professionals can thrive in a remote work environment.