Hybrid work, but make it strategic: Career Tips for Flow, Focus, and Flexibility
By: Neil Patrick G. Nepomuceno
The Pandemic enabled the possibility of work-from-home (WFH). But as time goes on, more and more companies are adopting a hybrid work set up as the “new normal” blending in the possibility of remote work while still retaining the core values and good employee relations through on-site work.
This shift poses a new challenge for the modern employee: “How do I maintain my focus at work while at home?” today we’ll answer that by widening your perspective on WFH and how it can be strategically used for deep-focus work.
Curate Your Color Palette for Productivity
Choose workspace colors that boost focus and creativity. Colors can influence your mood and mental clarity. Blues and greens promote calm and concentration, while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity and energy—great for brainstorming sessions or content planning.
Additional Tips:
Use digital wallpapers or desk accessories in your chosen palette.
Try color-coded task lists to visually organize your day.
Avoid overly saturated reds—they can increase stress levels.
Unlock Deep Focus Through Music
Use music strategically to enter and stay in your flow state. Lo-fi beats, ambient soundscapes, or instrumental jazz can help you focus without distraction. For creative tasks, upbeat indie or synth-pop might energize your thinking.
Additional Tips:
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Create playlists for different work modes (focus, ideation, admin).
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Use apps like Brain.fm or Noisli for science-backed sound environments.
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Avoid lyrics-heavy tracks during deep work—they can hijack your attention.
Minimize Interruptions, Maximize Flow
Design your day to protect your most productive hours.
Block off time for deep work, silence notifications, and communicate your availability to your team. Flow state is fragile—guard it like your best idea.
Additional Tips:
Use “Do Not Disturb” modes during peak focus hours.
Schedule meetings in batches to avoid fragmented time.
Try timeboxing or the Pomodoro technique to stay on track.
Natural light and eye breaks are non-negotiable for remote success. Exposure to sunlight boosts mood and regulates your circadian rhythm. Resting your eyes every 20 minutes helps prevent digital fatigue.
Additional Tips:
Position your desk near a window if possible.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Use blue light filters or glasses to reduce strain.
Stretch, Breathe, and Be Mindful
Integrate movement and mindfulness into your daily routine. Stretching and short mindful breaks improve circulation, reduce stress, and reset your mental energy. It’s not just wellness—it’s performance optimization.
Additional Tips:
Try desk yoga or 5-minute guided meditations between tasks.
Use reminders to stand and stretch every hour.
Practice gratitude journaling to end your day with intention.
Whether you’re crafting compelling internal campaigns or managing cross-functional projects, these tips can help you stay energized, focused, and aligned with UnionBank’s mission to empower employees to learn and grow in their careers.
Want more career tips like these? Check them out here!