Remote working in tech is no longer a perk. It is a core part of how modern product, engineering and digital teams operate. Whether you are onboarding remote tech talent or transitioning into a fully remote role yourself, setting things up properly from day one makes a huge difference to performance, wellbeing and long-term success.
Our Tech Recruiter Mitch Hooper is currently working remotely after relocating to Buenos Aires. Here are his practical, battle-tested tips for thriving in a remote tech role.
1. Create a workspace that actually works
A good workspace is non-negotiable for remote tech professionals.
I work from a coworking space two or three times a week. It gives me access to call booths for interviews, quiet areas for focused work, and outdoor space for a change of scenery. It also helps replicate the social side of office life, which is easy to lose when working remotely.
At home, keep things simple but intentional. A desk big enough for your laptop and notepad, a sturdy chair, and decent reading glasses if you need them. Try to keep your work setup separate from where you relax in the evenings. You do not want your brain switching into work mode when you are supposed to be switching off.
For remote tech roles, having a defined workspace helps with focus, boundaries and productivity.
2. Build in regular crossover with your team
Strong communication is critical for distributed tech teams.
Before moving to Buenos Aires, I worked remotely from Bristol, and the same rules applied. Every day at 10.30am the team had a short catch up to cover what was done yesterday and what was planned for the day ahead. It usually took no more than 15 to 20 minutes.
After that, we spent around 10 minutes talking about life outside work. It might not sound essential, but those informal conversations help maintain the relationships that naturally form in an office environment.
For remote tech teams, this kind of structure keeps people aligned, connected and engaged.
3. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones
If you work remotely, especially in tech recruitment or delivery roles where calls are constant, noise cancelling headphones are essential.
Background noise from children, traffic or building work can derail interviews and meetings very quickly. A decent pair of headphones protects your focus and keeps things professional for candidates and clients alike.
4. Track your time and manage time zones carefully
Time zone management is one of the biggest challenges in remote tech work.
Initially, I had my laptop set to Buenos Aires time, which caused more confusion than I expected. Since switching my laptop clock and Outlook calendar back to GMT, everything runs far more smoothly. Meetings are clearer, deadlines are easier to manage, and there is no awkwardness around missed calls.
If you are working remotely across time zones, align your systems to your core business hours and be consistent.
Mitch leads the Tech and Engineering practice at Zebra People. If you would like to discuss remote working in tech or explore current opportunities, you can reach him at mitch@zebrapeople.com.
