Why I’m Working Smarter, Not Longer — Lessons from a Fully Remote Role at 57Network

Reported by: Nurul Addina Azime

As a fully remote employee at 57Network, I’ve been paying close attention to the evolving conversation around remote work and Gallup’s recent insights really resonate with me.

The Surprising Reality: Fewer Hours, Same Output
Based on my reading, Gallup’s latest findings reveal that remote-capable employees now work, on average, about an hour less per day compared to 2019. This isn’t just about cutting commute times—the drop goes deeper, with people redirecting 30 to 60 minutes toward leisure or personal activities each day.

​This trend hits close to home literally. I’ve found myself clocking fewer hours than I used to, but here’s the surprising part: my productivity hasn’t dipped. If anything, it feels steadier, thanks to sharper focus, better time management, and a rhythm that fits the way I work best.

Productivity: Not a Zero-Sum Game
One concern I've heard is: “If we work 10% fewer hours, will output fall 10%?” But Gallup’s research challenges that assumption. Reduced hours don’t necessarily mean reduced results. For me, that’s been spot-on—I’m delivering crisp, high-impact work without clocking overtime.

Remote Work Catalyst: Talent, Trust, and Autonomy
Beyond just hours and output, remote models enable broader benefits like a wider hiring pool, greater autonomy, and a culture of trust. At 57Network, I’ve seen firsthand how performance trumps presence.

What’s more, this shift encourages a healthy work–life balance. Replacing commute time with short walks, family moments, or a simple pause has reinvigorated my drives, and ultimately my creativity.

Smart tools also play a big role. At 57Network, we use platforms like Teams, Smartsheet, and other business tools to track and manage our work remotely. These tools keep me connected with my team, aligned on priorities, and on top of deliverables without needing to be “always online.”

Key Takeaways That Shape My Day-to-Day at 57Network

• Efficiency Over Hours: I structure my day around high-impact tasks, not screen time.
• Know Your Peak: I work when I’m most focused whether that’s early morning or late afternoon—but always log off when I’m done, not just when it’s “clockable time.”
• Leverage Boundaries: Having a remote setup means I can step away, recharge, and return sharper. Trusting myself to do so actually boosts overall productivity.

A Few Observations Worth Sharing:

• Not working more hours doesn’t equate to doing less. It’s how you structure your time and whether you align it with your productivity peaks, that matters most.
• Gallup’s data shows remote staff hours are falling, but productivity remains stable—a sign that remote work is evolving from marathon sessions to lean, focused sprints.
• ​Remote environments often promote autonomy and outcomes over micromanagement exactly what fuels innovation at 57Network.

Final Thoughts

At 57Network, I’ve experienced firsthand what Gallup’s data underscores: quality trumps quantity. Working remotely isn’t about logging long hours, it’s about working smarter, maintaining trust, and creating space for both productivity and personal well-being.

And with the right tools like Smartsheet and ClickUp keeping me in sync with my team, remote work isn’t just sustainable, it’s a game-changer. 

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Also at 57Network, we know today’s workplace can feel overwhelming with endless tools, risks, and changing demands. That’s why we focus on making work easier, safer, and more collaborative for you. Think of us as your partner in simplifying challenges and unlocking new opportunities.

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