CHICAGO — Devin Temple, Marketing Systems Manager at Diversified, connected with Trade Show Executive to share his strategies for successfully working remotely.
ANDREW: When did you first start working remotely? How were your first few months?
DEVIN: Returning to Diversified as a fully remote employee after three years in the office, I quickly realized that staying connected wasn’t just possible — it was essential.
Regular check-ins, laughter-filled coffee chats and a variety of collaboration tools keep me engaged with my team just as meaningfully as before. Even from a distance, the work I do has a direct impact on the customer experience at our in-person events, proving that strong connections and effective teamwork aren’t about physical proximity but about engagement, communication and a shared commitment to success.
ANDREW: What are some pros to working remotely?
DEVIN: The biggest pro of working remotely is flexibility. Rather than structuring my day around a rigid commute schedule and lack of home-level amenities, I can optimize my work hours based on when I’m most productive.
Having control over my schedule also makes it easier to maintain a strong work-life balance. The ability to pause and grab a snack, take a quick walk or even step away for a short reset helps keep my focus sharp with minimal disruption.
ANDREW: What are some cons?
DEVIN: The biggest downside of remote work is the potential for isolation. Without proactive efforts to stay engaged, it’s easy to feel disconnected from colleagues and the broader organization.
Communication also requires more attention. Where in-office conversations rely on tone and body language, remote workers often must be more mindful of how their messages come across in emails and chats.
Juggling multiple communication channels can add another layer of complexity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging when your home and office are in the same space.
While having a dedicated workspace can help, not everyone has that option, making it even more important to set boundaries and create routines that separate work from personal time.
Related. Remote Work Dos and Don’ts with Restaurant Events VP Paul Pedrow
ANDREW: What lessons did you learn to become an effective remote worker?
DEVIN: Routine, routine, routine! Most of us have structured working hours, but establishing deeper habits within that window makes a huge difference.
Having a consistent lunch break helps with planning deep work and team meetings, while taking intentional breaks (like those quick walks I mentioned earlier) prevents burnout and improves clarity — especially on the busiest days.
ANDREW: What are some misconceptions that people have about remote work?
DEVIN: One of the biggest misconceptions is that remote workers are less productive. Many people, myself included, find they work more efficiently outside of a traditional office setting due to fewer distractions and more control over their environment.
Despite this, many companies have been pursuing return-to-office policies under the assumption that in-person work leads to better collaboration and performance. While in-person interaction has its benefits, the past several years has proven that remote work is not only viable but also a sustainable option for many industries.
Another common myth is that remote work means total flexibility — while there is often more autonomy, most roles still require structured hours, deadlines and collaboration to keep teams aligned.
Lastly, some assume remote work is easier than being in an office, but in reality, it demands strong self-discipline, motivation and intentional communication to stay effective.
ANDREW: What key strategies do you use to stay effective when working remotely?
DEVIN: Time blocking has been the biggest game-changer for me. Scheduling focused work periods helps minimize distractions and keeps my priorities on track.
I also rely on a handful of communication tools such as digital whiteboards, collaborative knowledgebases and scrum boards to stay aligned with my team without being tied to constant meetings.
Regular check-ins with colleagues help maintain collaboration and engagement, while setting clear boundaries (like hard start and stop times) ensure that work doesn’t bleed into personal life.
ANDREW: What tactics do you avoid?
DEVIN: I avoid working from the couch or bed since it blurs the line between relaxation and professionalism. I also make sure not to neglect communication, assuming people know what I’m working on can lead to misalignment.
Overloading my schedule is another pitfall I actively avoid. Without structured breaks, burnout happens fast, so I prioritize balance to stay effective long-term.
ANDREW: How do you stay connected with coworkers and/or network as a remote worker?
DEVIN: Building relationships takes extra effort in a remote environment, so I make a point to schedule virtual coffee chats and check-ins. Attending industry events and webinars keeps me engaged with the larger professional community, while actively participating in team culture (whether through Teams discussions, virtual coffee chats, or knowledge-sharing sessions) helps maintain a sense of connection.
Additionally, I stay connected by attending our own events, which provide not only facetime with colleagues, but also the opportunity to connect with our customers.
Being involved in internal initiatives like Diversified’s Employee Activity Committee also allows me to contribute to shaping strategies that ensure remote employees continue feeling included and motivated.
ANDREW: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DEVIN: Remote work is always continuing to evolve and success in it requires continuous learning and adaptation. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, when done right, it can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally.
The key is to be intentional about communication, productivity strategies and, most importantly, personal well-being.
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