In collaboration with Anne Malalis, Talent Partner at Filta

Temptation Bundling is more than just a clever productivity trick. It’s a psychology-backed strategy that can transform how global remote teams tackle everyday tasks and navigate burnout, grief, or even just the daily grind.

At Filta, we believe in sharing not only professional strategies but also deeply human ones. That’s why this blog features personal reflections from Anne Malalis, one of our incredible Talent Partners, whose recent experience with grief led her to discover how this behavioral technique can support healing and productivity at the same time.

What Is Temptation Bundling?

Coined by behavioral economist Katherine Milkman, Temptation Bundling is the concept of pairing a task you should do (but tend to procrastinate on) with a task you want to do (and enjoy). Think of it as creating a motivational bridge, a way to make difficult or mundane tasks more appealing by linking them with something pleasurable.

Examples include:

• Only check your inbox while sipping your favorite coffee or tea.
  
• Listen to a motivational podcast while organizing your digital files.
  
• Review proposals while chewing gum or munching on a light, healthy snack.

Anne’s Story: A Gentle Shift Toward Action

Anne shares how grief left her emotionally frozen, unable to complete even the smallest routines. One painful task was folding laundry, a once-shared ritual with her late mother. But through Temptation Bundling, Anne found a gentle way forward. She paired folding clothes with watching her favorite Netflix show,  transforming pain into presence.

“Temptation Bundling isn’t just about productivity. It’s a mindset shift. It tells you: ‘You don’t have to wait for motivation. You can create it.’” — Anne Malalis

Anne’s story reminds us that productivity isn’t always about hustle. Sometimes, it’s about healing, and allowing space for small, manageable progress.

Read the full details here.

Temptation Bundling in Global Remote Work

Remote work offers flexibility, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially across different time zones, cultures, and home environments. Without the structure of a shared office, motivation and focus can wane. This is where Temptation Bundling shines.

By embedding enjoyable moments into their routines, global remote workers can reduce friction, combat isolation, and make daily responsibilities feel lighter and more intentional.

Actionable Tips for Remote Teams

Here are practical ways employers and employees can apply Temptation Bundling to support productivity and well-being in remote work environments:

For Employers, CEOs & Managers:

• Encourage ritual pairings:
  Suggest team members pair reporting tasks with enjoyable music or snacks during stand-ups.
  
• Designate “bundled hours”:
  Allocate time blocks for deep work paired with personal comforts (e.g., coffee, background music).
  
• Incorporate it into wellness programs:
  Offer workshops or share tips on using Temptation Bundling as a stress-reduction technique.
  
• Create a shared playlist or podcast list:
  Encourage team members to share what they listen to while working through their least favorite tasks.
  
• Model the behavior:
  Share your own productivity bundles in team meetings to set a supportive, human tone.
  

For Employees:

• Stack habits:
  Respond to emails while enjoying your morning drink or stretch while reviewing meeting notes.
  
• Create a joy-work routine:
  Reserve a special treat (like a favorite show or snack) only when tackling your most avoided task.
  
• Try micro-bundling:
  Combine even small enjoyable actions (like lighting a candle or using a favorite pen) with tasks like reviewing spreadsheets or attending meetings.
  
• Use tech wisely:
  Set up automations or timers that allow short bursts of difficult work followed by a fun activity.
  
• Involve others:
  Pair up with a coworker virtually to work quietly “together” while sharing a playlist or having a casual chat.
  

The goal is not just to “get things done” but to make the experience of doing them more nourishing.

A New Way to Work, One Gentle Step at a Time

This concept reminds us that productivity doesn’t have to feel like pressure. Especially in remote and globally distributed teams, where personal space overlaps with professional time, creating intentional moments of joy in our workdays can lead to more consistent output, greater focus, and, most importantly, emotional well-being.

Whether you’re leading a team across time zones or managing your own motivation in a home office, pairing small pleasures with necessary tasks is a compassionate way to stay engaged. It honors the reality that we are humans first, professionals second, and that progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder, but from creating environments that support us holistically.

By embracing this mindset, we’re not just working better. We’re working smarter, kinder, and with a little more grace.

Make Work Feel Better, One Bundle at a Time.

At Filta, we believe in building globally connected teams that value both performance and people. If you’re looking for more insights on human-centered productivity, remote work culture, and insights from our community. Visit filtaglobal.com.

Let’s make work not just something we do, but something we feel good about doing.

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Connect to Anne Malalis via LinkedIn!