Working from home blurs the boundary between "at work" and "at home" — and that line matters more than most people realise. The biggest source of interruption for remote workers isn't notifications or emails: it's household members who don't know you're in a meeting, on a deadline, or just need 25 minutes of uninterrupted focus.
The WebDesks Status Signal is a full-screen display that communicates your current work status clearly — to anyone who looks at your screen. Choose from three modes: On Call (do not disturb), Deep Work (focus mode active), or Available (free to talk). Or enter a completely custom message.
Set your status now: Open the WebDesks Status Signal — click a card, go full screen, and communicate without saying a word.
The Three Status Modes
🔴 On Call — Do Not Disturb
Activated for video calls, phone meetings, recorded sessions, or any situation where interruption causes real, visible problems. The full-screen red display is unmistakable — even peripheral vision catches it. Equivalent to a broadcast studio's "On Air" light.
🟣 Deep Work — Focus Mode Active
For Pomodoro sessions, deadline work, or any time you need uninterrupted concentration. Softer than "On Call" — indicates you're reachable for genuinely urgent matters, but prefer not to be interrupted for routine things.
🟢 Available — Free to Chat
Between sessions, during breaks, or when you're doing low-focus work and are happy to be interrupted. A visible green signal removes the guesswork for others — they don't need to knock or whisper to figure out if you're busy.
How to Use the Status Signal
- Navigate to webdesks.app/#onair or click the radio icon in the sidebar.
- You'll see three status cards: On Call, Deep Work, and Available.
- Click the card matching your current status to display it full screen.
- The full-screen overlay is large, bold, and color-coded — visible from across a room.
- To return to the Status Signal panel, press Escape or click the screen.
- For a custom message, type it into the "Custom Message" field before clicking a card. Your message appears alongside the status indicator.
Tip: Keep Status Signal open in a dedicated browser tab on a secondary monitor if you have one. Switch to it instantly when a meeting starts — no fumbling with sticky notes or physical signs.
Why Physical Boundaries Matter in Remote Work
Research on remote work productivity consistently identifies interruptions as one of the primary causes of reduced output. A 2020 study in the journal Organizational Science found that recovery from a single interruption takes an average of 23 minutes — and most remote workers experience 3–5 significant interruptions per day.
Physical signals (like an On Air light) have been used in professional contexts for decades for good reason: they communicate boundaries passively, without requiring verbal negotiation each time. A signal that's visible from a distance removes the ambiguity that causes interruptions in the first place.
The Status Signal solves this for anyone working in a shared space — a home with family members, a co-working space without private offices, or a shared apartment. It turns your screen into a visible communication device for your physical environment.
Setting Boundaries When Working from Home: Best Practices
Establish a signal convention with your household
The Status Signal only works if everyone understands it. Spend 5 minutes explaining the three modes to anyone who shares your space. Agree that Red means "absolutely do not interrupt unless it's an emergency."
Activate it proactively, not reactively
Don't wait until you're interrupted to switch to On Call — activate the signal before the meeting starts. Put it in your meeting prep routine: join the call, set Status Signal to On Call, mute notifications. Done.
Use Deep Work mode for Pomodoro sessions
Pair the Deep Work status with the Pomodoro Timer: activate Deep Work status when the timer starts, switch to Available when the break timer runs. Your household members learn your rhythm and interrupt accordingly.
Use Available mode to invite connection
The Available signal isn't just about when you're free — it's an invitation. Switching to Available during breaks means family members know it's a good time to chat, which makes the overall dynamic feel less like you're always closed off.
Status Signal vs. Physical Do-Not-Disturb Signs
Physical signs (sticky notes, printed cards, LED strips) are the traditional solution. Here's how the browser-based Status Signal compares:
| Feature | WebDesks Status Signal | Physical signs |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Minimal (printing) to moderate (LED) |
| Visibility | Full screen — visible across room | Depends on size and placement |
| Custom messages | Yes, typed instantly | Requires printing/writing |
| Multiple modes | 3 modes + custom | Typically one or two |
| Works on secondary monitor | Yes | N/A |
| Requires setup | Zero | Placement, printing, or wiring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Status Signal free?
Yes. Completely free — no account, no subscription, no install required.
How do I exit the full-screen status display?
Press Escape or click anywhere on the full-screen overlay to return to the Status Signal selection panel.
Can I add a custom message?
Yes. Type your message into the "Custom Message" field before clicking a status card. Your message appears in the full-screen display alongside the status indicator — useful for specific context like "Back at 3pm" or "Recording — absolutely no interruptions."
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. WebDesks is a PWA that works on mobile devices. Display it on a tablet propped up outside your door for a dedicated status display.
Can I use it during video calls without it appearing on screen?
If you have a secondary monitor, display the Status Signal there — it won't appear in your main screen capture. On a single monitor, you'll need to minimise or hide it before sharing your screen.