For example, with technology that connects those who work remotely via the conference call and enables everyone to participate in meetings actively. And to make those meetings less awkward, incorporate a couple of ice breaker games for conference calls. Creative tasks and brainstorming sessions can be less efficient if some team members attend scheduled meetings online while others sit in the same room. Again, this will not be an issue for everyone but it is a valid risk that needs to be acknowledged and dealt with. Having to find a quiet and comfortable place to work at home is a struggle if you don’t leave alone or if have a tiny place that is not designed for working.
Therefore, adopting a remote work model fulfills employees’ expectations, as well as retains and attracts talent. An improvement in productivity due to remote work is also a major benefit for employers. Therefore, remote work should not just be presented as a means to increase productivity. The personal benefits that this model has on workers are what make them more productive. Thus, this is only true if a flexible model makes your workforce happier (which is usually the case) and doesn’t make them feel frustrated, disconnected, or isolated. Vermont is offering $10,000 grants to encourage people from out of state to spend their time — and money — in the state.
Disadvantages of remote work
Remote working allows you to handle your work and other personal obligations as you please. Also, you can adjust your work requirements based on your individual preference. If you’re a morning person, you can work during the day, and the same goes for if you’re a night person. Working and balancing life’s responsibilities can be stressful if not impossible if you’re parked at your office desk for 8 hours a day. Daily commuting is not only tiresome but can be stress-inducing and costly as well based on where you stay, your mode of transportation, and where you work. Some commuters also encounter serious issues such as increased vulnerability to depression and heart attacks.
- Of course, there are a lot of other remote work tools available but nothing like speaking in person.
- Electricity and internet outages aside, connections can vary in speed and reliability over the course of a day.
- Since virtual teaching could fail at any particular time, face-to-face teaching takes the cake anytime.
- Trust in employees and clear communication and expectations are crucial for remote work to be successful in maintaining or improving productivity – while ensuring employee satisfaction.
- Employees have the freedom to work from wherever they want, however they want.
- And in a near full-employment economy, to be competitive in recruiting the best talent, employers are under pressure to offer remote work as a perk.
- If you are in a management position, make sure you establish clear ground rules when building remote or hybrid environments.
A diverse workforce’s perspectives and personalities will bring fresh approaches and values to your workplace. Office spaces do seem productive, but they also contribute to many distractions. According to Global Workplace Analytics, nearly 68% of surveyed employees have been successfully working remotely, which could be the future of work. With the world moving into another phase of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of companies are joining the remote work revolution.
Ability to retain your best employees
But new hires to an organization might feel overwhelmed if they are going from a traditional office to one primary based at home. Not only do they have to learn how companies benefit when employees work remotely how to perform in their new role, but they must also learn to navigate new technology. As a result, managers may spend more time coaching a new remote employee.
