My experience with remote work is 100% positive. My recipe is agile work and management methods – my results are consistently positive. Although I am not part of the team as an external expert and work 100% remotely, the team and I were always well informed. The time for team development and team spirit was always firmly scheduled.
Why does remote working not work so well for everyone?
To get an understanding of the issues, I’d like to start with the pros and cons.
Pros of Remote Work:
1. Flexibility: Remote work allows employees to have more control over their schedules, giving them the ability to work at their own pace and complete their tasks as needed. This can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
2. Cost savings: Working remotely eliminates the need for commuting, which can save employees both time and money. Employers also benefit from reduced office space and utility costs.
3. Increased access to a larger talent pool: Employers can recruit talent from a wider geographic area, which can result in a more diverse workforce and access to specialized skills.
4. Work-life balance: Remote work allows employees to better balance their work and personal lives, resulting in less stress and improved mental health.
5. Reduced environmental impact: Fewer commuters means fewer carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.
Cons of Remote Work:
1. Isolation: Remote workers may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness without the social interaction of an office environment.
2. Communication challenges: Collaborating remotely can be challenging due to the lack of face-to-face communication, resulting in misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
3. Technology issues: Remote work requires a reliable and secure internet connection and access to necessary software and equipment, which can be costly for both employees and employers. In some areas there is only a very weak internet connectivity.
4. Lack of supervision: Remote work can lead to a lack of supervision, making it difficult for managers to monitor employees’ progress and ensure they are meeting expectations.
5. Blurred boundaries: Remote workers may find it difficult to separate their work and personal lives, leading to an “always-on” mentality and potential burnout.
The majority of the points can be controlled by the employee. The advantages for the employer are enormous, especially in times of lack of skilled workers, cost pressure and energy shortage. The points Isolation and Communication Challenges are easily and promptly worked through via management training.
Effective and profitable remote work collaboration rests completely with the employee and direct management. The task of higher management, HR and the works council is to create a solid basis so that the teams can work successfully.
What are your experiences?
Foto by Sigmund @ Unsplash