Remote working is certainly on the rise, and more and more employers are waking up to the very real benefits for a business. Of course, there are many benefits for the employee as well, making the idea of working away from regular office chairs, from anywhere with an Internet connection, a very attractive one on both sides!
Whilst it all sounds super-positive, we do have to bear in mind that nothing in life is perfect and that means there are a few pitfalls that you need to be aware of, and learn how to get over them, to make the whole arrangement work in the best possible way. The good news is that there are no major issues with remote working, provided both the employee and employer are on the same page and committed to getting the job done.
For a quick overview of why remote working is so beneficial, and a few ideas on how to do it well, check out this useful infographic.
Source: www.infographicsgraphics.com/benefits-tips-working-remotely-infographic
As you can see, in terms of job satisfaction and motivation for the employee, and productivity for the employer, remote working is a very useful method to try! So, what are those pitfalls we mentioned earlier, and how can you jump over them with ease?
Let’s explore the potential pitfalls.
#1 - A Lack of Motivation
The problem with remote working is that there is no structure, i.e. you don’t have to get up the morning and head to your contemporary office to do your work. You can be flexible to a degree, and whilst you might have a few set core hours agreed with your employer, the chances are that you can choose your hours yourself. In this case, having the self-motivation and self-discipline to get the job done – a mantra of “if I don’t do the work, I don’t get paid” usually works well!
#2 - Communication Issues
Not all remote workers travel, but some do and that means that time zones can come into play. In this case, employers can find it difficult to communicate with their remote workers, and maintain a certain amount of control over the work that is being done. A huge amount of trust needs to exist between both parties, and when communication is poor, problems can occur. Checking in with the office on a regular basis is a must, but also having a reliable method of video calling and messaging is important for both sides.
#3 - Distractions And Temptations
We mentioned earlier about being self-disciplined, but it is also very easy to be distracted when you’re working away from your luxury office furniture.
If you’re travelling, there are beaches to go to, if you’re at home, friends popping around for coffee! Splitting your days up into working sections and perhaps using a productivity app to keep you on target will mean that you still have timer the fun stuff, but you get your work done too.
#4 - Potentially Uncomfortable Working Environments
Depending upon where you’re working, i.e. at home, in co-working spaces, or somewhere else entirely, you may not have access to quality office furniture to make your working day easier. This can put a lot of stress and strain on your back and neck, especially if you’ve been used to ergonomic chairs. Making sure that you sit correctly regardless of where you are, and avoid the temptation to sit and type in bed, should help you overcome this potential issue.
#5 - Loneliness And Isolation
If you’ve been used to working in an office environment and regularly chatting with colleagues, perhaps brainstorming around collaborative office desks, it could be quite a shock to suddenly be working on your own, away from the office. Working from co-working spaces can be a good way to get around this, because there are many likeminded people you can talk to, but also ensuring that you remain in communication with the office regularly will also smooth the waters.
Whilst remote working isn’t something which everyone finds easy, it is a very beneficial way to work, if you want to have a little more freedom from the regular 9-5 method. Ensuring that you know what to expect and how to get around any potential problems will ensure that the experience is a positive one for all involved.
Is remote working for you?