Remote work is continuing a steady increase in the corporate world bringing with it many advantages. Although the trend is increasing and seems to be here to stay, remote work is still treated with mixed feelings. On the one hand, those businesses including remote work as an option for top talent experience much success, profitability, and effectiveness. However, along with the benefits comes an assortment of myths.
For many companies, these myths can serve as a deterrent to increasing or even including remote work as an option for staff members. Fortunately, these myths can be easily debunked.
Here are some of the most common misconceptions surrounding remote work:
#1 Remote workers don’t work – or do too much work
One of the main myths regarding remote work is similar to a coin. On the one hand, some people hold the view that remote workers do not work at all from home. Hence, these staff members are seen as “slackers”. This viewpoint often comes from the belief that you have to see someone in the office doing their job.
However, with clear communication between managers and remote workers, deadlines and status updates can be provided regularly to ensure projects are moving forward at a steady, effective pace.
The other side of this myth coin is the belief that remote workers are available 24/7. As a result, the person doing remote work may hold the view that they cannot disengage from their work. They become exhausted both mentally and physically, try to present themselves as “visible”, reply to messages immediately, etc… This leads to a reduction in project quality and efficiency.
Fortunately, time tracking software like TallyPro can help companies and remote workers track their progress whilst maintaining clear and healthy work boundaries.
#2 Meetings are ineffectual
Finally, the view that meeting with remote workers is ineffectual is far from true. Meetings held via Skype, Zoom, or other platforms tend to be more focused and productive since the people attending are on board with the agenda. Plus, staff including remote workers are more aware of various time zones and deadlines causing everyone to approach the meeting with a sense of urgency, focus, and preparedness.
As a result, project deadlines, scope, challenges, etc…, are dealt with quickly and efficiently causing an increase in customer satisfaction, productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
#3 Effective communication declines
Communication often does not suffer due to remote collaboration. Instead, it tends to be more defined since it is easier to gather top experts together via online platforms. This ensures your team gets expert advice, leadership, and talent available.
Be clear on which social platforms are for business (email, Zoom, Skype, etc…) and which ones are for friendly banter (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc…). By doing this, communication between staff is encouraged and appropriate for each situation.
Online communication provides your staff with a track history for all correspondence and communication given on each project. Having a communication platform for project discussions, updates, changes, and progress will help your team productivity soar.
#4 Productivity decreases
Those companies who operate largely or solely remotely gauge the success of their remote teams based on business success instead of the hours employees spend on projects.
A majority of staff report that remote working improves their productivity since there are fewer distractions, improved focus on the task at hand, and less “watching the time”.
In addition to the above, companies who implement remote working often attract top talent which further enhances company productivity.