Working from home: What to look out for.
Remote work, a new form of work where the daily transfer of employees to a central workplace is replaced by the ability to work through the use of modern telecommunications, shrinking space, and time. Although most members of our society seem to have the necessary, in a theoretical context, information on remote work, very few have years of experience or are even employed exclusively through it. The crisis that modern society faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have a direct impact on the future of the workplace. From the first phases of mitigation of the self-restraint measures, we observe that great importance is given to distance; in education, work, transportation, in our social contacts. For some of us, working remotely may be our main form of employment, but what should we look out for when our work environment enters our home?
Certainly, such an act brings about a radical shift in balance, especially when one shares their home with others. Our home also becomes our workspace. Setting the boundaries right, both personally and family-wise, is the first step in shaping the new business environment. Experts suggest forming a “home office” dedicated exclusively to remote work. This way we try to limit distraction, as well as come to an agreement with those around us that this space is part of our work, adopting a collaborative and democratic leadership style for our interpersonal relationships, working as a team, strengthening the bonds that unite us.
This new space has to be properly equipped to support remote work, which means that we need, in addition to a computer and a good internet connection, a camera and a good microphone. Because teamwork and good collaboration are important parameters in any business, the use of the camera automatically makes any conversation more comfortable since we can achieve a form of visual contact.
An important part of the boundaries we mentioned is regular breaks that ensure contact with our loved ones and the necessary distance from the workplace. In addition, a carefully structured work program, which would respect the needs of our partners, especially if they are in different time zones, our family’s, as well as our personal needs, would be beneficial in creating a routine around our new work.
Even apart, we keep being a team member. Communication with our coworkers is essential in maintaining and strengthening our interpersonal relationships. Through empathy, we are able to understand any difficulties they may face, as it is possible we faced something similar, or to participate in their happy moments.
The Five Levels of Remote Work
According to entrepreneur Steve Glaveski, asynchronous communication and remote work are divided into 5 levels, as presented in the following graph:
1. At the base of the pyramid is what Glaveski describes as a non-deliberate action. Essentially, at this level, no forms of remote work can be found. There is online communication, but this is simply not enough to support any kind of telecommuting.
2. The second level corresponds to the exact recreation of the office in an online environment. For Glaveski, the majority of businesses, during COVID-19 face enormous difficulties in moving past this level. In this particular stage, we can find elements of remote work, however, new technologies are not being used at their maximum extent. Employees behave just like they would under normal circumstances at their office, while employers, in some cases, adopt practices to monitor their staff in order to know who is actually working.
3. At the third level, there is an adaptation to the medium. Employees and organizations get used to remote work. They can share documents and information trusting each other’s digital skills. Video meetings are performed in a professional environment; they have clear purpose and context, the appropriate number of participants, and the appropriate duration.
4. At the fourth level, we can find the achievement of asynchronous communication. More emphasis is given on the quality of the work produced, while the members of the team trust each other. Decisions are made through cooperation and they are not imposed. There are no traditional shifts or “office hours”, as employees are sufficiently aware of the new media as well as their ability to participate productively in them. Home offices are just as efficient and there is a balance regarding social life.
5. At the top of the pyramid, we can find “Nirvana”. As the word suggests remote work performs better than any other model the organization has tried during the past.
However, as Glaveski points out, physical presence and the natural workplace offer unique experiences on a social and interpersonal level, which cannot be replaced or reproduced in digital environments. At this point it also seems necessary to develop emotional intelligence, the ability to communicate, recognize, remember, learn, and manage our relationships with other people. Especially in times of crisis, it is important to maintain and strengthen relationships.
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