3 Remote Work Misconceptions Leaders Need to Drop Now
Working from home can boost productivity, but not all embrace telecommuting. There are many myths about remote work that might be keeping you from trying it.
Remote work is not a new concept. Though it has increased in popularity in recent years, the idea of working from home has been around for decades. Today, many effective leaders understand the benefits of remote work.
It is becoming clear that remote employees are more productive and easier to manage. They can also build stronger relationships with their leaders. This is due partly to all the tools we have at our disposal today: communication, collaboration, and project management software — which make working remotely easier.
But not everyone is on board with remote work yet. Are you one of them?
Debunking 3 Common Myths About Remote Work
Here are three myths about remote work that might keep you from trying it out. Let’s debunk them so you can help your company’s employees and managers flourish while working from home.
Myth #1: Remote Workers are Less Productive.
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to work in isolation. You can collaborate with your team just as easily by phone, instant messaging, and email — and still do good work.
In fact, many studies have shown that remote workers are more productive than their on-site counterparts. Remote workers can focus on their tasks without interruption, allowing them to finish more in less time. And since there’s no commute involved, they don’t waste time getting to and from work.
Myth #2: It Is Impossible to Manage a Remote Team Effectively.
It’s true that there are some challenges involved in managing a remote team. But that doesn’t mean you can’t overcome them. With the right tools and processes in place, you can easily stay connected with your employees no matter where they are. When managing a remote team, consider the following:
- Video conferencing software like Zoom allows everyone to feel included while staying focused on work tasks.
- Project management tools like Asana or Basecamp help everyone stay on track. People know what they must complete at any given time and who is responsible for each task or deadline.
Myth #3: You Can’t Build Relationships with Remote Workers.
You can actually build solid relationships with your remote workers. All it takes is a little effort and planning. You can start by talking to your employees on a regular basis, even if you’re not face-to-face with them. This will build rapport and trust, and ensure everyone understands their role in the company.
Another way to build relationships is by hosting a virtual team retreat or conference call. This gives your employees the chance to meet with each other in a relaxed setting and forge bonds that will help them work better together.
Remote vs. In-Person Work: It Doesn’t Have to Be Black and White
When it comes to remote work, the misconception is often that there’s a binary choice between working in person and working remotely. Collaboration has many forms, and what form is best for your organization will depend on many factors.
Are you considering transitioning from an on-site working structure to a remote workforce? Don’t assume which model will be more productive — there are benefits and challenges with both. Remember that there are also ways to create a hybrid model where some employees work in the office while others work remotely. Flexibility can help people stay motivated and productive on the job. Meanwhile, they live a more well-rounded life outside of work.
The Future of Work Is Remote
Regardless of the extent to which companies choose to embrace telecommuting, working from home is here to stay. And for good reason — it’s a surefire way to attract and retain talent, keep employees engaged, and save companies money.
Hopefully, we’ve been able to dispel some of the myths you may have heard about remote work. The reality is that people can work remotely without sacrificing productivity or job satisfaction. The key is finding a remote work solution that works for you and your team — one that will keep everyone on task and happy.
