In this article, we will see how to bust unnecessary remote work myths.
Remote Work – Many have tried it, and all have an opinion on it. Some see this renewed and flexible measure of productivity to be the new hallmark of how employees interact with their duties, while others see it as a lazy distraction designed to ignore the true collaboration which takes place when a team works face-to-face.
Whatever you think personally, it’s important to recognise that remote working will no doubt have a place in the offices and facilities of professional teams all around the world. As such, then, it’s best to look at it in some detail. While these working techniques were adopted en masse during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s true to say that many simply adopted the new formula without really questioning or looking deeply into the practicalities of what remote working implies, and how to make it fit your own standard of productivity.
So, let’s consider what myths may have propagated at the time, and how we can correct our fault impressions going forward:
Myth 1: You Need To Install Conferencing Apps
It’s true that remote working has been dominated by the idea of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more. But smaller teams, or even startups, might not need to use that. This is especially true if you’re just looking for a simple alternative, a free substitute, and a quick and easy focus you probably already have installed on your apps already.
For instance, learning how to video call on WhatsApp web can help you undergo a quick meeting with someone on your team, and then continue working using other collaborative apps. This saves you money, time, and the consistent need to onboard everyone on routine updating software. While conferencing apps can be useful for larger teams, the myth that you need to have them lest your remote work is impossible is simply not true.
Myth 2: You Need To Micromanage Remote Work Staff
It’s very easy to think that without micro-management, your staff will devolve into lethargy and not know what to do or what their responsibilities are. This is why many companies use software that allows them to view the work of their staff remote working, or how long it’s been since they moved their mouse.
This can pose a problem, as breathing down the neck of your employees, even digitally, will only serve to demotivate them. As such, it’s good to sit back a little and realize you don’t need to micromanage absolutely everything you deal with. Trusting your staff to commit to the deadline, and then handling the situation appropriately if you notice a decrease in productivity, is the best, most virtuous means of going about it.
Myth 3: Remote Work Can Be Conducted From Anywhere, At Any Time
As someone in favor of remote working, you may picture yourself working in cafes, on your commute, or perhaps on your travels if this is adopted in your workplace. Yes, this can all be possible, and many people do it. But it’s important to note that remote work is not necessarily ‘portable work at all times.’
Resting a laptop on your knees on your living room sofa is just not comfortable, and doesn’t lend itself to productivity. You will need to invest in a quiet space, such as a quiet desk in your living room or spare room, and if you have a family at home then this can be even more distracting. In some cases, people invest in their home offices to make working from this area as comfortable as the office, and may even spend a good amount of ergonomic furniture to make the day more enjoyable.
Sure – you can work almost anywhere with the chance to connect to the internet, but would you want to work almost anywhere? As you can see, being realistic about your limits is a good idea.
Myth 4: Remote Work Is Utterly Superior To In-Person Work
It’s easy to think remote work is the best possible thing that could ever happen to you – but, work is work, and you still have tasks to complete and duties to fulfill. Sure, you might get a few home comforts and you can eschew the morning commute, but working at the office and working at home both have their disadvantages and advantages in kind.
After all, working in a well-curated, air-conditioned office can often be as comforting and focus-assisting as any space you could curate at home. A healthy balance is often the best way forward.
With this advice, you’re sure to remote work with more clarity and without misconception.
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Haider Khalid
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