It’s no secret that working away from the office is increasingly more popular. Six out of 10 companies offer their workers the chance to telecommute. 43 percent of all employees work remotely at least some of the time, according to the latest workplace statistics from Gallup.
While remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges for individuals working from home. Let’s explore the top six challenges of working remotely and what they mean for employees.
Time Management Struggles: Remote workers often struggle with managing their time effectively. Without the structure of a traditional office environment, it’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. As a coach, I recommend establishing a clear daily routine and using time-blocking techniques to stay on track.
Blurred Work-Life Boundaries: Working from home can lead to blurred lines between work and personal life. Remote employees may find themselves working at all hours, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I suggest setting clear boundaries and communicating them with your team and family.
Disconnection from Team Members: Remote work can create a sense of isolation and disconnection from colleagues. This lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder communication and collaboration. To combat this, I encourage teams to schedule regular virtual check-ins and prioritize video calls for important meetings.
Technology Challenges: Remote workers rely heavily on technology to stay connected and productive. Technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity or software glitches, can significantly impact their ability to work effectively. As a coach, I advise leaders to invest in reliable technology and provide their teams with the necessary tools and support.
Lack of Visibility: Working remotely can make it challenging for employees to gain visibility within their organization. This lack of visibility can limit opportunities for recognition, growth, and advancement. To increase visibility, I recommend that remote workers actively engage in virtual meetings, share their successes, and seek out opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects.
Limited In-Person Collaboration: Remote work can hinder the spontaneous brainstorming and collaboration that often occurs in a shared office space. This lack of in-person interaction can stifle creativity and innovation. As a coach, I suggest teams schedule dedicated virtual brainstorming sessions and use collaborative tools to foster idea-sharing and innovation.
As a leader, it’s crucial to acknowledge these challenges and work proactively to support your remote team members. By providing the necessary tools, resources, and communication channels, you can help your team overcome these obstacles and thrive in a remote work environment.
Lead From Within: By supporting your team and adapting to new ways of working, you can unlock the full potential of your remote workforce.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- To Be Successful Working from Home- Your Personality Matters
- How To Be A Successful Leader From Home
- How to Collaborate Effectively with a Remote Team
- How the Best Leaders Help their Remote Employees Thrive
- 12 Meaningful Ways To Recognize Your Remote Employees Successfully
- What Remote Leaders Do Differently to Be Successful
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.