Remote work existed well before the pandemic. However, it would not be wrong to say that the pandemic made remote working mainstream. Today, a great number of organisations are embracing remote and hybrid work. The primary reason is its benefits to the employer and the employee.
From the employer's perspective, they can hire brilliant minds from anywhere in the world without requiring them to be physically present in the same place as the organisation. Employees need not waste valuable time commuting to and from the office. It also improves the work-life balance.
Of course, these are not the only benefits. There are numerous studies which conclude that remote work can enhance productivity. Yet, this transformation isn't devoid of hurdles. As remote work becomes more prevalent, professionals encounter various challenges that demand innovative solutions.
This article discusses the top 8 most common challenges of working remotely. We will go one step beyond by listing easy-to-follow, actionable solutions to these challenges. Of course, you can skip this hassle and join a coworking space that will automatically address most of these challenges.
The most apparent drawback of remote work is the isolation and loneliness. In an office setting, one can easily interact with coworkers. Even if you don’t like to admit it, these interactions can uplift a person’s mood. These interactions can help you forget about daily problems and solve workplace-related problems.
Without such interactions, a person can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. It is especially true for individuals who are living away from family. Setting up a virtual community is the best way to overcome this challenge. You can hold regular video calls and online team-building exercises.
It can create a sense of togetherness and provide you with an escape from work. It can go a long way in improving your food and combatting feelings of loneliness. If coworkers are not an option, then you may join online groups. Taking part in the discussions can be an emotionally rewarding experience.
Another issue with remote work is time management. Usually, remote workers have flexible timings. It means they can select when to work. However, the challenge is that most of us lack impeccable time management skills. It can create issues for your personal and professional life.
You may not find the time to work on your hobbies or go out with friends or family. If your work is getting delayed, you can expect a warning from the employer. The employer may even lay you off if you do not improve yourself. We recommend using digital calendars and task management tools to work on your time management.
Keep in mind that time management is not a skill you will acquire overnight. You will master it over time. So, be patient. Practising healthy lifestyle habits is another way to improve your time management skills. During the working days, get ample rest. It will help you focus on the job.
You can always ask for clarification if you don't understand your manager's instructions. Your coworkers can also guide you in case of queries. The non-verbal cues also clarify what the manager or your coworker is trying to communicate. All this is not available in remote work.
It makes effective communication all the more critical in remote setups. When complex ideas arise, opt for video calls instead of lengthy emails. It will help reduce misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page. Try to establish the modes of communication beforehand to further improve clarity.
In an office, everyone is focused on the job. They are there to complete their work so that they can go home on time. In a home, everyone has different priorities. While you are working, your partner may be trying to watch a video or be on a call. Your kids might be playing video games.
The neighbour might want to chat about the football game last night. In short, a home office is a playground for distractions. The only way to overcome this problem is by designating an area as a dedicated workspace. Establish clear boundaries with your family members during your working hours.
If budget is not an issue, invest in good quality noise-cancellation headphones. They can be a great way to reduce the surrounding noise and help you concentrate on your work. Lastly, put your mobile on silent or in focus mode. After all, your mobile phone is the biggest source of distractions.
When you walk into an office, you tend to leave your home life at the door. We refer to this as separating work and life. In a home setting, there is a very thin line between work and life. You are literally working in the same place as your house. Counter this challenge by physically and mentally demarcating work and personal spaces.
When you get off from work, do the same things that you would after returning from the office. For example, you can change your clothes, have a snack, and put on the TV. By doing these things, you are undergoing a symbolic transition that the working hours are over, and you are at home now.
In an office, you have a technical support team to resolve technical glitches promptly. In remote work, you are responsible for resolving all such issues on your own. Undoubtedly, these issues can impact your productivity and may even cost you your job if they keep happening repeatedly.
Therefore, we recommend investing in a reliable internet service connection and having a backup in case of emergencies. The internet is meaningless if your laptop/PC is not up to the task. Ensure that your machine is capable of handling your job role. Lastly, regularly update your software to avoid issues that could disrupt your workflow.
In an office, you will always have a supervisor who is closely monitoring your progress. Most managers claim that holding employees accountable is the biggest challenge in remote work. They don't know where to start. Instead of being a challenge for your manager, be the solution.
What you can do is ask your manager to set SMART goals. Then, break down the goals into manageable tasks and utilise digital tools for progress tracking. It would also improve your time management skills. But this is not enough. So, set up regular check-ins with supervisors to ask them for updates on your progress.
Remote working and health issues go hand in hand if you are not careful. The primary reason is that the home furniture is not the same quality as your office. If you can, invest in an ergonomic chair and desk setup to maintain posture. It will go a long way in ensuring good health.
Lastly, implement the 20-20-20 rule. What is this rule? Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. The purpose is to prevent damage to your eyesight. Ensure that you get up during this 20-second break, as it will be good for your legs and back.
If you are still facing the above challenges despite implementing the solutions, then we recommend joining a coworking space. It provides all the benefits of a traditional workspace but without any drawbacks. With their increasing popularity, you can find one easily near your home.
Of course, not all coworking spaces are equal. Due to their high demand, everyone is trying to set up a coworking space. Therefore, you need to discern which one meets your needs perfectly. You can do so by checking the reviews and avail a free trial period if available.
Some of the top coworking spaces in Islamabad and elsewhere do offer free trials to let members experience the environment. If yours does not, try to get a day pass. You might be wondering why you opt for a coworking space and how they address the challenges of remote work.
For starters, coworking spaces have other members. You can interact with them, which will help do away with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The best coworking spaces have high-end furniture and top amenities. It will ensure that you don't face problems with your health or encounter technical glitches.
A coworking space can also help you establish a schedule, which will improve your time management skills. You will know that you have to be in the coworking space at a specific time. You won't have to worry about distractions, either. It will help you complete your work on time and improve your productivity.
Lastly, coworking spaces allow the opportunity to network with others. Within a coworking space, you will come across freelancers, remote workers, startups, and established businesses. Use the opportunity to find a new job opportunity or partner with someone to launch your own business.
Remote work is the future of work. Over time, more organisations will embrace remote work or, at the very least, hybrid work. Organisations need to understand that remote work brings unique challenges, such as those above. Therefore, they must provide guidance to their remote employees on overcoming these challenges. It will ensure that the employees add value to the organisation. Despite acting on the solutions, if you are unable to see any improvements, join a coworking space.
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