Since its widespread adoption during the pandemic, the concept of working from home has sparked a fierce debate between camps with polarized opinions. On one side, people argue that the benefits of remote work include greater autonomy giving employees full control over the structure of their day and eliminating the need for a stress-inducing commute. On the other hand, critics counter with concerns about a potential decline in productivity and accountability in employees who aren’t skilled in time management, or challenges coming from communication among remote teams. They also worry about the additional erosion of company culture, and diminished team cohesion.
As with many things, the answer to most concerns expressed by employees and managers when faced with the prospect of remote work lies somewhere in the middle. Finding effective ways of creating flexible work arrangements has become a focal point for many businesses on the cutting edge. Let's explore some ways you can work to avoid the pitfalls that compromise productivity
Establish Clear Expectations
If you’re management, clearly defining what you expect from your employees and holding them accountable are two of your key roles. At all levels, however, it’s important to set measurable goals and hold yourself accountable to them in your work.
Use The Best Tools You Can
Technology and Infrastructure provide employees with the necessary tools and resources to facilitate remote collaboration and communication. It’s important to consider and invest time in optimizing the tools you use to exchange ideas and information. Making sure everyone on your team has access to all the software and files they need while working remotely is key in allowing for independence.
Create a Culture of Trust and Accountability
Focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging how, when and where employees work. This creates a culture of transparency and trust when your team feel comfortable working to achieve their objectives while following their own path.
Be Adaptable
It’s important to recognize that the work day looks different for everybody and that people’s habits may be subject to change. Be accommodating but ensure that work is still the priority.
Encourage and Integrate Feedback
Employee feedback is important for assessing the effectiveness of any initiative. And for one whose adoption by the broader business world seems to be on the horizon, it’s important to remember that flexible work arrangements are still in need of refinement.
It’s been just over 150 years since the 8-hour was established in Canada and the debate over working from home highlights that the nature of the workplace is that it’s constantly changing. However, it’s clear that embracing flexible work arrangements is the way forward. Success in this field lies in creating a culture of trust, communication, and improvement, where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed regardless of where and when they work.
