Is working remotely right for me?

Hey there, fellow aspiring entrepreneurs! Today, I want to dive into a topic that's become increasingly relevant in our fast-paced world: working remotely. Whether you're dreaming of launching your own startup or looking to join the remote work revolution, it's crucial to consider if this lifestyle is the right fit for you. 

My Remote Work Journey

Let me take you back to where it all began for me. Picture this: I had just welcomed my second bundle of joy into the world, and the idea of leaving my newborn to head back to the office was weighing heavily on my mind. Thankfully, I had a forward-thinking employer who recognized the importance of flexibility and allowed me to transition to remote work during my maternity leave. It wasn't an easy decision for them, nor was it a common practice back then, but it set the stage for my remote work journey.

Organizations love to site research that shifts the blame of decreased work productivity to the worker or worse, the habit of remote work. However, research shows that the best predictor of remote work productivity is: it depends.

Is Remote Work a Productivity Killer?

There's this misconception that remote work leads to decreased productivity, but let me tell you, it's not that black and white. Research shows that the impact on productivity varies greatly depending on factors like age and organizational support. Millennials and Gen Xers often thrive in remote environments, while Gen Z and the boomer generation might struggle with feelings of isolation and uncertainty. It's essential to assess how you fit into this equation and whether remote work aligns with your productivity style.

Don't let that deter you. With the right support and connectedness from your organization, remote work can be a game-changer. Look at companies like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, Amazon, and Microsoft—they're expanding their work-from-home programs, recognizing the benefits it offers. This shift has not only expanded opportunities for employees but also reduced carbon emissions associated with daily commutes.

However, it's essential to address the challenges head-on. Lack of communication and feedback, reduced productivity, and out of whack work-life-balance are real concerns for remote workers.

The Balancing Act: Communication and Support

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is maintaining effective communication channels. Studies have shown that remote workers receive 20% less feedback compared to their in-office counterparts, which can hinder growth and development. However, with the right support and training from your employer, this gap can be bridged.

For remote work to succeed, clear communication and strong employer support are crucial.  Some studies suggest a 10% productivity dip due to a lack of communication, but that's easily addressed with good training and communication tools. Furthermore, studies show that ongoing training and education can bridge the gap and ensure that remote workers feel supported and connected. 

As a remote worker, consider how much time, energy, and effort you’re willing to commit to improving your communication skills and continuing education. Understanding where you stand on this issue can help you be more successful at home or more content in an office.

Is Remote Work The End Of Work-Life-Balance?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: distractions. Yes, working from home comes with its fair share of interruptions—kids, housemates, you name it. But it's all about finding a balance. Creating a dedicated workspace, setting boundaries, and managing your time effectively can help minimize distractions and boost productivity.

But here's the thing: remote work isn't just about productivity—it's about flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance. It's about being able to do meaningful work while being present for your family and yourself. And in today's world, where the lines between work and home are increasingly blurred, that's more important than ever.

If you’re good at budgeting your time, achieving the balance you need is possible with the right planning and prioritizing

The Future Of Remote Work

The pandemic forced many companies to embrace remote work, proving it can be successful. Let's face it, many jobs simply don't require an office setting. My sister, is an executive assistant at a huge Amazon building in Seattle. In 2022, the place was practically empty! The pandemic highlighted how clinging to office spaces might just be an excuse for companies to justify their real estate costs.

Think about it – does your dream job involve coding, writing, or design?  These roles can be done just as effectively from the comfort of your home (or a hammock on a beach, but let's not get ahead of ourselves).

All of this is to say that the future looks bright for remote work! Big companies are expanding remote options, and research suggests it can boost employee satisfaction and even benefit the environment by reducing commutes.

So, is remote work right for you?

Only you can answer that question. But here are some things to consider:

1. Your personality: Do you thrive on independence and self-discipline? Can you handle distractions and stay motivated, even when the work is boring or repetitive?

2. Your work style: Does your job require a lot of collaboration? If so, remote work might require extra effort to stay connected.

3. Your home environment: Do you have a dedicated workspace that minimizes distractions?

4. Your time-management skills: Do you know how to budget your time wisely? Are you willing to work “off-hours” to meet deadlines and produce high quality deliverables?

Ultimately, the decision is yours.  But with the right approach, remote work can be a recipe for success! Until next time, keep dreaming, keep hustling, and remember—you've got this!

Works Cited

Brown, A., Leite, A. C. (2023). The effects of social and organizational connectedness on employee well-being and remote working experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 53, 134–152. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12934 

Buonomo, Ilaria, et al. “Job Satisfaction and Perceived Structural Support in Remote Working Conditions—The Role of a Sense of Community at Work.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 20, no. 13, June 2023, p. 6205. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136205.

Howard, Greg, et al. “The Short- and Long-Run Effects of Remote Work on U.S. Housing Markets.” Sciencedirect.Com, Journal of Financial Economics, 30 Aug. 2023, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304405X23001265?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=82a18d15ef4729dc.  

Huijer, Hugo. “Remote Work Is Linked to Happiness: Study of 12,455 Respondents.” Tracking Happiness, The Tracking Happiness Team, 18 June 2023, www.trackinghappiness.com/remote-work-leads-to-happiness-study/.

Mahmoud, Ali B, et al. “Examining Generational Differences as a Moderator of Extreme-Context Perception and Its Impact on Work Alienation Organizational Outcomes: Implications for the Workplace and Remote Work Transformation.” Wiley Online Library, Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 19 Aug. 2023, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sjop.12955.  

Shimura, Akiyoshi, et al. “Remote Work Decreases Psychological and Physical Stress Responses, but Full-Remote Work Increases Presenteeism.” Frontiersin.Org, Frontiers in Psychology, 8 Aug. 2021, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730969/full.