These days, many companies are embracing the benefits of a remote workforce. On the surface, there are advantages to both sides. For the company, there is a reduced need for office space, allocated parking, workstations, and everything that goes along with having an office presence. Also, it opens up the opportunity to hire top talent from all over the world as geography is no longer an issue.
For the employee, remote working offers the opportunity to improve work-life balance, eliminate the commute, and avoid the distractions of office politics.
While working from home sounds pretty good on the surface, there are easily as many cons as there are pros. Ultimately, the situation varies from company to company and from individual to individual, but when it doesn’t work, it can do more harm than good in the long run.
Here are some indications you (or your employees) should no longer work from home:
1) Lack of Team Culture When Working From Home
When collaborating on projects, teams need to work together. Regardless of the skill level, the remote worker brings to the table, and despite all the communications technology at our disposal today, a remote worker may never be seen as a bonafide part of the team. In video conferences, they tend to be overlooked, and they aren’t always included in daily team conversations. This disconnect from office culture can hurt team performance, preventing all stakeholders from reaching their highest potential.
2) Miscommunication
Digital communication is notorious for proliferating misunderstanding. Without the judicious use of emoji’s (annoying), there is always the potential to come off as abrupt, or at least, other than you intended.
3) Inability to Weigh in on Decisions
Sometimes, decisions in the office are made on the fly. If you’re present, you get to weigh in on the topic, but most remote workers will only hear about it after the fact. Eventually, this leads to feelings of exclusion and possibly resentment – never a good place to be.
4) Lack of Productivity and Accountability
Working remotely isn’t for everybody. If you are the kind of worker that needs the stimulation of the group dynamic, your mind and attention may start to wander. Getting behind in your work is not only anxiety-causing; it might become a sore spot with management.
5) Difficulty Scheduling Client Meetings
When you’re working from home, having client meetings is next to impossible. Unless you have a dedicated space, you risk coming off as unprofessional. Plus, there are the usual distractions of home – roommates, kids, spouses, pets, and people coming to the door. Coffee shops are no better. The noise and lack of privacy aside, it presents an image that likely doesn’t align with the corporate brand image.
If you simply must work from home, My Annapolis Office has solutions that can help you fill in the gaps. We offer meeting rooms on-demand, coworking space, state-of-the-art video conferencing, and all the amenities you need to help you succeed. Drop by for a tour today or give us a call to learn more.
