"The last few years have seen a mass exodus away from the traditional concept of 'the office.' Remote work has gone from something unusual, the domain of fly-by-night digital nomads, to a foundational concept in the new way of working.\nDriven by various factors, from technological innovation to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is now a standard part of the working environment. While the pandemic was undoubtedly the most significant catalyst behind the boom in at-home working, this trend has been increasing for some time.\nFor some organizations, coming out of the pandemic has meant a return to the physical office; however, it is undoubtedly true that some employees prefer the face-to-face working experience. The genie is out of the bottle, and thanks to the multiple benefits businesses can leverage, remote work is here to stay.\n\"We are fundamentally not going to go back to what we had before.\" - Adam Galinsky, Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Columbia Business School\nThis article will explore the benefits and challenges of remote work and how businesses and workers can adapt to make the most of this 'new normal.' But let's begin with a quick run-down of remote work.\nWhat is remote work?\nDespite the fuss surrounding it, remote work is a pretty simple concept. It is essentially carrying out the functions and tasks of your professional role outside of the traditional office environment. This can include working from home, working from a co-working space, or working from anywhere with the tools to allow you to complete your tasks and connect with co-workers.\nRemote working usually involves logging on to a shared network that facilitates collaboration and intra-team communication with video call software, communication tools, and various other technological adaptations that mimic the outcomes of in-person working.\nWhat is the difference between remote, hybrid, and flexible working\nWorking from home is not a new concept and has been a standard response to various irregular situations across multiple industries for some time. And, remote working doesn't have to mean a complete abandonment of the office environment.\nMany organizations and businesses practice what is usually described as 'hybrid' or 'flexible' working. Hybrid working is essentially a combination of traditional, in-person office work and remote work. Depending on their specific roles, this might be split between two or more staff members (more usually described as flexible working), or where employees can work remotely on some days during the week and in the office on others.\nThe benefits of remote working\nBusinesses have sometimes been suspicious about remote working. Overcoming the fear that without supervision, employees won't work as hard or as effectively is a big step. But remote working is not just something that benefits employees. It offers considerable benefits to companies as well.\nFlexibility\nUnsurprisingly, one of the biggest pros of remote working is its flexibility. Remote work gives your employees and your business far more flexibility and versatility across the board, from the daily schedule to responding to the unexpected.\nWorking remotely means that businesses can be more agile and more responsive. They can harness the most productive hours of the day from each employee and attract a greater pool of talent looking for a more flexible schedule.\nAs an aside, remote working also means employers can spread their net far wider regarding recruitment and access to the global talent pool, rather than relying on what exists within a commutable area.\n\"If you want the opportunity to grow your business in 2022 if you want to hire, it turns out that you have to hire out of the office.\"\nMarc Cenedella, Chief Executive, Ladders\nProductivity\nWhile it is hardly a shock to discover that remote work makes a business more flexible, it might come as a surprise that remote companies are more productive, and that's what the research shows!\nRemote work allows staff to take advantage of the time they previously wasted, such as commuting time, to deal with outstanding tasks. As mentioned above, remote work will enable people to work when they are most productive, rather than being stuck within the confines of the 9-5 schedule.\nRemote work also reduces the time (and focus) lost in things like gossip, office politics, and other distractions from working side-by-side with co-workers.\nCost-effectiveness\nFinally, remote working has a hugely positive impact on the bottom line for workers and employers.\nWorkers can save money on transport, expensive office lunches, and even professional attire, as well as combine roles when it comes to childcare and avoid extra expenditures.\nFor businesses, fewer people in the office mean less need for physical office space and massively reduced overheads. As remote work usually means migration to the cloud, amongst other digital transformations, it also means less expenditure on physical file storage space and often a reduction in hardware costs.\nThe challenges of remote working\nAlongside the benefits, there are, of course, several challenges that come with remote working.\nThe main challenge for staff members is a lack of connection to their co-workers. You might remove the distractions that come from a quick chat with a colleague as you pass by their desk, but this, in turn, can make people feel less involved in work life and, therefore, less connected to the company and its goals. Without face-to-face interactions, employees can find they feel disconnected, adrift, and even isolated and lonely.\nDespite removing the struggle of the daily commute and empowering employees to set their schedules, remote work often actually reduces work-life balance, with remote workers finding they end up working longer hours than in a traditional office environment. While this might boost productivity, it can quickly become problematic due to exhaustion or burnout and an inability to focus.\n\"Employee wellness is at the core of our workflows and processes, and we have implemented several measures to ensure employees feel seen, supported, and understood during these challenging times.\" - Divya Garg, Head of Human Resources, Uber India\nFinally, trying to recreate an office environment at home can be a problem for some. Not everyone has a convenient spare room that can be repurposed as an office or a sufficiently strong (or secure!) wifi connection. Businesses may find that some outlay is required to properly develop a distributed team, as well as a number of cybersecurity considerations to consider.\nHow businesses can adapt to benefit from remote work\nDifferentiate between remote and traditional working processes\nIn the beginning, both employers and employees may be inexperienced in working remotely, so it is vital to distinguish between traditional and remote working processes. Different skills are required for both when it comes to time management, following written procedures, and communicating digitally. Taking these differences into account is vital to an effective remote work environment.\nEmbrace new communication methods\nThere is a vast and ever-expanding range of digital communication tools available to remote teams these days, so businesses should not be afraid to leverage every method and piece of software that is at their disposal.\nSet clear expectations\nIt is crucial to set clear expectations for how the remote working processes will function from the very beginning. Due to the increased distance (both physical and psychological), everyone needs total clarity about their role and what is expected of them, from response times and working hours to meeting schedules and deadlines.\nOptimize your onboarding\nOnboarding can be tricky to get right at the best of times, and in a situation where you might never physically meet your employees, it can be even tougher! Ensuring that your onboarding process is as effective as possible and constantly working to improve it goes a long way toward building a more productive remote team.\nEncourage idea sharing\nWhen it comes to making things better, your remote workers may be better placed to know what works and what doesn't than your senior management. So ask them how to improve! Encouraging feedback from your staff will help you improve consistently.\nFocus on outputs and outcomes\nWith remote work, there is far less focus on time spent at a desk. Clocking in and clocking out becomes a much vaguer concept when the desk is only a few feet from the bed! So rather than focusing on activity or working schedules, concentrate on outputs and outcomes. If your team delivers, forget whether they've put in the office hours!\nProvide emotional support and social opportunities\nRemote work can be lonely, so be proactive in helping employees feel connected, valued, and part of a team. This might mean regular check-ins or all-hands meetings, or it might mean investigating ways that remote workers can interact socially online. It is also imperative to offer appropriate emotional support to anyone who needs it to avoid feelings of isolation or other emotional issues slipping through the cracks.\nWhen done effectively, remote work can be immensely valuable, offering enormous benefits for staff and businesses. By navigating the path between previous company policies and reality, you can set your business up for success and leverage the advantages of the new normal."

The last few years have seen a mass exodus away from the traditional concept of 'the office.' Remote work has gone from something unusual, the domain of fly-by-night digital nomads, to a foundational concept in the new way of working.

Driven by various factors, from technological innovation to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is now a standard part of the working environment. While the pandemic was undoubtedly the most significant catalyst behind the boom in at-home working, this trend has been increasing for some time.

For some organizations, coming out of the pandemic has meant a return to the physical office; however, it is undoubtedly true that some employees prefer the face-to-face working experience. The genie is out of the bottle, and thanks to the multiple benefits businesses can leverage, remote work is here to stay.

"We are fundamentally not going to go back to what we had before." - Adam Galinsky, Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Columbia Business School

This article will explore the benefits and challenges of remote work and how businesses and workers can adapt to make the most of this 'new normal.' But let's begin with a quick run-down of remote work.

Despite the fuss surrounding it, remote work is a pretty simple concept. It is essentially carrying out the functions and tasks of your professional role outside of the traditional office environment. This can include working from home, working from a co-working space, or working from anywhere with the tools to allow you to complete your tasks and connect with co-workers.

Remote working usually involves logging on to a shared network that facilitates collaboration and intra-team communication with video call software, communication tools, and various other technological adaptations that mimic the outcomes of in-person working.

What is the difference between remote, hybrid, and flexible working

Working from home is not a new concept and has been a standard response to various irregular situations across multiple industries for some time. And, remote working doesn't have to mean a complete abandonment of the office environment.

Many organizations and businesses practice what is usually described as 'hybrid' or 'flexible' working. Hybrid working is essentially a combination of traditional, in-person office work and remote work. Depending on their specific roles, this might be split between two or more staff members (more usually described as flexible working), or where employees can work remotely on some days during the week and in the office on others.

Businesses have sometimes been suspicious about remote working. Overcoming the fear that without supervision, employees won't work as hard or as effectively is a big step. But remote working is not just something that benefits employees. It offers considerable benefits to companies as well.

Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest pros of remote working is its flexibility. Remote work gives your employees and your business far more flexibility and versatility across the board, from the daily schedule to responding to the unexpected.

Working remotely means that businesses can be more agile and more responsive. They can harness the most productive hours of the day from each employee and attract a greater pool of talent looking for a more flexible schedule.

As an aside, remote working also means employers can spread their net far wider regarding recruitment and access to the global talent pool, rather than relying on what exists within a commutable area.

"If you want the opportunity to grow your business in 2022 if you want to hire, it turns out that you have to hire out of the office."

While it is hardly a shock to discover that remote work makes a business more flexible, it might come as a surprise that remote companies are more productive, and that's what the research shows!

Remote work allows staff to take advantage of the time they previously wasted, such as commuting time, to deal with outstanding tasks. As mentioned above, remote work will enable people to work when they are most productive, rather than being stuck within the confines of the 9-5 schedule.

Remote work also reduces the time (and focus) lost in things like gossip, office politics, and other distractions from working side-by-side with co-workers.

Finally, remote working has a hugely positive impact on the bottom line for workers and employers.

Workers can save money on transport, expensive office lunches, and even professional attire, as well as combine roles when it comes to childcare and avoid extra expenditures.

For businesses, fewer people in the office mean less need for physical office space and massively reduced overheads. As remote work usually means migration to the cloud, amongst other digital transformations, it also means less expenditure on physical file storage space and often a reduction in hardware costs.

Alongside the benefits, there are, of course, several challenges that come with remote working.

The main challenge for staff members is a lack of connection to their co-workers. You might remove the distractions that come from a quick chat with a colleague as you pass by their desk, but this, in turn, can make people feel less involved in work life and, therefore, less connected to the company and its goals. Without face-to-face interactions, employees can find they feel disconnected, adrift, and even isolated and lonely.

Despite removing the struggle of the daily commute and empowering employees to set their schedules, remote work often actually reduces work-life balance, with remote workers finding they end up working longer hours than in a traditional office environment. While this might boost productivity, it can quickly become problematic due to exhaustion or burnout and an inability to focus.

"Employee wellness is at the core of our workflows and processes, and we have implemented several measures to ensure employees feel seen, supported, and understood during these challenging times." - Divya Garg, Head of Human Resources, Uber India

Finally, trying to recreate an office environment at home can be a problem for some. Not everyone has a convenient spare room that can be repurposed as an office or a sufficiently strong (or secure!) wifi connection. Businesses may find that some outlay is required to properly develop a distributed team, as well as a number of cybersecurity considerations to consider.

How businesses can adapt to benefit from remote work

Differentiate between remote and traditional working processes

In the beginning, both employers and employees may be inexperienced in working remotely, so it is vital to distinguish between traditional and remote working processes. Different skills are required for both when it comes to time management, following written procedures, and communicating digitally. Taking these differences into account is vital to an effective remote work environment.

There is a vast and ever-expanding range of digital communication tools available to remote teams these days, so businesses should not be afraid to leverage every method and piece of software that is at their disposal.

It is crucial to set clear expectations for how the remote working processes will function from the very beginning. Due to the increased distance (both physical and psychological), everyone needs total clarity about their role and what is expected of them, from response times and working hours to meeting schedules and deadlines.

Onboarding can be tricky to get right at the best of times, and in a situation where you might never physically meet your employees, it can be even tougher! Ensuring that your onboarding process is as effective as possible and constantly working to improve it goes a long way toward building a more productive remote team.

When it comes to making things better, your remote workers may be better placed to know what works and what doesn't than your senior management. So ask them how to improve! Encouraging feedback from your staff will help you improve consistently.

With remote work, there is far less focus on time spent at a desk. Clocking in and clocking out becomes a much vaguer concept when the desk is only a few feet from the bed! So rather than focusing on activity or working schedules, concentrate on outputs and outcomes. If your team delivers, forget whether they've put in the office hours!

Provide emotional support and social opportunities

Remote work can be lonely, so be proactive in helping employees feel connected, valued, and part of a team. This might mean regular check-ins or all-hands meetings, or it might mean investigating ways that remote workers can interact socially online. It is also imperative to offer appropriate emotional support to anyone who needs it to avoid feelings of isolation or other emotional issues slipping through the cracks.

When done effectively, remote work can be immensely valuable, offering enormous benefits for staff and businesses. By navigating the path between previous company policies and reality, you can set your business up for success and leverage the advantages of the new normal.

How To Grow A Successful Remote Team

<p>The last few years have seen a mass exodus away from the traditional concept of <em class="italic">'the office.'</em> Remote work has gone from something unusual, the domain of fly-by-night digital nomads, to a foundational concept in the new way of working.</p>
<p>Driven by various factors, from technological innovation to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is now a standard part of the working environment. While the pandemic was undoubtedly the most significant catalyst behind the boom in at-home working, this trend has been increasing for some time.</p>
<p>For some organizations, coming out of the pandemic has meant a return to the physical office; however, it is undoubtedly true that some employees prefer the face-to-face working experience. The genie is out of the bottle, and thanks to the multiple benefits businesses can leverage, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/01/15/remote-work-omicron/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>remote work is here to stay</u></a>.</p>
<p><em class="italic">"We are fundamentally not going to go back to what we had before." - </em>Adam Galinsky, Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Columbia Business School</p>
<p>This article will explore the benefits and challenges of remote work and how businesses and workers can adapt to make the most of this <em class="italic">'new normal.'</em> But let's begin with a quick run-down of remote work.</p>
<h2><strong class="font-bold">What is remote work?</strong></h2>
<p>Despite the fuss surrounding it, remote work is a pretty simple concept. It is essentially carrying out the functions and tasks of your professional role outside of the traditional office environment. This can include working from home, working from a co-working space, or working from anywhere with the tools to allow you to complete your tasks and connect with co-workers.</p>
<p>Remote working usually involves logging on to a shared network that facilitates collaboration and intra-team communication with video call software, communication tools, and various other technological adaptations that mimic the outcomes of in-person working.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">What is the difference between remote, hybrid, and flexible working</strong></h3>
<p>Working from home is not a new concept and has been a standard response to various irregular situations across multiple industries for some time. And, remote working doesn't have to mean a complete abandonment of the office environment.</p>
<p>Many organizations and businesses practice what is usually described as <em class="italic">'hybrid'</em> or <em class="italic">'flexible'</em> working. <a href="https://weworkremotely.com/hybrid-work-model-vs-remote-work-what-s-better-for-you#:~:text=Hybrid%20vs%20Remote%20Work%20Style,on%2Dsite%20at%20the%20office." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>Hybrid working</u></a> is essentially a combination of traditional, in-person office work and remote work. Depending on their specific roles, this might be split between two or more staff members (more usually described as flexible working), or where employees can work remotely on some days during the week and in the office on others.</p>
<h2>The benefits of remote working</h2>
<p>Businesses have sometimes been suspicious about remote working. Overcoming the fear that without supervision, employees won't work as hard or as effectively is a big step. But remote working is not just something that benefits employees. It offers considerable benefits to companies as well.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Flexibility</strong></h3>
<p>Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest pros of remote working is its flexibility. Remote work gives your employees and your business <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>far more flexibility</u></a> and versatility across the board, from the daily schedule to responding to the unexpected.</p>
<p>Working remotely means that businesses can be more agile and more responsive. They can harness the most productive hours of the day from each employee and attract a greater pool of talent looking for a more flexible schedule.</p>
<p>As an aside, remote working also means employers can spread their net far wider regarding recruitment and access to the global talent pool, rather than relying on what exists within a commutable area.</p>
<p><em class="italic">"If you want the opportunity to grow your business in 2022 if you want to hire, it turns out that you have to hire out of the office."</em></p>
<p>Marc Cenedella, Chief Executive, Ladders</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Productivity</strong></h3>
<p>While it is hardly a shock to discover that remote work makes a business more flexible, it might come as a surprise that remote companies are more productive, and <a href="https://www.prodoscore.com/press-releases/prodoscore-research-from-march-april-2020-productivity-has-increased-led-by-remote-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>that's what the research shows</u></a>!</p>
<p>Remote work allows staff to take advantage of the time they previously wasted, such as commuting time, to deal with outstanding tasks. As mentioned above, remote work will enable people to work when they are most productive, rather than being stuck within the confines of the 9-5 schedule.</p>
<p>Remote work also reduces the time (and focus) lost in things like gossip, office politics, and other distractions from working side-by-side with co-workers.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Cost-effectiveness</strong></h3>
<p>Finally, remote working has a hugely positive impact on the bottom line for workers and employers.</p>
<p>Workers can save money on transport, expensive office lunches, and even professional attire, as well as combine roles when it comes to childcare and avoid extra expenditures.</p>
<p>For businesses, fewer people in the office mean less need for physical office space and massively reduced overheads. As remote work usually means migration to the cloud, amongst other digital transformations, it also means less expenditure on physical file storage space and often a reduction in hardware costs.</p>
<h2>The challenges of remote working</h2>
<p>Alongside the benefits, there are, of course, several challenges that come with remote working.</p>
<p>The main challenge for staff members is a lack of connection to their co-workers. You might remove the distractions that come from a quick chat with a colleague as you pass by their desk, but this, in turn, can make people feel less involved in work life and, therefore, less connected to the company and its goals. Without face-to-face interactions, employees can find they feel disconnected, adrift, and even isolated and lonely.</p>
<p>Despite removing the struggle of the daily commute and empowering employees to set their schedules, remote work often actually <a href="https://www.airtasker.com/blog/the-benefits-of-working-from-home/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>reduces work-life balance</u></a>, with remote workers finding they end up working longer hours than in a traditional office environment. While this might boost productivity, it can quickly become problematic due to exhaustion or burnout and an inability to focus.</p>
<p><em class="italic">"Employee wellness is at the core of our workflows and processes, and we have implemented several measures to ensure employees feel seen, supported, and understood during these challenging times."</em> - Divya Garg, Head of Human Resources, Uber India</p>
<p>Finally, trying to recreate an office environment at home can be a problem for some. Not everyone has a convenient spare room that can be repurposed as an office or a sufficiently strong (or secure!) wifi connection. Businesses may find that some outlay is required to properly develop a distributed team, as well as <a href="https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/remote-working-how-to-stay-safe" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>a number of cybersecurity considerations</u></a> to consider.</p>
<h2>How businesses can adapt to benefit from remote work</h2>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Differentiate between remote and traditional working processes</strong></h3>
<p>In the beginning, both employers and employees may be inexperienced in working remotely, so it is vital to distinguish between traditional and remote working processes. Different skills are required for both when it comes to time management, following written procedures, and communicating digitally. Taking these differences into account is vital to an effective remote work environment.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Embrace new communication methods</strong></h3>
<p>There is a vast and ever-expanding range of digital communication tools available to remote teams these days, so businesses should not be afraid to leverage every method and piece of software that is at their disposal.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Set clear expectations</strong></h3>
<p>It is crucial to set clear expectations for how the remote working processes will function from the very beginning. Due to the increased distance (both physical and psychological), everyone needs total clarity about their role and what is expected of them, from response times and working hours to meeting schedules and deadlines.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Optimize your onboarding</strong></h3>
<p>Onboarding can be tricky to get right at the best of times, and in a situation where you might never physically meet your employees, it can be even tougher! Ensuring that your <a href="https://peoplemanagingpeople.com/topics/how-to-onboard-remote-employees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>onboarding process</u></a> is as effective as possible and constantly working to improve it goes a long way toward building a more productive remote team.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Encourage idea sharing</strong></h3>
<p>When it comes to making things better, your remote workers may be better placed to know what works and what doesn't than your senior management. So ask them how to improve! Encouraging feedback from your staff will help you improve consistently.</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Focus on outputs and outcomes</strong></h3>
<p>With remote work, there is far less focus on time spent at a desk. Clocking in and clocking out becomes a much vaguer concept when the desk is only a few feet from the bed! So rather than focusing on activity or working schedules, concentrate on outputs and outcomes. If your team delivers, forget whether they've put in the office hours!</p>
<h3><strong class="font-bold">Provide emotional support and social opportunities</strong></h3>
<p>Remote work can be lonely, so be proactive in helping employees feel connected, valued, and part of a team. This might mean regular check-ins or all-hands meetings, or it might mean investigating ways that remote workers can interact socially online. It is also imperative to offer appropriate emotional support to anyone who needs it to avoid feelings of isolation or other emotional issues slipping through the cracks.</p>
<p>When done effectively, remote work can be immensely valuable, offering enormous benefits for staff and businesses. By navigating the path between previous company policies and reality, you can set your business up for success and leverage the advantages of the new normal.</p>

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How To Grow A Successful Remote Team

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