Remote work changes the way people work. It is growing in popularity due to the flexibility and excellent work-life balance it offers both employees and employers.
As with all good things, unfortunately, people are still adjusting to this major shift in work culture, so many myths exist.
The concept of remote work was still in the books until the pandemic accelerated the process and forced many companies to switch to remote work. During this time, the industry noticed higher productivity and more motivated employees. But for all the benefits of remote work, there are several myths surrounding it that act as a holding factor.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the myths surrounding remote work and its impact on the traditional workplace.
Myth 01:Working remotely is Less Productive
This is a myth because workers can be productive without constant supervision. When employees are assigned time-specific tasks and clearly communicate what is expected, they tend to be more focused.
Employees have been proven to be more productive in a remote environment than in the office. The main reason for this may be working in a more comfortable place with fewer distractions and more focused work time.
The general assumption is that employees tend to focus more on housework than on work. Still, this myth can only be broken through a bond of trust between employee and employer.
Plus, as long as employees deliver work on time or meet deadlines, answer emails, and stay in touch during office hours, employers shouldn’t have to worry too much.
Myth 02: Collaboration Can Only Occur Face-To-Face
Thanks to technology, you don’t need to be face-to-face to have meaningful conversations or plan important events. In an office setting, spontaneous meetings or gatherings can often distract employees and affect their productivity.
Through video conferencing, employees can collaborate and interact as quickly and efficiently as ever. A significant advantage of this factor is that now companies can work with customers and competitors from all over the world and not just with those who are geographically close.
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Myth 03: Difficulty of Making Connections During Remote Work
When working in a remote environment, it can sometimes be difficult to keep in touch with your colleagues and team members because there won’t be a situation where you run into each other in the bathroom or at lunchtime.
Having a work buddy can keep you motivated and help you not feel alone when you finish work early and want a snack in an office environment. This factor affects remote work because not everyone lives with family or friends and can socialize outside of the workplace.
But working remotely doesn’t limit opportunities to connect! Video conferencing and other facilities are not just for work, they should also be used to socialize and keep in touch with your colleagues.
Many remote offices are encouraging employees to meet weekly via video call to socialize, stay connected and share ideas more comfortably with other employees while working together.
Useful articles: Top 8 Remote Collaboration Tools for Teams
Myth 04: Everyone Likes Remote Work
Not everyone can work comfortably at 100% productivity from the comfort of their own home.
Some people like to work in cubicles, meet other employees, and feel more productive when they have seniors overseeing their work. These factors make remote work still an option for most offices.
For the same reason, many offices have adapted to a hybrid model where you can decide whether you want to work in the office or from home.
Myth 05: Remote Workers are Paid Less Than In-Office Workers
There was a time when remote work was new to the industry, with nearly 45% of employees prepared to work remotely on 10% of lower-paying jobs.
But that doesn’t mean employees who work from home earn less than office workers. Instead, as remote work normalizes, employers are prepared to pay employees more or even the same wages they were previously paid to work in the office.
According to research, remote workers earn about 8.3% more than full-time workers. Not only do they earn more, but they also save a lot of money on living expenses.
The cost of living is high in major large cities where most Americans work. The average worker spends his day on food, transportation, rent, mortgage payments, and even office attire. Employees save money by not having to live near expensive offices.
Some companies are preparing to go a step further by paying employees an extra sum to live outside of New York City and San Francisco to save money.
Useful resources: How much does a Remote Work From Home make?
