Remote work is now part of the new normal since offices have had to pause operations and send their employees home for their own safety. While it certainly has been a big adjustment, some businesses now enjoy its advantages. 

However, many tend to exaggerate the supposed disadvantages and limitations online. While there are difficulties in working remotely, the benefits ultimately outweigh the negatives. Here are just a few complaints about remote work that are either false or blown out of proportion: 

4 Misconceptions About Remote Work and the Truth Behind It

1. On Collaboration

Misconception: It’s harder to work as a team when you’re not together. Communication is difficult online.

Reality: Most people work independently. If any concerns have to be addressed as a team, you can simply send a message.

Everyone has assigned tasks. There’s hardly any difference if they do the work at home or in the office. As for meetings, media and pop culture make fun of the frustrating fact that connection issues are a big problem in online video meetings, but you can summarize many meetings into emails. You can brainstorm via messaging, so you get well-thought-of ideas already written down. Apps and messaging platforms have made it possible for people to continue steady communication no matter where they might be. 

2. On Productivity

Misconception: Employees are lazier and less productive when they work from home.

Reality: Most employees get more things done when they’re at home.

While employees have the privilege to work in their sweatpants lying on their bed all day, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less productive. In fact, studies show that some people are a lot more effective when they work from home. Several employees even work overtime just to get their tasks done for the day. These workers don’t have to worry about a commute or traffic because they’re already at home.

3. On Costs

Misconception: You lose more money with remote setups.

Reality: You save a lot on operational costs. 

You don’t have to pay rent for an office space or building. You don’t have to pay for electricity, water, and wifi. All of that is covered by the employee. Handing them an allowance for it will still be more cost-effective than paying for space because you don’t have to pay for cleaning and maintenance.

On the employee end, remote workers don’t have to spend on gas, commute, or everyday lunches. They don’t need to wake early to start working. It saves time and money, allowing them to achieve a better work-life balance. 

4. On Company Culture

Misconception: Remote work doesn’t have a company culture.

Reality: Everyone supports each other in a remote team.

From meme sharing to random messaging in between work, there are plenty of ways for your team members to lift their spirits. You can throw virtual parties or hold exciting seminars. You can share music playlists or keep each other in a call to simulate an office environment. 

Conclusion

Remote work may be temporary for some companies due to the current situation. Still, many more companies are considering making it a permanent setup as long as everyone agrees. With so many benefits of working from home for everyone involved, it’s not hard to see why this could be more appealing. Just make sure that you can maintain a good atmosphere and pay your workers right if you were to turn fully remote. 

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