The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
Remote work has become the reality for many people, offering a competitive advantage for companies that embrace it, and a tangible possibility for others observing from the outside. This new way of working has proven to have numerous benefits for both employees and businesses, impacting economic aspects, increasing diversity and multiculturalism in teams, and enhancing productivity and quality of life for workers, among others.
However, along with these benefits, remote work presents different challenges than those encountered in a physical workplace. These challenges include communication across different time zones, team consolidation and member socialization, knowledge distribution, data protection, and clarity in objectives.
Best Practices for Maximizing Remote Work
Based on an analysis of GitLab, one of the world’s largest fully remote companies with employees in over 65 countries, we would like to share some good practices that can help you make the most of this new model. But first, let’s define what remote work is and what it promotes through the manifesto proposed by GitLab:
– Hiring and working from all over the world (instead of from a central location).
– Flexible working hours (over set working hours).
– Writing down and recording knowledge (over verbal explanations).
– Written processes (over on-the-job training).
– Public sharing of information (over need-to-know access).
– Opening up documents for editing by anyone (over top-down control of documents).
– Asynchronous communication (over synchronous communication).
– The results of work (over the hours put in).
– Formal communication channels (over informal communication channels).
Analyzing these nine points, we can see that remote work prioritizes certain criteria that may have been secondary in a physical setting, but that makes perfect sense for the smooth functioning of any organization.
One key element for the success of remote companies is that their organizational culture should be permeated by these principles. They are not just rules but pillars of the company’s identity, differentiating the way goals are achieved.
Another crucial element is to have well-defined processes. Unlike in a traditional office environment, these processes won’t develop and spread naturally. They need to be clearly defined, documented, and available to all team members. Constant reinforcement is essential, as it ensures efficiency and scalability within the company.
Similarly, fostering camaraderie should be an intentional effort. Collaborators are human beings, and their social nature will always seek connections with others. These connections are crucial for team cohesion and should be promoted through the creation of channels and spaces for team members to get to know each other.
Actionable Steps for Remote Leaders
So, what should leaders of remote companies do to overcome the challenges that distance may bring and make the most of the benefits it offers?
1. Facilitate informal communication: Trust and acceptance of decisions are built through social connections among team members. It is essential to create intentional spaces for conversations beyond work-related matters, allowing people to get to know the person behind each role. This can be achieved through group calls to discuss innovation, language practice, sharing hobbies, socializing with colleagues, or creating Slack groups on various topics where people can freely contribute with resources, ideas, or initiatives.
2. Creation and dissemination of manuals, documentation, and goals: Providing visibility to all collaborators regarding key aspects of the company is vital for the smooth operation of teams and the organization as a whole. In a remote model, the most efficient way to achieve this is by digitalizing and making it accessible for consultation and editing by those who require it at any given time. It is important to keep this documentation up to date with internal changes and reflect the context of all agreements and actions as much as possible. This also facilitates the onboarding of new members.
3. Flexibility and balance: The remote work model introduces a different approach compared to the traditional model. What truly matters is the results achieved, regardless of the physical location. This brings multiple benefits related to employees’ quality of life. It is important to understand that each person may take advantage of this flexibility differently. For some, it means traveling and working from various parts of the world.
Embracing the Future of Work
Embracing remote work opens up a world of possibilities for both individuals and organizations. By implementing the best practices discussed and adapting to the changing landscape of work, you can unlock the full potential of remote teams, enhance productivity, and foster a thriving work culture.
It’s time to seize the advantages of remote work and create a future where geographical barriers are no longer limitations. Take the leap today and empower your team with the freedom and flexibility of remote work. Together, let’s shape a new era of success and growth.