Over the years, I’ve been honored to be present at a annual conference in Orlando on how we’ve successfully built our business and culture with a 100% remote workforce. Technological advancements have made it possible for people to work remotely with access to IT resources comparable to those available onsite. However, thriving in a remote environment requires paradigm shifts and maturity from both the team members and leadership.

Work Environment

When discussing remote versus onsite work, it’s essential to recognize that unless your office operations are entirely confined to a physical location, you already have some degree of remote work. In traditional office settings, remote workers are often seen as less productive and expected to return to the office to complete their tasks. Conversely, in a fully remote environment, the bulk of work is done remotely, with office visits reserved for specific purposes like meetings.

Blended work environments can leverage the benefits of both setups but may also create divisions between onsite and remote employees.

What Remains the Same?

Regardless of the work environment, certain elements remain constant. Poor leadership is detrimental in any setting, while high performers will excel, and underperformers will slack off. Human needs for strong bonds, collaboration, and meaningful work do not change with the work environment.

What is Somewhat Different?

While office politics are toxic in any environment, managing them is even more critical in a remote setting. Without physical proximity, small issues can escalate quickly. Having the right people is always crucial, but it’s even more so in a remote environment where trust and self-motivation are key.

Watercooler chats aren’t entirely eliminated but take the form of instant messaging. Unlike spontaneous watercooler conversations, initiating an IM chat requires intentionality, which can be both beneficial and detrimental.

What is Significantly Different?

In an office, you can easily check on someone by looking over a cubicle wall. This ability is lost in a remote environment, though there are ways to compensate. However, just because you can see someone doesn’t mean they’re being productive.

Remote work offers unique flexibility for team members dealing with minor illnesses or family responsibilities. For instance, one of our employees was able to work from the out-of-state while visiting family, allowing him to stay productive and present with his family.

Is a Remote Work Environment Right for You?

Determining if a remote work environment suits your business involves several considerations:

1. Product: If your product requires physical assembly or manipulation, remote work may be challenging.
2. Toolsets Manual or paper-driven toolsets can complicate remote work. Leveraging technology that can be accessed remotely is crucial.
3. Business Process Maturity If your processes rely on constant in-person interactions, remote work might be disruptive. Solid, well-defined processes are essential for remote work success.
4. Leadership Maturity Leaders who micromanage will struggle in a remote environment. Effective remote leaders provide clear direction and trust their teams to execute.
5. Team Maturity A mature team that takes ownership of their work is vital. Remote work amplifies the need for diligence and effective performance.

Remote work environments are not for everyone and come with unique challenges. However, they also offer significant advantages when managed correctly. I hope this blog has provided valuable insights into the remote work landscape.