The COVID-19 pandemic had every remote-capable business scrambling to set up a fully or semi-fully remote work culture. For some companies and their employees that have been doing this pre-pandemic, it was an easier transition. But for those who were largely office space-based before, it was more challenging.
Some remote teams don’t succeed, or at least don’t do as well as others or as expected. And it’s not because the team members were all bad apples. There are some reasons why not all remote workers and teams thrive in the current situation they find themselves in.
Some Employees Work Better In-Office
If you have an employee who was a superstar at work when you shared an office space, but is now struggling with the current setup, it’s probably not because they’re slacking off. Some people are just more effective in an office environment, and others are more productive when they’re working remotely. There are also those who can work in either environment.
If you’re hiring someone for a remote position, there is a way to determine whether they would thrive. Those who already have experience in working remotely tend to know what to expect, and the learning curve wouldn’t be too steep. There are also those who have put up their own business or managed a remote project before. These types of experience should be a good sign.
Some Employees Don’t Have a Full Understanding of Remote Work
Some employees’ idea of remote working is on a beach chair with cocktails and powerful hotel WiFi. Reality can be a shock, as they would find it difficult to find a place where they can work in peace and the internet is reliable enough. You can encourage your employees to set up a home office or sometimes work out of a local cafe, as long as they can manage to set their own work hours during which they get more work done.
The Required Equipment Causes Employee Problems
Sometimes, the job requires equipment that the employees cannot afford or have no access to. The most common equipment remote workers need is a laptop and an internet connection. If all an employee has is an old, slow laptop and a dial-up connection, that might interfere with productivity, the employer should be aware of this and think of a way to help that employee.
No Face Time
Make it a point to have some face time with employees at least once a month. If it’s possible, do it at least once a week. The feeling of being socially disconnected can make working more difficult for some employees. Connecting with them via video conferencing can make them feel that they and what they do matters.
Connecticut Business Centers
If you’re in the market for a new office space or a virtual office, get in touch with Connecticut Business Centers. Call us at (203) 359-5600 or use our Contact Us page to send us a message. We have offices in Stamford, CT, and in other areas around Connecticut.