Remote working is now a reality more than ever. But, there are still a series of absurd beliefs destined to vanish in daily practice. Here are the top 6 debunking remote working myths that need to be overcome in the future.
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How Many Are Working Remote Today?
By 2024, the number of people working remotely is projected to reach over 50% of the workforce. This significant shift is driven by advancements in technology, flexible work arrangements, and the growing acceptance of remote work as a viable option. That remote trend began back in 2020.
Employers are increasingly embracing remote work as a way to attract and retain top talent, while employees value the flexibility and better work-life balance that remote work offers.
As a result, the remote work trend is expected to continue its upward trajectory, shaping the future of work for millions of individuals across various industries.
1. Remote Working Myths, The Big One – Remote Employees Are Unproductive
One of the first remote working myths to dispel is precisely the lack of productivity.
It is often thought that the worker not present in the office (therefore not in close contact with the boss or colleague) is less productive than the one employed in the company.
This belief has been disproved. Many workers said they worked longer hours remotely than working face-to-face. It’s harder for them to turn work OFF and to turn off their digital devices.
This belief has been disproved. Many workers said they worked longer hours remotely than working face-to-face. #remoteworkers Share on X2. Remote Workers Don’t Team Up
This myth is the result of an unripe culture concerning the subject. Agile work is not synonymous with isolation.
A remote working program can alternate periods in presence with periods at a distance. During the periods in your presence, you can continue to cultivate face-to-face relationships. You can also follow training courses, and continue to do team building.
Communication between colleagues can take place in a streamlined and complete way even if you are not near your desk. In fact, there is much software for managing remote communications which allows you to keep track of every conversation.
You can organize video calls with your team that go beyond simple business meetings. This can turn, for example, into coffee breaks to socialize informally with team members.
These are some useful tools for remote work:
- Microsoft Teams
- Slack
- Asana
- Google Hangouts
- Zoom
- GoToMeeting
- Google GSuite
- Cisco Webex Meetings
- Teamviewer
3. Remote Working Myths – Another Big One – Allows Household Chores
In the common imagination, the smartworker is often represented as intent on doing domestic activities. For example, taking care of children, cleaning the house, or cooking.
The real remote worker organizes his day very well to avoid distractions and interruptions related to the domestic or private sphere.
The important thing is to define a daily routine and establish precise rules for interacting with any other people in the family.
The real estate market is also moving in the direction of agile working. The requests for larger properties are increasing. People want a studio to place their workstations, without having to share common areas such as the living room or kitchen.
More than the exposure of the bedroom or the brightness of the kitchen, the level of comfort and the correct isolation of the room used as a professional studio are evaluated in the choice of the property.
People want a studio to place their workstation, without having to share common areas such as living room or kitchen. #workingfromhome Share on XThe priority is to be able to work in a quiet environment, which favors concentration. We tend to move more rarely, but we also prefer renting to buying. This way, you can change your domicile more easily as soon as you come across a better offer. The watchword is flexibility. A concept that applies not only to working hours but also to the way of conceiving the home.
4. Remote Employees Have Plenty of Time to Take Care of Themselves
How many times have we heard remote working myths like this said:
“Now that I work in smart working I will surely have time to go to the gym” or
“I will finally be able to pursue my hobby”.
This too (unfortunately) is a false myth. The remote lifestyle is a lot more hectic and the workday is a lot busier.
Often those who work remotely lose contact with reality. They skip the lunch break, they do not interrupt the work routine with breaks, and they tend to never disconnect.
Many times this burnout occurs because you feel the psychological pressure of having to demonstrate to your employer that, even from a distance, your production standards are kept high.
This can effectively increase your work performance to the detriment of the personal sphere. Or because you are not able, as indicated above, to set limits and organize the day correctly.
5. Every Day is Pajama Day While Remote Working
Do you wear your pj’s every day working from home? This is one of the bigger remote working myths out there. According to the Scotsman, nearly 25% of all workers do work in their pajamas.
Why get all dressed up if you are working from home, right? Especially if you didn’t sleep well the night prior. Though some may claim that if you do get dressed up you will feel better and work harder.
There may be a psychological truth to that one. It’s called dressing for success. It means it’s that clothes matter when it comes to how you feel.
So, if you have a bit of flexibility with work attire, choose your favorite accessory or outfit when you need a confidence boost, even if it’s not “typical” in your office. It could make all the difference for your small business.
However, if you are comfortable while working, you will be more productive.
There is nothing worse than feeling all stuffed up in your clothing or trying to run around your home in high heels all day long.6. Remote Working Myths About Accountability
Just because you are working from home or remotely doesn’t mean you don’t have to account for your work. If there is work to be done, your boss will know if it is or is NOT being completed. The same if you are freelancing and are doing client work.
Of course, there are apps and tools out there that can be used to track your work time and productivity.
One of the most popular ones is called My Hours but there are others like Harvest, QuickBooks Times and Toggl
Your Take on Remote Working Myths Debunked
Often those who work remotely lose contact with reality. They skip the lunch break, they do not interrupt the work routine with breaks, they tend to never disconnect. #workingfromhome Share on XHow are you working remotely today? Do you feel you are more productive or not working from home? What other remote working myths can you think of?
We’d love to discuss this in the comment section below.
Hi Erik,
#1 is a load of bunk. Many manager buddies of mine say how productivity among their employees jumped from 2020 going forward. Giving people freedom largely gives them the urge to be more responsible, timely and thorough in all they do.
Ryan