Remote working/staffing has earned an ample amount of opinions and preconceived notions of people outside. Sure, you already have a picture in your head when you hear remote staffing/working. Whatever ideas that made your conclusion is surely filled with myths and prejudice, especially if you haven’t had an actual experience of being a remote staff.
Listed down here are the myths and the truth behind it.
Myth #1: Productivity is Decreased
The lack of a supervisor’s presence may induce tendencies that the remote staff will do nothing.
Truth #1:
Remote workers opt to work remotely because they feel that they could do more. Also, working remotely will give you additional time that office workers spent regularly, for instance, preparation for and travel time to the office. There will be fewer office distractions and if you’re fond of silence and solitude, you can focus more on the work proper.
Myth #2: There is a Lack of Communication
People may think distance could be a hindrance to effective communication in the workplace.
Truth #2:
In this age of technology, it would be the lack of effort to reach out that will hinder effective communication from happening. Remote staff may be physically distant but Skype is now a thing along with hundreds of messaging applications that will let anyone communicate in real-time. There is no reason for workers, whether or not working remotely, to not communicate with their colleagues and bosses. According to a survey conducted by TINYpulse regarding the satisfaction and communication of remote workers, 52% reported having contact with their manager at least once daily.
Myth #3: Remote Staff are Lonely
To have this judgment is fair. It’s somehow true that remote workers work alone and lack human contact.
Truth #3:
Being alone does not mean feeling lonely. There are just people who prefer working and being more productive in the presence of solitude. They may sit in a dark corner with their earphones on to shut themselves to the world but it is their choice, and it is not their choice to be lonely. That’s just the way things are.
Also, didn’t we mention that the workforce of today has a high priority to work from home?
Myth #4: No Corporate Culture
The lack of company culture of remote workers is also an issue of their physical presence in the actual brick-and-mortar office.
Truth #4:
It depends on the remote worker/staff on how they deal and interact with their co-workers. There is always a platform to adapt and embody a certain culture. With proper communication, “not being there” will never be a reason.
Myth #5: There is No Collaboration
Again, another issue of distance and lack of physical contact.
Truth #5:
Through the Internet, working with teammates just how you imagine workers sitting around a table brainstorming is possible. It can be achieved through cloud-based collaborative tools and applications like Zoom and Skype where you can meet and see each other’s faces and exchange ideas in real-time.
Yes, it is possible and thus collaboration exists.
Myth #6: Remote Staffing/Working is only for StartUps
Sure, starting businesses may still find it difficult to afford a cost of office rental or seat lease that’s why they opt to work from their home.
Truth #6:
Big companies also permit remote working. Dell, AT & T, Wells Fargo are committed to giving flexibility to its employees because they believe that employee retention is higher when they do this.
Technology and the Internet made remote staffing/working possible and efficient. It’s true, people often give preconceived notions and judgment to a condition they have little knowledge or experience. You’ll never know until you try it yourself. After all, remote staffing or working or working remotely, or whatever you call it, is not that bad.
Did you know that Akron Global also offers a remote staffing service? You can now have a staff or a whole team here in the Philippines! Wanna know more? Write to us at bd@athl.com.hk.