In the face of the unexpected global shift towards remote working in 2020, I found myself well-prepared for this nature of work, having been fully remote since 2010 back in Syria. Working in a war context and on a national scale demanded remote work, pushing me to embrace its potential and overcome the challenges it posed.
As my first job unfolded smoothly in that context, I naively assumed that remote working was a natural fit for all companies. However, my experiences in different companies in the United Kingdom revealed otherwise. I discovered that successful remote working requires significant efforts from organisations to create an environment that enables remote employees to learn, develop, perform, and reach their fullest potential. Especially when it is a flexible company with a diverse physical, hybrid and remote workforce.
Beyond addressing legal and logistical aspects, the key to making remote working work lies in the experience of the remote worker. Drawing from my challenging experiences, I offer a few points for teams to consider in their pursuit of effective remote working:
- Onboarding with Equality and Inclusivity: Welcoming new team members is always an exciting event in any company. Traditionally, offices celebrate these occasions with swag, parties, and other gestures to make employees feel welcome. The same consideration should extend to welcoming remote workers. When I joined a new team during the Covid pandemic, I received a thoughtful box of chocolates at my home. The accompanying note acknowledged the distance and current circumstances while expressing the team's genuine welcome. This gesture not only made me feel valued but also promoted equality among team members, feeling treated equally to my peers regardless to the context. Such acts demonstrate the true values of the company and the team, fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture.
- Nurturing Team Experience: In a physical office environment, the sense of being part of a team is naturally fostered through daily interactions and shared spaces. In remote work, however, maintaining this team spirit can be challenging. Remote employees might feel disconnected from their colleagues and the organisation, leading to reduced team cohesion. To address this, companies should invest in virtual team-building activities and regular check-ins to reinforce the sense of belonging. By creating opportunities for meaningful interactions, team members can develop a clearer picture of their team and nurture a cohesive work culture even from a distance. Encouraging team members to have 121s with each other even for 10 mins social biweekly would be great for the team to connect and foster collaboration. Also for managers, it is a recommendation to set a social 121 with their remote managees for the first two months at least, to get to know them better and build a good connection.
- Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication serves as the foundation of successful remote work. Companies must prioritise establishing clear communication channels and protocols to ensure seamless collaboration among team members. Ensuring that all team members receive the same information is crucial, as assumptions can lead to miscommunications. In an office setting, it is common to have casual chats where work-related information, guidance, or changes are mentioned. However, in a remote setup, this approach may not be sufficient, and companies should avoid assuming that everyone is aware of important updates. Instead, all communications should be shared in a centralised space accessible to all workers, regardless of their nature of work or location. Incorporating video conferencing for team meetings can enhance the feeling of connection among remote team members, as it provides a sense of presence and strengthens interpersonal bonds. Companies should be mindful of the frequency and quality of these virtual meetings, ensuring that they are inclusive and conducive to productive discussions. Regularly assessing the number of team meetings and the effectiveness of their implementation is essential to maintain a cohesive and engaged remote team. Fostering an open and inclusive communication culture is paramount in remote work settings. Encouraging remote employees to share their ideas and concerns openly leads to a more dynamic and engaged team. Providing platforms for interactive discussions and feedback sessions can empower remote workers to actively participate in decision-making processes, enhancing their sense of ownership and investment in the team's success. By prioritising clear and inclusive communication, embracing digital collaboration tools, and nurturing a culture of open dialogue, companies can foster a robust communication and collaboration framework that supports the productivity and cohesion of their remote teams.
- Balancing Work and Well-being: The nature of remote work can sometimes blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to potential burnout. Encouraging work-life balance and prioritising employee well-being are essential. Be mindful of the amount of video calls and conference meetings that your remote worker has to undertake weekly. Offering at least a meeting-free day would be extremely helpful to get work done and maintain worker's energy. as well as flexible working hours and offering mental health resources can support remote employees in managing their workload while maintaining a healthy work-life harmony.
In reflection, the list presented above provides a glimpse into some of the challenges and strategies based on my latest experience as a remote worker. While it may not cover all aspects, it emphasises the significance of a holistic approach to successful remote working—one that genuinely values the experiences of remote employees. Successful remote working requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach that acknowledges the unique experiences of remote employees. By fostering a culture of equality, nurturing team dynamics, enhancing communication and collaboration, prioritising learning and development, and promoting work-life balance, organisations can create a thriving remote work culture that unlocks the full potential of their remote workforce. Embracing the potential of remote work and proactively addressing its challenges will undoubtedly lead to greater productivity, engagement, and well-being for remote employees and the organisation as a whole.
