Remote work has legally started in 2010 when the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 was passed as a law in the United States.  This law required each Executive agency in the US to establish a policy that would allow their employees the option to work remotely.  However, it was not a common thing as many people still prefer to work in an office.

In 2020, when COVID became a pandemic, companies were forced to allow their staff to work from home just so that their business and operation still continue despite the lockdowns.  This made many people realize the advantages of a remote work setup.  

Advances in technology and changes in work culture have made it easier than ever for employees to work from home, in coffee shops, or even from other countries. Many people have embraced remote work to achieve better work-life balance, avoid lengthy commutes, and work on their own terms. 

However, despite the growing popularity of remote work, many businesses still resist the trend. Here are some of the reasons why:

Fear of decreased productivity

One of the main reasons why businesses are hesitant to embrace remote work is the fear that it will decrease productivity. Managers worry that employees will become distracted by their home environment, or that they won’t be able to stay focused without direct supervision. Some studies have shown that remote workers can be more productive than their office-bound counterparts, but not all businesses are convinced. This fear of decreased productivity can be particularly pronounced in industries where output is closely tied to face time, such as sales or customer service.

Concerns over communication

When employees are working remotely, communication can become more challenging. Managers worry that important messages might get lost in the shuffle, or that team members won’t be able to collaborate as effectively as they would in an office environment. Remote workers may feel isolated from their colleagues and left out of important discussions. These concerns are particularly acute in industries where collaboration and teamwork are critical, such as marketing or software development.

Trust issues

For some managers, the idea of not being able to physically see their employees can be unsettling. They worry that remote workers might be taking advantage of their freedom, or that they won’t be able to monitor their progress as closely as they would in an office environment. This lack of trust can be a major obstacle to remote work, as it can be difficult to build relationships and maintain open lines of communication when trust is lacking.

Technical challenges

While remote work has become easier than ever, it still presents technical challenges for some businesses. Companies may need to invest in new technology, such as video conferencing software or collaboration tools, to facilitate remote work. They may also need to take steps to ensure that their data and networks are secure, particularly if employees are working from home or using personal devices. These technical challenges can be daunting, particularly for smaller businesses with limited resources.

Cultural resistance

Finally, it’s worth noting that some businesses resist remote work simply because it goes against their culture. They may feel that an office environment is essential to their company culture, or that remote work is simply not part of their brand. This cultural resistance can be difficult to overcome, particularly if it is deeply ingrained in the company’s identity.

Despite these challenges, remote work is likely here to stay.  It is now a matter of management – creating a good remote system and being focused more on the production of the employee rather than the hours they have spent.

What do you think about remote work?  Should it stay or should it go?