Remote work is NOT easy

Posted on July 31, 2024 by David Hopkins

Why do I keep reading about how easy it is to be a remote worker? What posts or social updates don’t explain, when they state how great or easy it is, is about their own working conditions.

Do they have a family at home competing for space, a dedicated working space, reliable internet and network access, a supportive spouse or family or manager or colleagues, etc, etc.

So, to counter the posts about how easy it is, or how wonderful it is to be a remote worker (it is, by the way. It is great!), here are a few reasons why it’s difficult. It’s not to moan about it, or somehow discourage anyone from considering a change to remote working, but to give you an honest view of what you need to be aware of before jumping into a remote role:

Flexibility: While the flexibility of remote working is an advantage (have lunch in the garden or with friends, do a few chores during the day, have an afternoon in the park and catch up on emails later, etc), it can also lead to worries of being disconnected, what is your expected availability, or maintaining nad sticking to a routine. Without the regular rhythm and expectations of an office environment, you might find yourself struggling to define a clear start and end time for work. It is essential to work out a schedule that works for you. And stick to it. This approach can help create a sense of normalcy and maintain productivity levels, ensuring that the flexibility of remote work does not become a source of stress.

Commuting: Eliminating the time and cost of a daily commute can save time and reduce stress, but it also removes the natural pattern and mental barrier between your work and personal life. This lack of a physical boundary can make it harder to switch off from work (eg succumbing to the urge to check the status of a project or your emails in the evening), leading to a sense of being constantly in work-mode. To address this, you need to create a morning routine that simulates a commute, such as taking a walk. Such activities can help establish a mental separation between home and work, making it easier to relax and unwind after working hours.

Work/life balance: While remote work can enhance your work/life balance by allowing more time for family and personal activities, it can also blur the lines between work and home life. This overlap can result in work encroaching on personal time. To maintain a healthy balance, it’s essential to define your work hours and spaces. Communicating boundaries with your family can also help maintain the barrier so that work does not interfere with personal time.

Productivity: I find I am more productive at home; I have fewer distractions, or at least distractions I have more control over However, a home office may present its own set of distractions, such as family, pets, deliveries, or household chores. These interruptions disrupt your ability to focus and reduce your productivity. Being able to define and preserve a dedicated workspace and minimising distractions (eg using noise-cancelling headphones or closing the door) can help you maintain your focus.
Costs: Remote work can result in cost savings by reducing expenses related to commuting and daily office life. However, it can also lead to increased personal expenses, such as higher utility bills and the need to invest in an appropriate home office setup (what requirements does your HR department have for your home working space, and do they check it?). Employers can support their remote employees by providing home office equipment and sharing tips on energy efficiency to help offset the costs. By addressing these financial challenges, the cost savings of remote work can be fully realised without placing an additional burden on employees.

The above is all part of the mix that is an understanding of remote- and office-based working. With knowledge and support it can be easy to be fully remote but to think it will always be easy or fun is a mistake. It’s work and as such you must work at it.

What has been your experience of remote or home or ‘location independent’ working? Is this something you can do all the time or only on specific days of the week?