Does Remote Work Even Work?

I missed out on writing the newsletter for the last few weeks as I was travelling. Usually, when I'm travelling, I still work a little—check my email, reply to messages, etc. However, this time I made a conscious choice not to do so. Given that I've been working remotely for the last few years, I always felt I could work from anywhere! I had this feeling that I was epic with remote work, but honestly, I realized that remote work creates blurry lines between work and personal life. What this eventually ends up doing is that you never really clock out, and I started fearing burnout and a dip in productivity. So, I made a choice to leave work behind during my travels this time.

Anyway, given that I've been working remotely for the last 4.5 years (damn, that's a lot), I thought I'd share my thoughts on whether remote work actually even works or not.

I've spoken to many people, and generally, the view is pretty binary—people either swear by working remotely and never want to go back, or they say that remote work doesn't even work and results in poor outcomes.

If you're hiring someone remotely or thinking of working for a company remotely, here are my learnings from my experiences:

Hiring Remotely:

If you're a founder or a manager considering hiring someone who is fantastic but wants to work remotely, it's important to have the right infrastructure in place and assess whether the person is set up for success.

Role/Function:

Assess the Job Role

Determine if the role is suitable for remote work. Not every function is suited for a remote setup

Is the function independent or collaborative?

Independent roles, such as data analysis or content writing, often adapt well to remote work. However, collaborative roles requiring constant interaction and teamwork might face challenges without the right tools and protocols.

Is the task well-defined or still in the figuring-it-out mode?

Roles with well-defined tasks and outcomes are easier to manage remotely. If the tasks are ambiguous and require frequent adjustments, being in a physical office can facilitate quicker iterations and feedback.

Will they have a team under them? If yes, is that team remote as well?

Managing a remote team requires different skills compared to an in-person team. If both the manager and the team are remote, clear communication channels and regular check-ins are essential.

Will they be working under someone? If yes, is that manager remote as well?

Remote employees working under remote managers can work well if there are established communication protocols. If the manager is in-office while the employee is remote, there might be a disconnect in expectations and feedback.

Does this job require extensive training?

Extensive training can be challenging to conduct remotely. If the role requires significant onboarding, consider if you have the resources to provide this remotely through video calls, online resources, and virtual mentorship.

Personality and Interpersonal Skills

Personality Check:

PS: 16personalities can really help out sometimes

Evaluate if the candidate's personality aligns with remote work. Certain traits can determine remote work success.

Are they introverts or extroverts?

They say that Introverts often thrive in remote settings due to fewer distractions and less need for social interaction. However, being an extrovert myself, I feel that if you make regular effort to go and meet people, there is a high chance remote work can work really well for extroverts as well!

How good are their writing and communication skills?

Strong written communication is crucial for remote work. Since face-to-face interactions are limited, the ability to clearly articulate thoughts and tasks in writing ensures everyone is on the same page.

Do you believe they can adapt to the company culture remotely?

Adapting to a company's culture without being physically present can be challenging. Candidates who are proactive, engage in virtual team activities, and communicate effectively are more likely to integrate well into the company culture.

Working Remotely

Given my experience, here are some tips on what worked for me:

Infrastructure

Consistent Environment:

Consistency is key. I realized that my output changed whenever I worked away from my dedicated workspace. Find a distinct corner in your house to set up as your work area. For me, it’s the guest bedroom, which has evolved over time with added tech and comfort elements.

Motivating Workspace:

Set up a nice and motivating workstation—a place where you enjoy working and look forward to it. Invest in good tech: reliable internet, noise-cancelling headphones, and ergonomic furniture. These small investments can make a big difference in your productivity.

PS: Another hack that I have is that I always have my shoes on when I'm working from home!

Communication:

Over-communicate!To work efficiently, it's important to keep your team informed about what you're working on. Make it a habit to over-communicate your tasks, progress, and any roadblocks. Use a mix of tools: emails, instant messaging, and video calls to keep everyone in the loop.

Routine:

Eat, Sleep, Work, Exercise, dance, do your thing and maybe not Repeat!

Avoid Monotony: Working from home can become monotonous, leading to a lack of motivation and creativity. To combat this, maintain a consistent yet flexible routine.

Human Interaction:

Meet People!

Take every opportunity to meet people in person. If someone is visiting your area, make an effort to meet them. Plan frequent trips to the office to maintain human connections.

In a Nutshell:

Does remote work even work? I'd say yes! But you need to know how to make it work. Set up the right environment, maintain clear communication, follow a consistent routine, and never underestimate the power of human interaction.

Other BFF Banter;

1. Exam Prep in India: The Student's Journey from Rote to Remote

2. Electrifying India’s mobility with government incentives and startup innovation

“Wherever you are, be all there.”

– Jim Elliot