A large part of our daily activities has been moved to the virtual world as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
For example, most of the things that we do daily, such as working, having fun and playing online casino games, learning, training, and shopping, are now taking place online. In addition, the post-pandemic period created conditions for working remotely at least two to three days a week, and half of the employees worldwide have decided to make use of this opportunity.
However, working from home comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages and has prompted companies to find ways to improve collaboration between distant team members. Let’s look at the pros and cons of remote work and the key strategies you can apply to get the highest benefit for everyone.
Remote Work Pros and Cons
Before deciding whether to apply for hybrid work in your company or choose this option as an employee, it's necessary to understand its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Better work-life balance. Remote workers can improve the quality of their lives by investing more time in their family lives or taking up hobbies, such as developing their iGaming skills. Employees who get enough sleep and free time each day are more attentive at work, immediately increasing their output and efficiency.
- More freedom. Being able to work from home means planning your own time and getting work done instead of meeting the 8-hour norm.
- Increasing employee experience. The opportunity to organize your own time creates an environment where employees strive for improvement and success.
- Reducing business and infrastructure costs. The lower the number of workers who go to work in the office, the lower the costs, both for rent and overhead.
- Increased productivity. In oceanic office systems, many workers need more time to focus and finish the work. In contrast, a work-from-home environment has fewer distractions and allows them to complete tasks even before the stipulated deadline.
Cons
- Lack of face-to-face communication. The lack of this kind of interaction can make it difficult for newly formed remote teams to work and follow directions.
- Reduced access to information. New employees face challenges in finding and locating important data and receiving guidance. This can complicate the process of introducing new employees to the company.
- Different levels of work organization. Working from home requires maintaining self-discipline and efficient organization of work. You must plan your time adequately and show an equal level of commitment when working at home and at the office.
How to Increase CollaborationBetween Remote Teams
As the trend of hybrid work increases, it's necessary to provide conditions for team cooperation. What makes interaction especially easy in today's setting is cutting-edge digital technology.
Nowadays, companies use various methods and techniques for conversation, such as video calls and conferences, through multiple platforms such as Zoom, Google Meets, etc. Video calls improve coordination by recording and replaying entire sessions to recall important information discussed in meetings.
Team members may easily exchange and preserve ideas using instant chat. It also allows for the simple sharing of documents and information, which is useful when speedy preparation is required. Furthermore, task management software allows for ongoing modifications to shared projects. This enables employees to accept and execute assignments, keep the workflow flowing, and access up-to-date information.
Tips for Staying Productive and Focused in a Remote Setting
To be a successful and productive remote worker, it's necessary to plan the time allocated for work well and to maintain clear communication to understand the assigned tasks properly.
Expectations management helps to complete the work in an optimized manner by introducing a clear and timely clarification. Setting work hours is a good tip for informing management when the employee is free for a meeting or a new task.
Also, the definition of clear goals and targets is very important when trying to provide a higher level of combined effort within the team: this can be done most easily by creating to-do lists and noting what needs to be done and by when.
In addition, it is crucial to set up an efficient working space at home to be more productive and focused on work without distractions. A home office area with comfortable furniture and a quiet environment can help create a productive mindset and minimize the impact of external factors on work efficiency.
Networking and communication with other team members, such as virtual shared coffee and lunch breaks, is another method that can keep motivation at a satisfying level.
Finally, holding joint face-to-face meetings to strengthen interpersonal relations with other team members is a good way of increasing the team’s productivity.
Final Thoughts
While some variations of the remote work model are possible, the popularity of flexible arrangements will continue to grow. Having more time for your family and pursuing other interests results in more relaxed, happier employees.
As people are now searching for more remote-friendly work opportunities, employers and management need to focus on implementing innovative methods to make the most out of it. Also, organizing and achieving your work tasks will make you a great remote employee and help you maintain a perfect work-life balance.
