Yes! It seems remote teams are the “new normal” and are the future of work in the modern world as we know it. While COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the world, there are a few positive things that came out of it which is Hybrid + Remote work. Many Businesses were faced with the choice of closing their doors (which a few did) OR pivoting and allowing employees to work from home. This of course meant they had to integrate new software, experience a learning curve, and also navigate their way through managing teams from different parts of the world.
Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
While many people thrived in this new structure namely Gen-Z and Millennials, there were some who still struggled and preferred the “old way” of doing things. They eventually caught up and have reported that it has allowed them to finally have a work-life balance since they are not sitting in traffic for hours or having anxiety from missing deadlines and overall stressful and toxic situations.
Benefits of Remote Teams
As mentioned above, one of the benefits of Remote teams is having a work-life balance which means you actually get to live and enjoy life rather than merely surviving to pay bills and your work becomes more meaningful. If we are to look at more benefits, they would include:
- Remote employees save money.
- No daily commute to the office.
- Create a flexible schedule that suits you.
- More effective team meetings.
- Fewer distractions when working from home.
- Less office politics.
- Reduces your carbon footprint & is better for the environment.
On the other side of this, a few disadvantages of Remote Teams are:
- Lack of Trust
- Reduced Team Collaboration
- Social Isolation
- Hidden Technological Costs
All these are of course easier said than done especially when you live in a country like Jamaica where in some cases it’s all about “optics”. There are a few bosses who still maintain an archaic approach to their employees where they have to “see them daily” and think they are only working if they are within their sight.
As a Creative, I must let you know, that this is so far from the truth. I get the most work done when I’m working from home as I get to create my schedule and work to have all my tasks completed in a timely manner. Because I’m not sitting in traffic for hours, I use that same time to start a bit earlier without feeling tired or pressured which allows me to make the most of my day. After I’ve completed all my tasks, I’m able to do something personal like get a Pedicure or pay my Insurance instead of asking for an extra hour and hoping that I get it or waiting until the weekend to cram all my errands.
Conclusion
I really do hope we elevate in Jamaica and look at how our First-world counterparts are able to use Remote Teams to fulfill their daily tasks. I understand we have a long way to go and there will need to be systems in place. If we take everything else from our first-world counterparts, then surely we can take The Remote Teams approach to maximize our productivity and to have less strain on our mental and physical health.
Let me know in the comments if you work remotely or think your role could benefit from this type of work.
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
#Are Remote Teams the NEW Normal?
