How can you set realistic expectations for remote work?

Navigating the remote work landscape is like steering a ship through uncharted waters. It's crucial to set sail with a clear communication compass, ensuring everyone is on the same page. To establish realistic expectations for remote work, transparent communication is paramount. Clearly defining roles, embracing flexible work hours, and providing technological support are key. Set measurable performance metrics, encourage work-life balance, and foster team engagement through virtual initiatives. Prioritize accessibility and availability guidelines while promoting continuous training and wellness programs. This strategic approach ensures remote employees thrive while aligning with organizational goals.

I have worked from home for several years. I keep the same hours I would if I went to the office to work. If you feel the need to make sure someone works if they are remote, you probably would need to watch them at work as well. It's not the location, it's the attitude about your work and your contribution to your company.

When considering remote work, assess your job requirements, communication preferences, and home environment realistically. Understand the company's remote policies, establish clear boundaries, and communicate effectively to align expectations with your team. Regularly review and adjust your work arrangements to ensure they remain feasible and productive.

Many people think that working from home will be much easier than working in the office. Yes, you will definitely save time by removing the daily commute however it's important to be aware of HOW you will make the most of that additional time. Also, something that many people miss is the casual chat and updates you get just by being in the office. More effort needs to be taken to ensure that you are kept 'in the loop' and although everyone seems exhausted from all the Zoom/Teams meetings, it's important to ensure that you attend, ask questions, be visible online even if offline you are out of sight. Be aware that family members must respect your work time and work space. Communicate clearly so you can organise work and home effectively.

Muita gente quer atuar de forma remota, mas nunca viveu a experiência antes de forma contínua. Trabalhar 100% remoto requer, além de um ambiente adaptado para o trabalho, muita gestão de tempo e foco. Parece bobagem, mas ter um espaço dedicado para ser seu ambiente de trabalho é fundamental. Altura da mesa, cadeira correta para permanecer sentado por algumas horas do dia, além de uma boa iluminação e ventilação são pontos extremamente importantes para manter a sua saúde. Para o bom desenvolvimento das suas atividades e garantir boas entregas, é importante ter um bom gerenciamento do tempo e foco para não se dispersar facilmente com outras coisas.

AVOID MICRO MANAGEMENT Clear expectations as well boundaries are crucial. You need to speak up when superior doing micro-management, even for good intentions. Instead, get the agreement that you will raise hands at any situation that need advise, opinion, and direction. Of course you will use it very selective. Otherwise, it will trigger micromanagement.

When setting expectations for remote work, clarity is key. Be specific about deadlines, availability, and preferred communication channels. Acknowledge potential challenges and encourage open dialogue to address them promptly.

Communicating with the support of video calls is an effective alternative to face to face meetings. Regardless of whether you are working 100% remotely or partially, communicating through video allows for better interaction and engagement. It creates work discipline. You are likely to put in the effort to be presentable and be 'in-the-present' on calls. However, if your work preference is such that you would prefer to have less video calls, set the expectation with your team or leaders. It is important that you are in a conducive environment for video calls to be effective.

Pelas minhas experiências com o trabalho remoto, ter clareza na comunicação é crucial para um bom andamento das atividades com os colegas. Além de manter reuniões frequentes de alinhamento e se possível algumas reuniões presenciais para diminuir a sensação de isolamento causada pelo trabalho remoto. Mas uma coisa é certa, a qualidade de vida melhora consideravelmente. Evitar a perda de tempo no trânsito é maravilhoso! Além de poder manter a disciplina com atividades físicas e alimentação mais saudável por almoçar em casa, o que é fundamental para mim! Recomendo o trabalho remoto para ampliar também a maturidade profissional.

Perhaps the most cited reason for return to "officing" is the disconnect that occurs with remote work. No doubt unplugging has its perks; yet the strain on developing or fragile relationships can't be overlooked. As we work to normalize the WFH/remote culture, each of us should schedule time to engage in conversations with colleagues. These conversations won't occur as naturally as does office banter, so scheduling time to video chat or engage in group activities is paramount. One of my fav examples occurred in the pandemic when organizations sponsored fundraising events that doubled as team builders. Hosted by cidery experts and corporate chefs, these events provided a common experience for work teams which is vital to team culture.

Assuming that you are working remotely from your home, the major problem, which will cancel out all of the positives (such as time saved by not having to commute) are the distractions, the television, the internet (now there is no boss who will see you playing that game you love!), the food in the kitchen, and, of course, the bed. They are all temptations difficult to ignore. In order to reduce these temptations, you have to have a work mindset. This means working regular hours, getting dressed in business casual clothing so you don't feel you are on vacation, and ending the day with a to-do list for the next day which you must complete. It's all about self-discipline. Without it, your remote work will not be successful.

Remote work is very important and useful. You can save speed and time by coordinating your team, and it also reduces traffic.

I found myself to be more productive and responsive to requests for assistance in a remote role. I established (and communicated) a daily schedule that was shared with my direst reports, they adapted there contacts with me based on my defined priority's and availability (and knew to contact me immediately for "emergencies'.

This was the most challenging aspect of being a remote work in my situation, change in the structure of the team exposed the poor communication at the management level of the organization. A great deal of my stress in this period was related to support, collaboration and lack of follow up.

Remote working is a two way street and it's important to remember that it needs to benefit your company, manager and the rest of the team as well as you. With a lot of high profile firms rolling back on remote/hybrid work, it's worth thinking about the business case for you doing it; what are the wins and for who? How do you ensure that you don't become out of sight, out of mind? It's key to your long term development that you stay close to the company and that your colleagues have ways to stay close to you. Similarly, when you've smashed a goal, you need them to recognise it!

The only way out is to teach inexperienced business owners and managers in adapting to this new phenomena. Firstly, how do business leaders, functional managers, and employees make this sudden shift? The answer is to follow the 3Cs of the new team/operation management. 1. Clarify 2. Communicate 3. Connect

To set realistic expectations for remote work, start by assessing your goals, strengths, and communication preferences. Understand your employer's policies and balance work-life priorities. Clear communication with managers and colleagues, establishing expectations and regular updates, is crucial. Effective time management, including task prioritization and realistic deadlines, helps prevent burnout. Design a personalized workspace for comfort and productivity. Seek support from colleagues, friends, and family to combat potential isolation. Treat remote work as a continuous learning process, regularly reviewing and improving strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures success and growth in a remote work environment.

You do not need to work in the office to be a good and effective worker. Remote working is like working in the office, but without the hassle of a commute and without the distractions of interrupting colleagues. There are just as many distractions in an office as at home - they just look a bit different. Accept that people cannot work 8 hours straight. Managers need to trust their remote workers, give them clearly defined expectations without micromanaging, and give support to achieve their goals. Exactly the same as how they should be managing their office workers. This is not the massive shift people like to make it out to be. Good working, communication, and collaboration practices work regardless of location.

Cómo Coach y Psicoterapeuta, invito a mis clientes a asumir que, al tomar un trabajo remoto, habrán cosas que no tendrán en uno presencial y por ello pensar muy bien en la decisión, así como valorar su postura trabajando remotamente. De esta manera, ser lo más conscientes posible para evitar futuras frustraciones.