By Julianne Hill, Marketing Manager, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.
The world of work has transformed rapidly in the last three years. The COVID-19 pandemic served as an unexpected remote work experiment worldwide. Many employers discovered that on-site presence was not always necessary for productivity.
The 2020 lockdown was the first time that I had worked remotely. I learned a lot during this period and discovered that I could be very productive working remotely, perhaps even more productive, because there are fewer distractions. In this blog, I will talk about my experience working remotely, the good and the bad. I will then discuss how to search for remote work and what you need to succeed.
The Good of Remote Work
Remote work offers a variety of benefits. You may have more flexibility if the employer does not need you to log in during certain times. This flexibility can also lead to a better work-life balance as you can adjust your work schedule to fit your life.
During my fully remote time, I learned a lot about myself. I learned when I was the most productive and the least productive. A study by Stanford University showed that home-based workers increased their productivity by 13%. This increase is due to fewer interruptions and often fewer distractions.
I also learned that I needed a dedicated workspace. If you are considering working remotely, consider doing this as well. Some benefits of doing so are improved focus and efficiency, defined boundaries, boosted professionalism, improved physical health and enhanced mental well-being.
One huge benefit to remote work is its potential cost savings. Many had a long commute they cut by working remotely. Thus, there is a savings on transportation. I lived within a few miles of my office, so this wasn’t a huge perk. Still, I can see how this could be a significant factor for individuals deciding to work remotely.
While some companies went back entirely to on-site work, many either stayed fully remote or took the hybrid approach. Hybrid work is a flexible work model combining on-site and remote work. In the hybrid model, employees may spend a portion of their week in the traditional office setting and work the rest of their week remotely, often at home. The exact arrangement can vary widely depending on the company, so ensure you completely understand a company’s policy before committing yourself.
Challenges of Remote Work
Despite the benefits, remote work is not challenge-free. I found that I was not alone in feeling isolated. Without face-to-face interaction, it can easily lead to a team feeling disconnected. There are a lot of creative strategies to overcome feelings of disconnect in a remote or hybrid work environment. Team members must be much more intentional about their communication and scheduling to meet regularly and keep everyone informed and connected.
Personally, I have found that the hybrid model works best for me. It allows me to connect with my colleagues in person and work remotely, where I can often be more productive.
Another challenge many face, myself included, is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I had to create boundaries between work and personal time since everything happened in one place. It is often difficult to “switch off” and stop working. When boundaries are made and kept, it can lead to burnout, which negatively impacts mental health.
Communication can often be a hurdle that has to be tackled in remote or hybrid work. When the primary form of communication is email, it is much easier for misunderstandings to occur. Often, there are many different ways to interpret email communication. It can also be particularly challenging for teams that work across different time zones.
How to find what you’re looking for
Looking for a remote job that suits your needs can be daunting, but with the right approach, you will find the process much easier. Here are some steps to help with the search:
- Know what you want: Are you looking for fully remote positions, or are you open to hybrid roles?
- Use the right platforms: Many job websites are dedicated to remote work. If you are using a platform like Indeed, which is not entirely devoted to remote work, be careful that the jobs you’re looking at can work anywhere. Some employers offer remote work, but the worker must live in a certain area.
- Here are some platforms to get you started:
- Remote.co
- FlexJobs.com
- WeWorkRemotely.com
- Tailor your application: Skills like self-motivation, discipline and excellent communication are essential for remote roles.
- Prepare for your interview: In a remote job interview, you will often be asked about your experience working remotely. Prepare examples showing your ability to manage your time, solve problems independently and stay motivated.
Finding the Right Fit
Remote and hybrid work have pros and cons, just like any other type of work. It offers cost savings, flexibility and increased productivity. Still, it can also lead to work-life balance issues, feelings of isolation and communication challenges. Understanding these aspects and finding the right fit is of utmost importance. It is all about finding the right fit and balance for you.
