As a “hybrid employee,” I once went back and forth between remote and on-site work, spending two to three days off-site and the rest at the workplace. It was only a month ago that I fully transitioned into a remote role. I procrastinated in being a full time remote employee for a few reasons and in this blog, I explain why.

The Rise of Remote Work

COVID-19 catalyzed a seismic shift in the way businesses operate, especially in the white-collar sector, pushing remote work to the forefront. For many companies, it became a matter of adapt or perish.

Even before the pandemic, my employer advocated for remote work, but the urgency brought by COVID-19 help to speed up the transition. I think that it served as a much-needed wake-up call for businesses to embrace the remote work trend.

The Standard Work Life

In my previous blog, I discussed my role in management and with it came the diverse range of responsibilities, from monitoring employee habits to ensuring productivity and quality of work. I feel I have always been far from a micromanager and although more introverted than anything else, I often found myself adopting an extroverted persona to foster a comfortable environment for my team. Interestingly, it didn’t take much effort for me to connect with my employees on a personal level. They would confide in me, come to me for a breather or advice during stressful times, express gratitude through gestures like sending flowers and thank-you notes, or sometimes exploit situations to their advantage. Yes, they were a mixed bag.

The Remote Environment Impact

A year or two after many of ours transitioned to remote work, troubling trends emerged. Decreased work quality, lower productivity levels, and mental health struggles like anxiety and depression became prevalent among those who lacked familial ties, or personal contact with the outside world. It was evident that employees in remote settings needed to have the personal interaction to stay motivated, engaged, and productive.

I urge fellow leaders to prioritize regular check-ins with their remote employees. Engaging activities during work hours, taking them out for team-building events, and fostering personal connections are critical. Some employees might be silently but struggling, as was mine, and it’s essential to reach out to offer support and understanding.

While the shift to remote work presents numerous benefits, it also brings forth challenges that demand proactive solutions. By acknowledging the importance of personal connection and actively supporting our remote teams, we can navigate this new era of work with resilience and empathy.

That is it for this blog, until next time.