I’m not opposed to remote work and welcome it for the right person and circumstances. I believe it helps the right people be more efficient with their time. However, I do believe there are drawbacks that every leader should be aware of and address.
Working from home fuels more distraction and isolation than we admit. Collaborating across time zones strains our patience, losing physical workspaces removes a hub for organic interactions and ideation sessions, and virtual calls can hamper our ability to fully read body language and interpersonal cues. Zoom fatigue is real, folks!
Still, none of these drawbacks negate the benefits remote work can bring, like access to global talent, freedom over schedules, and reduced commutes and facilities. At the same time, a blanket push towards permanent remote work should take into account the creative sparks or relational bonds from in-person environments we may lose that are worth preserving.
My belief is the best future setups will be intentionally hybrid. Intentionally, meaning that leaders can better determine what needs to be in person and what can be remote, and HR policies can evolve to support both physical and virtual collaboration in a holistic employee experience.
The pandemic didn’t suddenly erase our human needs for community, mentorship, and environments to nurture innovation long-term, so let’s shape the future of work recognizing that being fully remote has upsides and drawbacks alike. With care and moderation, we can optimize for both human fulfillment and flexible productivity over time.
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Paul Bramson is renowned as a powerhouse on keynote stages and in training arenas. He is widely regarded as being one of the most impactful speakers, trainers and C-suite coaches in the world today. Paul is recognized as a leading authority and thought leader in the areas of communication, leadership and sales boasting media mentions in Forbes, Fast Company, Fortune, BuiltIn, Yahoo, and MSN. With an extensive 25-year tenure, Paul has continually ignited and empowered professionals, leaders, and teams across all echelons. His ability to captivate and engage audiences originates from an authentic zeal, unique aptitudes, and an unyielding dedication to professional and personal enhancement.