Work Together Anywhere

Is the dream job only about where you work, or is it about how you work and find balance? 'Work Together Anywhere' challenges us to rethink the future of work, where collaboration knows no boundaries.

1. Remote Work Boosts Productivity and Engagement

Remote work allows employees to avoid distractions that are common in office environments. A study showed that remote employees made 13.5 more calls per week compared to their office-based peers, translating into an extra workday of output per week.

Many employees find they’re more creative and focus better in their home environments. Without the stress of commuting, they have more energy to dive into their tasks. Reduced sick days and shorter breaks also add to their output.

Employees appreciate the balance offered by remote work. The ability to live in their preferred locations, not dictated by job proximity, lifts workers’ morale, further fueling their productivity.

Examples

• A 2017 FlexJobs survey revealed 76% of people believe remote work reduces distractions and increases focus.
• The Chinese travel company Ctrip’s study noted remote workers made significantly more calls than those in-house.
• Even with fewer sick days, remote employees maintained better work-life harmony.

2. Flexibility Fosters Loyalty and Cuts Costs

Properly managed flexibility enhances employee satisfaction and organizational loyalty. Many workers quit jobs without flexible options, as highlighted by 62% of respondents in the FlexJobs Super Survey.

Lowering operational costs is another advantage. Companies save significantly by downsizing office spaces when part of their workforce is remote. These savings can fund employee benefits or team-building activities.

Additionally, remote work enables companies to address the challenge of finding skilled professionals locally. Employers can hire talented individuals worldwide, overcoming geographic restrictions.

Examples

• Global Workplace Analytics notes companies save $10,000 annually per remote worker on rent.
• FlexJobs found 79% of workers would be more loyal if given flexible working options.
• NanoTecNexus expanded its talent search to the US and Canada by allowing remote work.

3. Focus on Outcomes, Not Hours Logged

Deliverables, rather than time spent at desks, should be the standard of assessment for remote employees. Results-driven goals provide better markers for productivity than hours.

The traditional office workday assumes presence equates to productivity. However, remote settings call for more efficient tracking systems like task boards or results-oriented checklists.

Monitoring software can lead to mistrust and counterproductive behaviors. Creating goal-oriented systems nurtures transparency and trust among teams instead.

Examples

• Bart Van Loon advised against keystroke trackers or cameras, citing inefficiency.
• Tracking progress with tools like Trello shifts focus to the deliverables rather than constant supervision.
• Managers who adopted results-focused methods found greater satisfaction and trust within their teams.

4. Be Prepared Before Going Remote

Working remotely demands solid communication skills, self-discipline, and reliable technology. Since face-to-face conversations are rare, expressing oneself clearly in written formats is key.

Self-management stands out as a major asset for remote workers. They must meet deadlines independently and self-motivate. Teams also value adaptability and good feedback etiquette.

Having the right tools and knowing how to troubleshoot basic tech issues are non-negotiable. Remote work calls for robust internet, quality equipment, and quiet spaces free of distractions.

Examples

• Workers who are proficient in email and instant messaging find smoother communication.
• Investing in basic technological tools and stable internet prevents workflow disruptions.
• Comfortable troubleshooting tools bolsters confidence and independence during work issues.

5. Discipline Your Work Routine

Without a set routine, remote workers risk overworking or falling into unproductive habits. To be effective, workers need structured schedules and focus strategies.

The myth of multitasking has been debunked. Studies show that trying to juggle many things at once hampers productivity. It's better to focus on one task at a time.

Working with others remotely? Communicating progress clearly—through tools like task boards—helps teams maintain alignment and trust without in-person interactions.

Examples

• Stanford reported multitaskers perform worse on tasks than focused individuals.
• Setting emails and notifications to specific check-in times improves focus.
• Task boards like Trello foster transparency among geographically dispersed teams.

6. Gradual Transitions Work Best for Teams

Shifting from office work to remote setups requires careful planning. A step-by-step approach allows time for adjustments and evaluation.

By starting remote work with select team members, managers can gather insights and troubleshoot problems before broader implementation.

Gradually moving to a remote-first option ensures that companies build strong communication systems that work in-person and remotely, regardless of circumstance.

Examples

• Two employees testing remote work provided better insights than transitioning entire teams instantly.
• A remote-first setup mitigates disruptions caused by weather or travel issues.
• Managers reduce the risk of failure by optimizing setups step by step.

7. Hiring Remote Workers Is a Unique Process

Hiring for remote roles shouldn’t replicate the process used for office positions. Testing applicants' ability to work remotely is essential.

Candidates should demonstrate their competence with key tools during the hiring stage. Designing interviews around clear communication and adapting to technology ensures a better fit.

Once onboarded, a well-structured introduction plan helps them integrate with the team and systems effortlessly, fostering long-term success.

Examples

• Remote.com found only one out of 85 companies differentiated interviews for remote jobs.
• Zingword introduces tools the candidate will use during the interview to gauge aptitude.
• NASA assigns each new remote team member to a buddy for ongoing guidance.

8. Online Benefits Replace On-Site Perks

Many perks commonplace in offices can be replicated for remote teams. Virtual stand-ups and retrospectives keep employees in sync and engaged.

Frequent online collaboration replaces the watercooler effect, easing team camaraderie. Tools like video calls encourage regular interaction and trust-building.

Adapted online benefits like flexible hours, virtual team-building events, or professional development funds boost morale while addressing unique remote needs.

Examples

• Genentech found employees absent from desks 80% of the time, yet remote collaboration proved effective.
• Virtual stand-ups helped teams provide mutual updates while recording ensured absent members caught up later.
• Holding feedback-centric retrospectives every few weeks encourages open discussions and strengthens team spirit.

9. Remote Systems Engage Employees at Their Best

Remote teams thrive when companies use systems fostering communication and collaboration. The key lies in creating environments that acknowledge individual strengths.

Flexible work hours within remote setups let employees tailor their tasks to their peak productivity times. Encouraging periodic check-ins nurtures progress without overbearing supervision.

Frequent, clear communication through well-chosen tools ensures that everyone remains on the same page, boosting efficiency over time.

Examples

• Genentech’s remote employees remained reachable more consistently than their office counterparts.
• Setting clear boundaries, such as availability schedules, reduces communication gaps.
• Managers who scheduled regular video calls strengthened team collaboration significantly.

Takeaways

1. Create a results-oriented approach in your work or team by prioritizing measurable goals instead of micromanaging time.
2. Use tools like task boards and video calls to maintain communication, build trust, and improve collaboration among remote employees.
3. Periodically revisit your routine, technological setup, and team rituals to ensure that your remote work environment is supporting productivity and engagement.