Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
In recent years, there’s been a lot of debate about the pros and cons of working remotely. Some proponents argue that it’s a great way to boost productivity and creativity, while others claim it leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
So, what’s the truth? Are remote workers as happy and successful as they seem, or are the critics onto something?
Well, it turns out, they’re both right … depending on the circumstances and the individual. Remote work comes with both challenges and benefits.
In the following, we tackle five of the biggest remote work misconceptions and realities so you can decide for yourself whether remote work is right for you.
5 Remote Work Misconceptions and Realities
When it comes to working remotely, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges and solutions to make the best decisions regarding your flexibility, career, and work-life balance.
Remote Work Myth 1: There’s a Lack of Collaboration and Communication
There’s a common misconception that working remotely can make it more difficult for team members to collaborate and communicate effectively, leading to miscommunications, misunderstandings, and delays in completing projects.
The Reality of Remote Work Collaboration
It’s true that when team members aren’t located across the aisle from each other, it can lead to communication challenges. However, remote companies have found ways to bridge gaps in communication and foster better connection strategies.
And some employers have found that leaving the office behind and facilitating asychronomous communication is the key to success.
For example, many invest in remote collaboration tools, such as videoconferencing and instant messaging. With these tools, remote team members can stay connected and collaborate on projects in real time when needed. For less essential communication, messages can be sent without the expectation of an immediate reply.
Additionally, remote teams are creating a greater sense of connection and community by hosting virtual meetups. They can create virtual watercoolers or coffee chats used for networking, team-building, idea-sharing, and fun.
Online tools like Slack or Discord allow team members to communicate in real time and foster connections.
Remote Work Myth 2: It’s Impossible To Separate Work and Personal Life
You’ve probably read articles suggesting that separating work from your personal life can be nearly impossible in a remote role, resulting in longer work hours, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance.
The Reality of Balancing Remote Work
Working remotely doesn’t automatically mean a lack of work-life balance. In fact, more than eight out 10 remote workers report that they have a better work-life balance as a result of working outside of an office-centric role.
To be successful, though, you will need to establish boundaries between work and your personal life. Despite having more control over your schedule, the lines between the two can blur, leading quickly to overworking and overwhelm.
In an interview with Harvard Business Review, professor Tesdal Neeley reminds remote workers that basics matter: “Have a disciplined way of managing the day. Schedule a start and an end time. Have a rhythm. Take a shower, get dressed.”
Often, the key to success is setting daily goals ahead of time. To thrive in a remote role, you’ll need to manage your workload, create a dedicated workspace, and maintain a routine.
Remote Work Myth 3: Career Growth Will Stall
Career growth and reduced visibility are concerns for most professionals, and some remote workers are especially concerned with a lack of face time.
In a recent Buffer survey, 45% of respondents reported concern over career growth.
Opponents of remote work will say their voices can’t be heard when they’re not physically present.
Or, they’ll struggle to connect with the right people, unlock career development opportunities, or advance into higher-level positions.
The Reality of Remote Career Growth
There are many ways to stay visible and grow your career when working remotely, whether through conferences, networking events, or online communities. Similar to a traditional role, remote workers must proactively seek opportunities, vocalize their development goals, and stay current within their industry.
But that’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement, or that this isn’t a valid concern.
Another finding from the same Buffer study indicates that the way a company is structured has quite a bit to do with how accessible career growth is. Over half of those reporting concern over career progression also indicated that their company lacked opportunity.
It should also be noted that when the majority of the team is working in person, proximity bias can play a part. On the other hand, companies with structured career growth for hybrid and fully remote roles, along with a proactive approach, can help ensure remote workers have a clear plan for progression.
Remote Work Myth 4: Isolation and Burnout Are Inevitable
Whenever there’s a conversation about remote work, it’s almost inevitable that a discussion about isolation also comes up.
It’s assumed that working remotely is a lonely experience that leads to feelings of solitude, quickly resulting in burnout, stress, and decreased productivity.
The Reality of Remote Work Socialization
It’s true that remote workers can feel disconnected from the rest of their team or company at times. But this feeling isn’t inevitable or permanent.
Through proactive strategies, such as joining virtual events and scheduling regular check-ins, remote employees can build meaningful relationships with their teams and stay connected.
Beyond their team, remote workers can achieve balance by improving their personal relationships and connections. They can invest the time saved by not commuting into friendships and social activities.
And these strategies are also beneficial in preventing burnout. Understanding the importance of breaks and self-care, remote workers must make time to get outside, take walks, and pursue mindfulness activities.
Remote Work Myth 5: Remote Workers Spend All Day on Zoom Meetings
It’s easy to assume that working remotely means you’re chained to your computer all day, attending back-to-back Zoom calls.
And spending hours every day on video meetings can be mentally draining for many professionals.
The Reality of Remote Work and Zoom Expectations
Well, that’s partially true. Recent studies explain how and why spending too much time in video meetings leads to fatigue. And while videoconferencing has become an increasingly important part of remote work, it doesn’t have to be an exhausting part of the workday.
As research catches up with work routines, there’s more understanding of how and why virtual meetings affect us.
Human-focused leadership is helping to lower expectations for back-to-back meetings and increasing options for hybrid remote roles. Remote workers are also taking ownership of their workdays and learning to manage their digital exhaustion better.
Many remote workers find that breaking up their day with movement and breaks away from the screen helps them stay productive and energized throughout the day. And tenured remote workers may be more diligent about blocking off time when they’re unavailable for a video chat and scheduling short breaks after each meeting.
The combination of proactive strategies, realistic expectations, and self-care help remote employees flourish in a digital environment.
Discovering the Best Fit for You
There are many misconceptions associated with working remotely, but if remote work seems like it’s a great fit, you can build a thriving work-life balance.
Start by intentionally seeking out ways to connect to your network and colleagues. Ensure you pursue your development goals, and set boundaries to avoid feelings of isolation and burnout.
With the right strategies, remote workers are able to learn, grow, and thrive despite the challenges of working from home. The benefits of remote work far outweigh the challenges.
