Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or new to the remote job market, you’ve likely encountered a few skeptics. Maybe more than a few.
Loved ones, employers, and colleagues still have concerns despite the growing trend toward flexible work. And while they’re generally not invalid concerns, they’re not insurmountable either.
Instead of ignoring them, confront remote work concerns head-on. Provide practical responses to put skeptics at ease.
From productivity troubles to communication hurdles, get ready to tackle common uncertainties about remote work. You could turn those skeptics into believers.
When faced with productivity concerns from your employer or others, highlight your research and the benefits of structuring your day to meet your needs best. Here’s one way you might address this:
“In my experience, working outside of the office has boosted my productivity. Without a commute, I can dedicate more time to my tasks. Moreover, the flexibility of working from home allows me to schedule my work when I am most productive, which increases my output.”
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Communication is a valid concern when your team isn’t directly down the hall. The best remote companies have discovered that a robust ecosystem of asynchronous and synchronous communication can mitigate this concern.
Your response might sound something like this:
“I agree! Effective communication is crucial, whether it’s remote or in person. I use various digital tools in remote settings that facilitate clear and effective communication.
“Additionally, I believe in overcommunicating when working remotely and providing regular updates on my work to ensure everyone is on the same page. I’ve also found that there are fewer office politics to distract us. In my experience, remote work has improved communication.”
It’s no wonder this is a frequent question about the merits of remote work. With data breaches and hackers running rampant, the safety and security of information should be a top concern for anyone considering working out of their home office.
Try something similar to this:
“Data security is a top priority, especially when working remotely without a dedicated network. To reduce risks, I keep my software and network up to date, use a VPN, and avoid public Wi-Fi.
“Also, the remote companies I’ve worked for have had clearly defined policies regarding online safety and regular training to keep us alert to new threats.”
When you work from home, there’s no break room or watercooler to chat by. It’s more challenging to have spontaneous brainstorming sessions or build your confidence enough to reach out and ask for input.
Sustaining a thriving culture is often more difficult in this environment, and others might express concern that you’ll feel isolated or disconnected. Clarify how you’ll prioritize building connections.
“I’ve always prioritized building relationships with my team. I participate in virtual team-building activities and routinely engage with my teammates via email or Slack, often focusing on small talk rather than work-related conversations.
“I’ve been able to build a strong sense of camaraderie with my teams regardless of the physical distance.”
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Wouldn’t it be lovely to have the best of both worlds? A remote office with tech support just a call away? Some companies do have a tech support team for the devices they provide.
But those that don’t might be skeptical that you can independently manage tech tasks, such as setting up a Wi-Fi system or caring for your tech equipment. Respond with confidence in your resourcefulness.
“Without a company tech team to support me, I’ve learned to be resourceful regarding tech challenges. To begin with, I have a prescheduled task during my weekly wrap-up, where I check for updates and tidy up my digital workspace.
“When there are concerns, I always start with the resources for each piece of equipment and move on to reputable tech sites that offer online support services.”
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Without a supervisor in the building, losing focus might be easier. Some may have valid concerns about maintaining the same level of productivity with all the distractions that life can throw at you in your unique environment.
Acknowledge their concerns and respond with the structure and boundaries you will implement.
“As with most aspects of remote work, clear communication is critical to ensuring everyone is on the same page and expectations are met.
“When working remotely, I maintain a structured schedule and set clear goals, which helps me stay accountable. I’m also transparent about my progress and always open to feedback so my manager and team are aware of my contributions.”
Certain aspects of remote work can negatively affect your well-being if you’re not cautious. Isolation and lacking a schedule that includes time for self-care are common concerns.
Others might express their worries out of a genuine place of care and concern. Let them know that you recognize the challenges and have a plan to mitigate them.
“We don’t always have the social cues that help us prioritize things like staying active during the day and limiting our caffeine intake.
“Setting boundaries and communicating my intentions around taking a break and getting outside are foundational in maintaining my well-being.”
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Others might assume your career will stagnate when you do not share physical space with your manager. You might even be concerned about this yourself.
However, your ability to be proactive and focused on goals directly impacts personal and career development, regardless of where most of your work is performed.
Share some of your strategies to alleviate concerns about professional development.
“Since I’m proactive about my professional development, I’ve been able to create consistent momentum in my career. I set clear goals and outline actionable steps to achieve them.
“Also, I schedule regular meetings with my manager to discuss my career goals and communicate any areas where I’d like to stretch or gain a new skill set.”
Working from your home office is not a magic wand that will guarantee you’ll never feel stretched thin again. It’s easy to let work and life bleed into each other.
When others express concern about how you’ll manage boundaries, you can respond with an organized plan.
“Maintaining a work-life balance is a core reason I enjoy working remotely. I’ve taken to heart all the advice about separating work and personal hours.
“I follow routines before and after work so I don’t blur my boundaries. That way, I hold myself accountable for staying in work mode and then allow myself to shut down and clock out for the day.”
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Transitioning to a remote work environment isn’t a one-step process; careful thought and planning are involved to set yourself up for success.
One concern you might encounter is whether you’ll have access to all the necessary resources outside a traditional office setting.
Tackle these doubts by articulating how you proactively manage your workspace and access crucial resources.
“It can be a culture shock when you realize there’s no tech support on-site or a supply closet down the hall. I always confirm I have everything I need set up for my role before I start.
“For example, I pay attention to how much time will be spent on video calls to ensure my internet is up to the task. I also verify the software and hardware I need before the first day of any new job.”
Remote work offers many benefits and perks. But you might encounter some skeptics who see the challenges as insurmountable.
Acknowledging those challenges and responding with a clearly defined plan to address and mitigate concerns about remote work is generally the best response.
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