A report from the United Nations International Labour Organization found that while employees are more productive when they work outside of the conventional office, there are many downsides. Remote employees are also more vulnerable to working longer hours, a more intense work pace, work-home interference, and, in some cases, greater stress.
The Most Common Challenges Remote Workers Face and Custom HR Solutions to Solve Them
Working too much
Remote work may be seen by managers as an opportunity for employees to slack off. But, in fact, the opposite tends to be the reality. Remote workers are more likely to overwork at least 10 more hours per week than their in-person counterparts. And when your personal life and your work are both under the same roof, it's harder to switch off.
Here are some ways employees can avoid overworking:
- Set appointments on your calendar for the end of the day to get yourself out of your home office
- Be clear with your team on when you're leaving/signing off
- Create physical boundaries between you and your workspace
- Turn off notifications on your phone and computer so you're not pulled back into work after hours
Prioritizing work
Remote workers need to be self-motivated with their own time management without managers overlooking their productivity in the office. It can be especially challenging for remote workers who have more flexible, free-form days to stay on top of a task list.
How to make sure you get your work done:
- Limit the number of tasks you plan to do each day
- Install distraction-limiting tools
- Manage your energy, not your time
Controlling Interruptions
There's no way to avoid all interruptions to your workday caused by your family, pets, and neighbors. It's important to be clear, though, about the kinds of interruptions that are okay and which ones can wait. Here’s how:
- Establish a signal that lets others know when you're in focus mode
- Keep consistent work hours
Loneliness
Even with internet access and tools like Slack, you might still develop "cabin fever" from being in the same place for too long all by yourself. People who work in shared offices experience impromptu "watercooler" moments of interaction and maybe even share meals together or after-work drinks. Here are some ways to help you not feel isolated when working from home:
- Try working at co-working spaces or coffee shops
- Be more intentional about joining local groups or organizations
- Prioritize family meals and outings during off-hours
Get Custom HR Solutions with CourtSide®
Are you ready to take advantage of the benefits offered by personalized HR solutions and improve your company’s remote work opportunities? Then contact CourtSide® Consulting today!
Our HR expert, Courtney Berg, has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Her extensive expertise has helped her acquire both an SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Designation.
Contact CourtSide® Consulting today to learn how we can improve your organization with our custom HR solutions in Denver.