If you’re considering making the switch to remote work, you’ve probably come across a lot of information – both good and bad. And with the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, there are more misconceptions and myths about remote work than ever before.
From the belief that you need to be a digital native to be successful as a remote worker, to the idea that you need to sacrifice your work/life balance to work remotely, there are many myths about remote work that need to be debunked.
In this article, we’ll dispel the 5 most common myths about remote work, so you can make an informed decision about whether this type of work is right for you.
5 Myths About Remote Work
- The myth of the “lonely remote worker”
- The myth of the “distracted remote worker”
- The myth of the “unproductive remote worker”
- The myth of the “disengaged remote worker”
- The myth of the “tech-savvy remote worker”
The myth of the “lonely remote worker”
One of the most common misconceptions about remote work is that it is a lonely and isolating experience. And while it’s true that you won’t have the same water cooler conversations or office banter with a remote team, that doesn’t mean you’ll be completely isolated.
In fact, many remote workers find that they have more social interactions thanks to video conferencing, instant messaging and other collaboration tools.
And with a remote team, you can often choose when and how you want to interact with your colleagues, which can be a huge plus if you’re introverted or prefer not to socialize during work hours.
The myth of the “distracted remote worker”
Another common myth about remote work is that it’s easy to get distracted and impossible to stay focused. And while it’s true that there are more distractions when you work from home (TV, pets, family), that doesn’t mean you can’t stay focused and productive.
In fact, many remote workers find that they are more productive when working from home as they can design their environment to suit their needs and avoid distractions. For example, you can create a dedicated work space, set your own schedule and break timings to minimize distractions.
The myth of the “unproductive remote worker”
Contrary to popular belief, working from home does not mean you will be unproductive. In fact, many remote workers find that they are more productive when working from home as they have more control over their environment and can design their workspace to suit their needs.
Of course, there are always going to be days when you’re not feeling it and don’t want to work, but that’s normal – no matter where you work. The key is to find ways to stay motivated and productive, even on days when you don’t feel like it.
The myth of the “disengaged remote worker”
Another common misconception about remote work is that it leads to disengagement and isolation from the company culture. And while it’s true that you won’t have the same day-to-day interactions with your colleagues when working remotely, that doesn’t mean you need to be disengaged from the company culture.
In fact, there are many ways to stay connected with your colleagues and company culture when working remotely. For example, you can use video conferencing or chat apps to stay in touch with your team, attend company-sponsored events or meetups, or participate in company-wide challenges.
The myth of the “tech-savvy remote worker”
The “tech-savvy remote worker” is a myth. There’s no such thing.
The truth is, anyone can be a remote worker – you don’t need to be a tech expert. With today’s technology, almost anyone can work remotely. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Sure, some jobs require specialised knowledge or expertise. But for the most part, anyone can learn how to use the necessary tools and technologies. And there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
So if you’re thinking about working remotely, don’t let the myth of the “tech-savvy remote worker” stop you. Anyone can do it – you just need to take the first step.
To wrap things up…
Working remotely doesn’t have to be a lonely or isolating experience – there are many ways to stay connected with your team and company culture. And while there are some challenges that come with working from home (distractions, lack of social interaction), there are also many benefits (flexibility, control over your environment).
If you’re considering making the switch to remote work, don’t let the myths hold you back – give it a try and see for yourself!
And please share remote working best practices for us and our readers. Write in the comments below or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
