In part I of our remote working challenges guide, we've covered the personal aspect of remote working and the particular issues that often arise in this domain. However, that's not where the story ends. Remote workers face a number of technical challenges that can be equally unpleasant as the previously covered ones.
Below, we’ll discuss these remote working challenges as well as the potential solutions and ways to overcome them.
1. Poor Team Communication
If you're working remotely, but are a part of a larger team, communication might arise as an issue. While typical in-office teams have regular meetings and can communicate live during work hours, remote workers have a different dynamic.
This can reflect negatively on the quality of your work performance and even lower your motivation. To overcome this challenge, suggest your team starts using a team management app and schedule regular online meetings.
2. Lack of Workspace
Remote workers can work from anywhere - their home, the park, a cafe, or even the bus. But, without a designated workspace, it can be tricky to stay well organized and efficient.
This is why it's recommended that you have a specific workspace where you'll keep all your tools, equipment, notes, and anything that's important.
3. Technology Issues
The professional equipment you use at a typical office is usually fully updated, quick, and big-league. Unfortunately, your home WiFi and your old laptop aren't the best you can have.
So, you might experience trouble with technology, and it could interrupt your daily workflow.
There are some employees who are prepared to help you financially, in order to buy the equipment you need. But, in most cases, you're left on your own.
4. No Time Management
Most remote workers don't have fixed work hours. Instead, they have tasks they need to complete and deadlines to respect. But, it's up to you when you'll decide to work.
Again, it may sound great at first. But, in reality, this leads to working all the time due to poor time management skills.
Instead of sitting at your desk for a couple of hours and focusing on one task, you'll be dragging it over the entire day. This is due to the freedom you have to pause and take a break whenever you decide to.
This is why every remote worker should:
- set clear work hours
- take short breaks as per the schedule
If you create a work schedule and stick to it, this challenge won't be an issue for you. Instead, you'll be finishing all your assignments in time and have the rest of the day just for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Both personal and technical challenges of working remotely can seriously affect the overall quality of work that you deliver. This is why it's important that you deal with these challenges and don't let them slow you down or demotivate you to work hard.
Hopefully, our articles helped you understand why working remotely can be tough, but also- how to make it work!