7 remote work challenges and how to overcome them
Updated: Mar 15, 2023
1. Technical Failures
Working from home or remotely will require you to be prepared to fix things yourself most of the time. Moreover, if you’re not tech-savvy, you will struggle even more during such situations.
To ensure smooth operations, you can request your technical team to check your system frequently during the month and avoid inevitable technical challenges.
2. Poor Workplace Communication
One challenge associated with remote work is communication. Lack of in-person interaction can lead to miscommunication and make you feel disconnected from your team.
Defining your goals and expectations during conversations and online meetings to avoid miscommunication. Try communicating over the phone and video conference tools.
Using the right tools and platforms can help you overcome every remote communication challenge. Some remote tools to use are Zoom, Slack, Trello, and email.
Click here for remote tools and their applications in a remote setting.
3. Working Across Different Time Zones
A remote career will open up many opportunities for you to engage with a global team. Working with a diverse team helps you explore cultural diversities, share ideas, and have many learning experiences.
However, collaborating could be challenging as your team will work across different time zones. Delays in receiving feedback, e-mail, and reduced engagement are some of the many challenges faced while working with a global remote team.
Encourage sharing preferred time zones for your team and normalize working on asynchronous time zones before trying to reach out to them or setting up any deadlines. Embrace shared calendars and scheduling apps and leverage project management tools.
4. Managing Language Barriers
Provide your team members with a written version of their tasks in a detailed brief that they can translate. Ensure that they understand their assignments and ask them to repeat the instructions.
Use video conferencing translators like Skype Translator, Google Meet Translator, and Zoom Translator.
Use tools to detect cultural differences versus personality differences to maximize team productivity.
Culture mapping tools that can be helpful:
5. Productivity Issues
While working remotely can be liberating, you're most likely to face productivity issues if you’re not used to working without supervision.
Productivity issues can result in failing to plan your tasks during the day, poor time management, difficulty managing your work/life balance, and more.
To overcome this, inculcate proactive habits around the day- plan your tasks during the day to encourage self-care at the end of the day.
6. Lack of Social Interaction
Remote work is isolating. It can result in mental health illnesses like depression or anxiety. Even if you prefer to work alone, the absence of physical contact might affect your productivity and make you feel disconnected with time.
To cope with this situation, you can practice being proactive in reaching out to your co-workers through calls and messages. Hold brainstorming meetings and sessions to engage with your teammates on video conferencing software like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
7. Stress and Burnout
Longer working hours are the norm in remote work. It can trigger stress and negatively impact mental health.
Creating an organized work schedule, including breaks more often, would help make you feel rejuvenated. Communicate with your employer to set up work-life boundaries to avoid working for longer hours. Prioritize your health by exercising, practicing meditation, and getting quality sleep regularly.
You will find the above-discussed solutions helpful in tackling your remote work challenges. Follow them consistently to keep your schedule on track and prioritize your health to overcome them. Know that you’re not alone in struggling with it, and motivate yourself daily as you grow in your remote career.
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