Remote vs. In Office:

A Remote Worker's Perspective

Every week, new articles, posts, and conversations pop up debating remote versus in-office work. Everyone, like workers, managers, and companies, have an opinion, and perspectives vary widely. I'm not here to declare a winner, but I can offer my viewpoint as someone who's been working remotely for a considerable time, long before the pandemic and even before we universally called web conferencing "Zoom meetings."

Setting the Stage

I've been working remotely since around 2017. My role involved managing video engineering and operations for a company with a mix of traditional cable TV and a growing online presence. My manager, most of my team, and many of my internal clients were scattered across different cities and even countries. Executives often traveled or weren't consistently in the office, making in-office meetings rare. We usually used WebEx to meet with the teams. It's worth noting that at this company, most employees were office-based, and remote workers were a small minority.

The Daily Grind (From Home)

I recognized early on that remote work, especially working from home, could be challenging if not approached strategically. From day one, I established a routine. I'd wake up, walk the dog, exercise, eat my (often reluctantly consumed) breakfast (another story for another day), and then get dressed for work. You might be thinking, "Why get dressed if you're working remotely?" For me, it was about establishing a clear mental separation. I treated my work time as exactly that: work time. Just because I didn't have a commute didn't mean I wasn't going to work. I'd put on a typical work shirt (yes, I wore shorts), but the key was the shoes. Not slippers, sandals, or even Crocs. I'd put on actual shoes or sneakers (we were business casual in the media business). This simple act signaled to my brain and body that it was work time. At the end of the workday, whenever that was, I'd change into slippers, or, more accurately, my Crocs.

The Productivity Paradox

This routine might sound a little quirky, but it was incredibly effective for my productivity. It created a distinct boundary between my personal life and my work life, even though both were happening in the same space. This separation was essential for maintaining focus and minimizing distractions. I consistently delivered on projects, including several multimillion-dollar initiatives, and even played a key role in launching a major streaming service—all while wearing my shoes and working remotely. My performance not only held steady but actually thrived in this remote environment, leading to three promotions since 2017. I was also able to help stand-up the PMO office, migrate users into a new cloud environment and all while holding remote meetings.? This demonstrates that remote work, when done right, isn't an obstacle to career growth, significant contributions or even productivity.

Communication is Key

One of the biggest worries about remote work is communication. How do you stay connected with your team? How do you collaborate effectively when you're not physically together? My experience has taught me that communication isn't about physical proximity; it's about intentionality. We used a variety of tools, from instant messaging and video conferencing to shared document platforms. We established clear communication guidelines and encouraged open and frequent dialogue. Regular virtual team meetings, one-on-ones with my manager as well as team members, and even informal virtual "coffee breaks" helped build rapport and maintain a strong sense of team unity. In some ways, remote communication can be even more efficient than in-office communication, often requiring more concise and structured messaging and meetings..

The Flexibility Factor

For me remote work was more than productivity and communication, remote work offers a level of flexibility that's hard to beat in a traditional office. It's not just about working and wearing shorts (although, let's be honest, that's a bonus). It's about having the autonomy to manage your time in a way that works best for you. If I needed to run an errand mid-day? I would update my manager, and most of all update my team.? I would block the time on my calendar, update the status on instant messaging and while I was out, made sure to check in often.? When my mom got sick, I moved my office to her hospital room.? I ran meetings, worked on reports all while keeping her company while she was there.? I would make sure to schedule important meetings around her appointments. Most importantly I made sure to hit deadlines and delivered results while I was working, the specific hours of work become less critical. This flexibility led to better work-life balance, less stress, and greater job satisfaction.? The most important thing is to make sure you are aware of what you are doing and what needs to be done.

The Future of Work

The debate about remote work versus in-office work will likely continue. However, my experience has clearly shown that remote work can be incredibly successful. It's not just a temporary fix or a passing fad; it's a viable and increasingly effective way of working. It requires discipline, intentional communication, and clear expectations. But when implemented effectively, it can lead to increased productivity, greater flexibility, and a more fulfilling work experience. And yes, you can definitely wear your shoes while doing it.? Now where did I put those Crocs?