The value of Experienced Remote Workers

While remote and hybrid working has been widespread in the pandemic, they are far from a foreign concept for most. Many have worked for years in remote teams on different continents; others have worked for virtual companies or may have worked from home on a regular basis.

The majority of people who request remote work do so to manage their caring responsibilities better; however, there are many other reasons why one might need or want to work remotely. Technology has enabled remote working for a significant number of people over the years.

Most employees have been left to 'make it work', and they have not been asked how they have done so or invited into discussions about how to make mass remote and hybrid working more successful. This is despite the fact that different ways of working can be challenging, and many employers are still in the early stages of adapting to change or are even stubbornly resisting it.

According to a qualitative survey conducted it revealed some interesting findings.?

1. 80% said they had not been promoted since they opted for a remote working model

2. 30% had found it hard or very hard to even negotiate wanting remote working in the first place.?

3. 36% of remote workers felt they were not included in decision-making.

4. Almost 71% of employees said their employers did not pay for things like work-based calls.

5. 33% didn't have access to technical support.

Respondents were also asked what helped them cope with isolation at home. The survey found that keeping in touch, arranging social interactions outside of work, and sticking to a routine were popular choices.

It was no surprise that remote workers said better communication and appreciation would improve their situation. While 58% felt as valued and listened to as office-based employees, the rest mostly didn't or were unsure.

Still, respondents felt they had developed greater skills as a result of their experience, including greater discipline and greater awareness of their own capability. Organizing and planning, having a structure, sticking to your working hours, and thinking about alternative forms of social interaction were their tips for other remote workers.?