Why Remote Workers and Small Business Owners Need a Strong Support System

“Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu" - A person is only a person through other people

The remote work revolution remains upon us, it arrived in a hurry but shows no signs of going anywhere soon. It was intended to be a temporary trend, but more and more people ditched the daily commute in favour of the freedom and flexibility of a home office and they are fighting to keep it that way.

Small businesses have also embraced remote work models to tap into a wider talent pool and reduce overhead costs.

While there are many advantages to remote work, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Many (there’s contention around the actual number) workers find the workplace lonely but still enjoy the flexibility that remote working affords them. Both remote workers and small business owners can feel isolated, face difficulties with communication and collaboration, and struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance.?

As I am not one to call for a blanket “return to the office” rally cry (I don’t have any skin in that game), I believe this is where a strong support system comes in. I want you to hang onto your remote working capabilities for as long as you want them - Vive la révolution.

Why Remote Workers Need a Strong Support System

• Isolation: Remote workers often miss the camaraderie and social interaction of a traditional office environment. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and decreased motivation.
• Blurred Lines: It can be difficult to separate work life from personal life when your office is also your home. This can lead to burnout and stress.
• Communication Challenges: Miscommunication is a common problem in remote teams. Without face-to-face interaction, subtle cues can be missed, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.
• Conflict Resolution: Conflict can easily arise over a misinterpreted ‘Teams message’ or email, which can cause employees to feel neglected or angry.
• Improves Decision-Making: Bouncing ideas off trusted advisors within your support system can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Why Small Business Owners Need Support

• Wearing Many Hats: Small business owners are often responsible for everything from marketing and sales to customer service and product development. This can be overwhelming and lead to burnout.
• Lack of Guidance: Unlike larger companies, small businesses often don't have a formal management structure or HR department to provide support and mentorship.
• Financial Pressures: The financial burden of running a business can be stressful, especially during slow periods.
• Celebrates Successes: Sharing your wins with a supportive network can make achievements all the more rewarding.

Benefits of a strong support structure

A strong support structure or system can help your development both personally and professionally, while you, in turn, support theirs. These are the people you can rely on in tough times and with whom you share your wins of every size. The support is always a two-way street. But these things don’t just happen without making a concerted effort to make the time to build a community.?

Support structures can change our perspective on a problem, or they may even have a solution that you never considered, and they help you to celebrate your wins. Sometimes though, it just feels nice to have someone listen without judgement.?

It is never a weakness to lean on others, it requires vulnerability and courage to be open and honest about your situation and your needs.?

You may even have more than one community that you rely on for different needs such as emotional, instrumental or informational support. Your communities can be filled with people on a similar journey to you, with a similar goal or people with a wildly different goal. It doesn’t matter if they are ahead of you or behind you in reaching their goal, because the beauty of human relationships and the human mind is that we all have something more to learn and equally, we all have something to teach.?

There are many other benefits to having a strong support structure, such as:?

• Increased well-being – having people to talk and relate to has been shown to allow you to decompress thereby lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and helping people to better problem solve and cope with future issues that arise.?
• Better coping ability – the more we are able to find solutions to problems, the better we can bounce back each time due to increased resilience.
• Reduced depression and anxiety – having someone you trust implicitly, to spend time with, talk to and vent with reduces anxiety and depression by giving you an outlet and a non-judgemental ear.?
• Creates a sense of community – helping you to experience companionship and acceptance which is part of Maslow’s human need of belonging.
• Builds confidence and self-esteem – solving problems and successfully navigating life’s challenges builds confidence and self-esteem by providing evidence of your ability to overcome.
• Increased motivation due to accountability – being held accountable to someone else often spurs us into action, because generally, we don’t like to disappoint others by not making good on the promises we’ve made.

How to build a strong support structure

You can build your community from existing friends and family, or with past and present co-workers or a mixture of both, but the emphasis has to be on support and listening without prejudice. An no discussing confidential information.

A strong support structure is not just going to the pub and having a laugh and some drinks, it’s much more focused than that. I’m not saying you can never go to the pub, but it’s not the main focus.?

It is really important to have people you can rely on because we all face obstacles in our lives and our support structure can help us to overcome them faster and more effectively.?

• Connect with other remote workers or small business owners: Online communities, co-working spaces, and networking events can be a great way to meet others who understand your challenges and can offer advice and support.
• Find a coach: A coach can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of remote work or small business ownership.
• Invest in your well-being: Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, spending time in nature, or hobbies.
• Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work life and personal life. This will help you avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Co-working: This is one of my favourites, you and others join a video conference call and all work on a task on camera for a set amount of time. You start out by stating your intention for the session and then come together at the end for a chat and to check out each other’s progress.?
• Stay connected with friends and family. They can be a great source of emotional support and can help you take your mind off work. Perhaps you could co-work together, even though you’re at different companies.?

Remember, a strong support system is a two-way street. Be there for the people in your network as well. Offer help, celebrate their successes, and be a source of encouragement.

By cultivating a strong support system, you can thrive in the world of remote work or small business ownership. You won't have to face challenges alone, and you'll have a network of people cheering you on every step of the way!

If you are ready to add a coach to your support structure, please get in touch.