The Pros & Cons of Working Remotely

Before you dive into world of remote work, start by having an honest conversation with yourself and identify your emotional needs as well as your practical needs. Then, if applicable, discuss it with your spouse or partner—because it could impact them as well. Then, I suggest talking to your manager or employer about how working remotely could impact your day-to-day performance and if relevant, any long-term goals you have at the company.

The reality is that working remotely works well for some, and not so well for others. Going into the office, having face-to-face conversations, drinking coffee next to someone at the same conference table, and physically participating in whiteboard sessions—well, those moments cannot happen "remotely" in a meaningful way.

Here are some pros and cons (click to expand each section):

PROS

1. Flexible workspace, flexible locations, and flexible work attire

   
   

2. Flexible hours (if you can set them), but your employer or clients will likely take the lead on that, unless you can afford to turn work down

   
   

3. More time to get your actual work done during working hours—hooray!

   
   

4. Less physical interruptions at your desk/workstation (yah, we're talking about you, cubicle knocker)

   
   

5. No daily commute or parking issues, and all that goes along with that

   
   

CONS

1. You might be overlooked for a promotion or opportunity; the old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind," still rings true

   
   

2. You can fall out of touch with work friends; if you are the sort who has all the friends you will ever need, good for you, you beautiful unicorn

   
   

3. You might be expected to attend online meetings even when you are sick/need time off (because all you have to do is "dial in")

   
   

4. You don't have to deal with cubicle knocker anymore, but IMs will be coming at you left and right; you can mute channels, but do so at your own risk

   
   

5. Friendly chatter with coworkers is cemented in the vaults of time when you IM vs. ye old in-person chats—I mean, it's different when you're at the coffee machine and say, "Simpson is on the war path today, watch out!" But if you say it in writing, you are just one screenshot away from your professional demise. I don't know anyone named Simpson, btw!

Still unsure if working remotely is right for you?

If you want to work remotely but are worried about losing touch with others or fear you will be overlooked for opportunities, then you may find a "hybrid work model" is the right way forward.

Hybrid means you work some amount of time in the office, and some amount of time remotely. The ratio and approach will vary by job, team, and organization. If you go this route, talk to your employer or manager about which days in the office make the most sense. I do think you should only go in for team building, collaboration, important meetings, or the like—do not go in just to be a warm body in the office or on "scheduled" days. It isn't necessary, practical, or safe.

Still not sure? Here is a video that may help facilitate conversations with your employer about remote or hybrid work models.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-TBdHQAiw

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Thanks for reading!

This blog was written by a human.