There are several common struggles that remote workers face when trying to maintain a work-life balance. First, time zone differences are a significant problem. Working remotely means you’re likely to be far from your colleagues, which can cause a variety of inconsistencies.
Additionally, you may find it difficult to transfer information from one device to another. The result is that your work can suffer. Whether or not these challenges are serious will depend on the company you work for and your personal circumstances.
Loneliness
Another major struggle with remote working is loneliness. While office relationships are appealing, remote workers often find themselves alone and disconnected from colleagues. A recent study by Buffer found that 35% of people in remote positions reported that their mental health had deteriorated as a result of their work schedules. For those who have trouble overcoming loneliness, using video calling applications like Slack is a great option. Alternatively, you could consider scheduling weekly face-to-face meetings with your team.
Time Management
Another common struggle is time management. While working from home allows you to make your own schedule, you may find it difficult to stick to it and complete tasks on time. Creating a schedule around your natural rhythms will be helpful. Consider what hours of the day are most productive for you and plan your day around them. Once you find your rhythms, it will be much easier to stay on task and get your work done on time. Then you can enjoy your family and friends more.
Management
Another common problem with remote working is the lack of supervision and direction. Since you’re not in the office with your colleagues, you need to stay in touch with your supervisor. Ask for regular updates and milestones on your project. Connect with your supervisor at least once a week to keep him updated on your progress and to ensure that you’re not missing anything. If you can’t get away from home, you can work in a coffee shop, library, or co-working space.
While it’s not a physical issue, it can be hard to find ways to build community among remote workers. The most obvious way to foster that connection is to encourage collaboration. A collaborative environment will allow people to be more productive over time. Employees who feel connected to their colleagues are likely to be happier and more productive. While it’s possible to get along with others, there’s no substitute for real social interaction. And if you don’t have any colleagues in the office, it can be very challenging to maintain a positive work environment.
Another issue faced by remote workers is cultural differences. While there are obvious cultural differences, it’s often difficult to navigate the complexities of religious principles or holiday time. While the benefits of a remote work environment are clear, a remote working environment presents unique challenges for both teams. In order to foster a healthy work-life balance, remote workers should be involved in virtual conferences and virtual water coolers, as well as receive recognition for their work.
