10 Common Misconceptions About Remote Work (Debunked!)

May 01, 2020

During the pandemic season, remote working has turned from a trend into a norm. Some people are familiar with it already, while others are not. For the latter, there can be funny misconceptions about remote working and there are some that are just plain absurd. Let’s take a look at these stereotypes and debunk them.

1. Remote workers clock in wearing pajamas

This isn’t necessarily true, and this isn’t false either. Part of the perks from working at home is the freedom to wear whatever you want. You can wear a suit or you can just clock in wearing your bathrobe! However, it is advisable to wear an office attire at home for a productive mindset.

2. Remote workers are on the job 24/7

Working at home gives one the liberty to choose their own working schedule. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not having any sleep or family time. Remote workers by choice mostly have the same schedules with their office counterparts. They also possess the same work-life balance with weekends off and vacations.

3. Remote workers aren’t productive

This myth is absurd as well. As most remote workers have similar schedules with office workers, they also have deadlines to fulfill. A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review showed a 13.5% productivity increase when companies allowed remote work for their employees.

4. Remote working teams have communication deficiency

Just because remote workers don’t meet face to face doesn’t mean that communication is bad. As a fact, communication is even clearer due to project management software they all use and share. And because teams don’t often meet virtually, every member ensures that communication lines stay open.

5. Working remotely jeopardizes data

Remote working teams and their companies use software and cloud-based applications programmed by competent IT companies globally. In these IT companies, professionals work 24/7 in teams keeping track of security to prevent company data and individual confidentiality breaches. Notice the annoying captchas and two-factor email authentications? Those are prime examples.

6. Remote workers are out of reach

Another false claim debunked by commonsense. Remember what was said on numbers 2-4? Workers from home mostly stick to a schedule with deadlines just as office workers do. One call, text message, or an email from a colleague is all it takes to check progress. So it is unlikely for a remote worker to slack off mid-day without consequences.

7. Remote workers are isolated people

Workers from home usually live with their families, significant others, or roommates. In fact, these factors can sometimes cause distractions. Other remote workers even set up a mobile office in coffee shops and public settings. So remote working = loneliness? Not likely.

8. Remote work is limited to small companies only

Large companies like AT&T, Wells Fargo, Dell, Aetna, Xerox plus many more large companies have committed to working flexibility. This is because hiring remote workers cuts a lot of costs which we’re going to discuss next. In addition, companies of all sizes offer flex work because this helps them find and retain great employees.

9. Remote working costs more than office working

Offices cost more due to construction, rent, office equipment, water, electricity, shipping, amenities, food, etc. Whereas the cost of hiring a remote worker would only involve a laptop, computer, and internet connection.

10. Remote working undermines company culture

The concept of off-site teams damaging company culture is another odd stereotype. However, these claims can easily be fixed by simple communication tweaks. Friendships and meetings can be made virtually and held as usual. One good thing that separates remote working from office working? The lack of office drama.

Remote working isn’t really that different from working in an office. Aside from a few liberties like what to wear and when to work, they’re mostly just the same. Also, remote working is much more eco-friendly. Ever since most of us started working in our homes, carbon footprints have greatly reduced because of fewer daily commutes.