WHY IS THERE STILL RESISTANCE TO REMOTE WORKERS?

Why is it that so many employers still resist the concept of remote working employees?

Is it the mindset that 'I need to see bums on chairs from 8 to 5 in order to believe that people are working?'

This is the 'presence equals productivity' trap, into which so many fall. Remember, just because people are at the office does not mean they are productive, very often it is the opposite. Distractions, chatter, even availability, often cause people to lose focus and productivity drops.

In the same way because a person is working remotely does not mean they are going to 'skive off'.

In fact, the time spent in traffic between home and office, particularly in the morning, can be better utilised as some of the most productive time, as those early hours are when our minds are fresh and at their best. It seems crazy that people should spend that time battling traffic just to go to an office where they will email colleagues in the next office, something that can be done just as effectively from a remote station.

And those people who are likely to be unproductive remotely are just as likely to be unproductive at the office as it is an attitude issue, not a location issue, that needs to be addressed. The same applies to managers who need to see their subordinates at their desks. Could it be the need to micromanage? Once again, it may be the need for an attitude change.

Whether on site or remotely, ultimately trust plays a major role in workplace outcomes and perhaps that, rather than where, is the underlying factor that needs to be uppermost when addressing how we can achieve maximum team collaboration, effectiveness and optimum productivity.

Terri Codd Corporate Training & Life Coach: 076 751 3556: coddterri@gmail.com: terricodd.blogspot.com