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The COVID-19 lockdown has forced many IT departments into work-from-home pilot projects. It isn't easy, especially since we had little time to prepare.
Challenges with remote work
1. Software, hardware and tools are often not ready for a distributed workforce. All our software is cloud-based and still, it presented us with many unforeseen challenges making sure that our teams had what they needed to do their jobs effectively.
2. Access to information - Locating information from colleagues is more difficult. The person sending the information request often does not explain himself well enough and also does not appreciate the workload of his colleague. The receiver can more easily ignore the request and does not appreciate the importance of the request.
3. Lack of face-to-face supervision - Some employees struggle with the reduced access to managerial support and therefore feel their bosses don't understand.
4. Social isolation - Many employees miss the office environment especially the more out-going types
5. Distractions - Working at home is not always easy. Not everyone has a separate working environment and conditions are often sub-optimal. There are distractions from other people in the house. Some people succumb to the electronic distractions of TV, Youtube and more.
The above challenges may all be reasons not to allow work-from-home but right now we don't have a choice. We have to make it work. Next week, we will explore how managers can help their remote employees.
In the meantime, we hope you are all productive. If you have any career questions, please don't hesitate to email us.
