Since the pandemic, the option of working remotely has increasingly become available to a wide variety of professionals. Often, remote work seems incredibly attractive on the surface, particularly if employees can telecommute full-time.
While there are benefits to working remotely, it’s critical to consider the drawbacks, too. Telecommuting doesn’t suit everyone, and some – but not all – professionals may feel it’s not the right fit. Others may believe it’s the perfect paradigm for them, or at least that the upsides offset the downsides.
If you’re considering a career opportunity that’s fully remote, it’s critical to weigh the pros and cons that come with a remote position. Here are some points to consider.
The Pros of a Remote Position
No Commuting
One of the biggest benefits of a fully remote position is the lack of a commute. This means time isn’t spent navigating traffic while heading to the office or coming home. Plus, telecommuters avoid the transportation expenses that typically accompany a commute, such as gas for the journey and maintenance costs associated with increased wear and tear on their vehicle.
Fewer Distractions
Working remotely usually means professionals are subject to fewer distractions. Coworkers aren’t randomly stopping by for a chat, and attendance at meetings is potentially less expected. There’s also no errant noise from colleagues on calls or talking with each other, as well as from office equipment, customers or clients stopping by in person, and more. As a result, many professionals find their home environment makes focusing easier.
Improved Productivity
When working in an office, professionals may only have some control over their daily schedule. Managers may be more involved in their day-to-day, causing workers to have to shift gears frequently or prioritize tasks in an unexpected order.
Remote professionals usually have more control over their daily schedule. That can create opportunities to move tasks that need greater focus to periods of the day when they’re best equipped to handle them mentally. By selecting times that align with their peak capabilities, that often makes them more productive.
Plus, the limited distractions usually enhance productivity as well. In turn, remote workers may outperform their peers when it comes to the quantity and quality of outputs.
Location Independence
Fully remote jobs may not have explicit requirements regarding an employee’s physical location. Even if there are limitations, such as requiring a worker to be based in a specific state, there’s still more location flexibility than a traditional in-office position provides. That can allow professionals to relocate to an area that better meets their needs, all without having to leave their jobs behind.
Better Work-Life Balance
Overall, remote positions tend to offer better work-life balance than their in-office counterparts. The elimination of a commute gives professionals more time at home. Similarly, breaks and lunches can be used for household activities, which may free up more time on weekends and during evenings for family, friends, hobbies, or errands.
Some – but not all – remote jobs also provide some schedule flexibility. With these, stepping away to handle a personal appointment, care for children, or other activities during work hours is potentially allowed if productivity goals are otherwise met.
The Cons of a Remote Position
Blurry Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is that the line between work and personal time gets blurry. When a professional’s workstation is always mere steps away, it can make it hard to set work tasks down when the day ends. In some cases, managers may even have after-hours expectations since they know employees are likely near their computers.
Usually, these issues are more pervasive if professionals don’t work with their bosses to establish healthy boundaries. However, it also requires some willpower to stick to any boundaries once they’re set, something that may be challenging for professionals who don’t like leaving anything lingering.
Less Connection
Most workplaces have technology in place to ensure remote workers can communicate with team members in other locations. However, purely digital interactions may not provide the same level of connection, especially since there may be less chance for casual banter and other opportunities to bond. Whether that’s problematic can depend largely on a professional’s desire for socializing and strong comradery, but it can prove difficult for some, particularly more extroverted individuals.
Requiring Self-Motivation
While working remotely, managers are typically less hands-on, so employees must be able to keep themselves engaged and productive. While that’s not an issue for professionals who are highly self-motivated, it could cause productivity dips in anyone who needs a bit of a push to stay on target. As a result, it’s critical for professionals to be honest about what they require in that regard before accepting a fully remote role.
Potential Bias
If a team is part remote and part on-premises, there is a risk that remote employees may experience some bias. Managers may favor workers they engage with directly in person, either intentionally or incidentally. There’s also a chance that contributions will be accidentally overlooked, even if a remote team member is performing optimally. In some cases, that leads to less access to career-boosting projects or chances for promotions.
Feeling Cooped Up
When your workplace and home are the same, professionals don’t get a change of scenery unless they make an extra effort. In some cases, this creates a sense of being cooped up, and that’s potentially draining. Often, a bit of extra planning to make sure that some time is spent elsewhere is essential to combat it. Otherwise, working remotely can be dissatisfying.
Are You Looking for a New Job? Burnett Specialists Can Help!
For some professionals, fully remote positions are the perfect match. However, they aren’t the ideal arrangement for everyone. Fortunately, opportunities are available in both cases, allowing you to find the right-fit solution based on your needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a new career-boosting job opportunity and want to partner with skilled, experienced recruiters, Burnett Specialists can help. Learn more about our available positions and see how our talented team makes managing a job search as simple as possible.
