Even though remote work has been around for years, working from home is still a hot topic. The constant debate about its effectiveness hasn’t slowed down and some companies are even pushing workers back into the office, but hybrid and remote models aren’t going anywhere.
According to Gallup, 60% of employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement. About one-third prefer fully remote work, and less than 10% prefer to work on-site.
Companies that work to embrace flexibility will stay competitive as the tides continue to change. Let’s break down a few myths about working remotely, remind ourselves how we can make working remotely better for everyone involved, and see how this affects the future of work.
Breaking Down the Myths
Myth 1: Remote Work Kills Productivity
Studies show employees can be just as—if not more—productive when working remotely. It all comes down to trust, autonomy, and clear expectations set by organizations and their leadership. Micromanagement has never worked in an office, and it won’t work remotely.
Myth 2: Remote Workers Are Disengaged
Engagement isn’t about location, it’s about connection. Remote work fosters engagement when communication is intentional, and employees feel valued. Let’s be real, being physically in an office doesn’t guarantee productivity, we all know that it’s still possible to zone out in an in-person meeting.
Myth 3: Only Certain Industries Can Support Remote Work
There are opportunities for remote work in all industries from learning and development (including organizations like Evolve) to technology, education, healthcare, and finance, the list goes on. Remote work should be less about the specific industry limitations that may exist and more about reframing how work can get done. Organizations can be more flexible with certain roles or teams than others. Every organization is unique.
Making Remote Work… Work
Establish Clear Communication: Effective communication can be one of the biggest challenges of working remotely. Nobody wants to spend their day scrolling through endless threads or searching for key updates. To work from home successfully, teams need structured communication processes, clear expectations, and accessible documentation. It’s about working smarter, not just adding more meetings to the calendar.
Check on Company Culture: A thriving company culture isn’t swag and free snacks (keep those up though), it’s about fostering connection, ensuring leadership is approachable, and creating a shared sense of purpose. When you’re working remotely, company culture gets magnified. Every bit of connection counts. Remote teams need intentional efforts to maintain culture, whether through regular check-ins, or encouraging open and honest communication.
Work-Life Balance: When working remotely, it can be easy for work to bleed into personal time, quickly leading to stress and burnout. Remote employees should set dedicated work hours, take their regular breaks, and establish a clear “end of day” routine to maintain balance. Logging off when the workday ends isn’t just a suggestion, it’s essential for self-sustainability.
The Future of Work: Flexibility Wins
The future of work isn’t about choosing between working remotely or being in-office, it’s about flexibility. Hybrid models are becoming more the norm, helping companies tap into a wider talent pool while keeping employees satisfied. Yes, challenges may exist but companies willing to adapt will thrive. Remote work isn’t going anywhere, and the way we approach it should keep evolving. Instead of debating whether it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ the focus should be on making it more advantageous for employees and organizations alike.