Why employers still resist work-from-home policies
Nearly five years ago, COVID-19 forced most employers to let their employees work from home. You’d think remote work would be a no-brainer by now, but many employers are still dragging their feet on making it permanent. While a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t feasible, it’s crucial for employers to understand why they’re hesitant. Here are some reasons and suggestions to overcome them:
Communication concerns if working from home
Employers fear that collaboration will suffer without face-to-face interaction. The ease of spontaneous brainstorming sessions in the office is hard to replicate online, potentially leading to miscommunication or slower productivity.
How to overcome:
Invest in good communication tools and encourage their use. Regular virtual meetings, both formal and informal, can maintain communication. Over-communication can help ensure employees stay on the same page. Additionally, invest in in-person meetups and team-building activities to strengthen relationships and bonds.
Lack of trust and productivity
Some employers still believe that if they can’t see you, you’re not working. They worry that without direct supervision, employees won’t get their work done. Despite studies showing that remote workers can be as productive as their in-office counterparts, these concerns persist.
How to overcome:
Build trust by setting clear expectations and focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked. Regular check-ins, progress updates, and measurable goals can help. Project management tools provide visibility into who is working on what, helping managers and employees track results. Encourage employees to create a dedicated workspace at home and establish a routine. Provide resources and training on time management and self-discipline.
Company culture
Many employers feel the office environment is crucial for fostering a sense of community and belonging. Team-building activities and other company events are harder to organize with everyone working from home but not impossible.
How to overcome:
Encourage a sense of community virtually by celebrating achievements and milestones. Regularly communicate the company’s values and culture to remind everyone of what the company stands for. Virtual team-building activities and social events can help maintain camaraderie.
Technology requirements for work-from-home
Not all companies have the infrastructure to support work-from-home seamlessly. Employers might be concerned about the costs and complexities of maintaining a secure remote work setup.
How to overcome:
Invest in reliable technology and secure communication tools. Provide employees with necessary IT support and equipment. Implement robust security protocols and offer regular training on cybersecurity best practices.
Fear of change
Shifting to a remote work model requires a significant mindset shift and adaptation. Companies with long-established ways of working find it hard to break from tradition.
How to overcome:
Implement remote work gradually and gather feedback from employees, adjusting as needed. Provide training and support to help managers and employees adapt to new ways of working. Highlight success stories and the benefits of remote work to ease the transition.
Conclusion
For remote work to become a lasting norm, employers need to rethink their approaches and address these concerns head-on. It’s clear that flexible work arrangements are here to stay, and those who adapt will likely see benefits in employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Embracing change and addressing these challenges can create a win-win situation for both employers and employees.
About the author
Maria Bartolo Zahra is Co-Founder and HR Advisor at SurgeAdvisory. She has over twenty years of human resources and business advisory experience.