Overcoming Common Challenges

Working from home has its perks. However, it also comes with challenges that you may not experience working as an employee in an office. Many of the most difficult challenges you will face as a remote worker have to do with how you relate to the rest of your work team. When you don’t see them everyday it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from what you’re doing. You may find you need to change your habits in order to feel productive, happy, and successful in a telecommuting position.

Poor Communication

Today, there are more than enough ways to communicate – instant messaging, text messaging, email, over the phone, Skype – but sometimes, the message is still lost. Working remotely, you may have difficulty understanding when it’s appropriate to reach out for a co-worker or boss. The solution is creating a communication plan, which should be done as soon as you decide to work from home. Make use of instant messaging programs, but don’t be afraid to contact someone by telephone or to schedule a meeting if you feel it’s necessary. The truth is that written communication, such as instant messaging, memos, and emails, can often be lacking the human factor.

Lack of Motivation

Remote workers are more likely to feel less motivated to work on a project. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, as a remote worker you’re less likely to be consistently engaging with your co-workers. Your home and family life can easily take over, causing you to lose your focus. When you don’t meet a particular goal, you may get discouraged. Unfortunately, these are all realities that you have to train yourself to deal with when you work from home. If you know yourself as an individual, you’ll be less likely to come up with an arrangement that doesn’t suit your particular needs. If you do find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling to stay afloat, talk to your employer about it in order to come up with a work arrangement that you can handle.

No Community

One of the most difficult things about working from home is isolation. Many people thrive on the feeling that they’re a valuable member of a group.

Even if you are working as a team member, doing so remotely can make you feel like you’re all alone. It’s up to your team manager to help you feel included and ensure that you’re given the opportunity to participate in team bonding activities. If that doesn’t happen, you need to speak up. Don’t be afraid to encourage your colleagues to call you on Skype if they need to speak with you and to do so with them. Ensure that your boss and colleagues know who you are aside from what you do.

Career Stagnation

Working remotely may leave you with the feeling that you’ve been forgotten. Even if you consistently put forward good work, you may feel like you lack the recognition that you would otherwise get in-office. This is where it’s up to you to put in face time and make sure your name is out there, even if you are at home. Use video conferencing software and visit the office if possible to help foster work-relationships.