In 2022, many employees expect the option to work entirely or partly remote. Remote work is a new normal. Although, before it was on a case-to-case basis, the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 is clear proof that the effectiveness of work does not depend on where it is performed. Leaders, responsible for the coordination of remote teams faced obstacles and challenges, but they also came out of all this with many new ideas and a completely new approach to work.

Furthermore, stakeholders were previously skeptical about working from home, fearing that their employees would be disrupted by a private environment. Today, when remote work is more of a requirement than an option, leaders need to understand how to coordinate these remote teams and make them as productive as possible. Statistics show that 55% of businesses globally offer some capacity for remote work and even 90% of remote workers would recommend working remotely to a friend.
In their attempt to create an environment very similar to the real one, 3 types of challenges may occur:

• work challenge, in terms of communication styles having to change. More communication and a more unique approach to every person are needed in order to understand team members and prevent misunderstanding based on written communications. Meets have to be held on a regular basis
• personal challenges, where people are feeling lonely or isolated. Because of that leaders need to find a way to include everyone in daily activities, but also leave some time to discuss life topics not related to work. Also, by having regular team building or online events people can connect and then overcome their personal barriers. Also, having 1:1 meeting is very appreciated, as well and involving the team in selecting new hires.
• physical challenges – in terms of not having good equipment or working space at home. This can be solved in coordination with every employee, by providing him with equipment, but also by suggesting that a small investment in an office or office in his own home has many benefits.

Many other challenges may arise, but the fact is that quality leadership can influence employees to achieve full satisfaction and work engagement. In order to have stable teams that will progress with time, it needs to be a culture of instruction, collaboration, and respect.

With those values incorporated into your daily routine but also organizational culture, it is possible to motivate your employees to step out of their comfort zone and show completely new skills and ideas. The reason is simple – we all want to work in a team where we feel comfortable and where we know we can make a difference.
In the work that is changing every minute, especially in the IT industry, we have to be fully flexible. That is not value add, that is value to survive. Remote leadership is risky, but it can be also an opportunity for growth and profitability.

As a still small company, StorsenDigital is facing all of those challenges every day. That is why we are continuously adapting to our clients, market, and most important – our people. Because at the end of the day, it is all about the right people working the job they love.