Senior Management Weigh In On The Productivity Of Their Teams When Working From Home

Are remote workers less productive?

There is a disparity of views on this topic, with many senior executives believing that those working from home are less productive than when working in the office, while those who work remotely argue that they save time commuting, have a better work/life balance and are happier, and more productive as a result.

There are undoubtedly some benefits to working from home – you don't have to waste time commuting, for example – but there are also some potential drawbacks.

One key factor that can affect productivity is motivation. When you're in an office environment, you're surrounded by your colleagues and you're all working towards the same goal. This can provide a sense of motivation and help you to stay focused. When you're working from home, you may find it harder to stay motivated, especially if you're not getting regular feedback from your boss or if you're not used to working independently.

Another issue that can affect productivity is distractions. If you're working from home, it's easy to get side-tracked by things like the laundry or the dishes. You may also find it harder to concentrate if there are other people around the house or if your children are home from school.

So, what can be done to ensure that remote workers remain productive?

One key factor is Active Listening. When you're actively listening, you're not only paying attention to what's being said, but you're also taking into account the person's body language (make sure video cameras are on!) and tone of voice. This can help you to understand their point of view and ensure that they feel heard. As a manager, it's important to be good at active listening so that you can understand your remote employees' needs and help them to stay focused on their work.

Another key factor is Servant Leadership. As a servant leader, your goal is to help your team members succeed. You do this by meeting their needs and helping them to overcome any obstacles that are preventing them from achieving their goals. As a manager, it's important to be proactive in meeting your employees' needs and ensuring that they have everything they need to be successful. This includes things like providing them with the necessary tools and resources, setting clear expectations, and offering regular feedback.

In conclusion, both active listening and servant leadership can play a key role in resolving the disparity of views on whether remote workers are less productive than those who work in an office environment. By being an effective listener and by providing your team with the support they need, you can help them to stay focused on their work and ensure that they remain productive no matter where they're located.