Remote work is still a relatively new concept. And as with all new things are often met with a certain degree of caution and speculation, which can lead to wrong ideas and mistaken beliefs. Remote employees are less productive Some companies still believe remote work leads to time-wasting and a lack of productivity. This old-fashioned stigma has been proven incorrect. Working from home one day a week has been shown to boost productivity by 4.8%. In addition, remote employees seem to work more. The US News & World Report found that remote employees work 6-7 more hours per week than on-site employees. One reason for this voluntary extra work could be the reduced commute. For example, in the USA, those with full-time jobs spend up to 11 days a year on the commute alone. When these hours are added to the workweek and less commuting stress is factored in, it makes sense that remote workers are willing to work longer. Communication and collaboration are difficult among remote teams 80% of executives feel that collaboration between remote teams is easier with the latest technologies and transforming how organizations work. Cloud-based tools such as Slack, Zoom, G Suite, and task management software are designed for real-time interactions. Users can search conversations, integrate and automate applications to enable smooth file sharing, automate workflows, and connect with colleagues. Remote work stifles creativity and innovation Spontaneous interactions and brainstorming sessions in office settings are considered some of the primary sources of creation and innovation. However, it’s still possible to foster creativity and innovation from a distance. Autonomy, for many, is the preferred state in which to innovate. People typically come up with the best ideas when they have fewer distractions, greater independence, more time allocated to creative tasks, and greater flexibility to work when they feel inspired. This is especially true for introverted people who struggle speaking in group scenarios or those that need to give creative thought in solitude or in more relaxed work environments. You can’t advance in your career as a remote employee A Harvard Business School (HBS) online survey of 1,500 professionals who worked remotely in 2020 found exciting results pointing to career growth. The survey results revealed: 33% indicated that their performance and professional product improved 35% indicated that they read more about their own professional growth 34% took career development courses online You can’t foster meaningful connections remotely 37% of employees feel more connected with colleagues while working remotely, thanks to the extensive use of non-corporate communication services such as private email accounts, private message accounts, and other similar media.