Technology, devices, globalization and many other factors have enabled us to work from any part of the world. Being on a virtual meeting with people across multiple locations, time zones, and cultures is more common than ever before. Yet there is something very special about being able to meet your virtual colleagues or team in person (regularly)!
Meeting team members in person enables us to see our individual personalities, have spontaneous conversations, get to know each other, and helps build empathy. It’s harder to build empathy and understanding when you have only interacted virtually with the other person or team. As much as remote work has enabled and empowered those who work remotely, it can have long lasting severe impact to company culture, team bonding, productivity and ultimately the success of the team and the company. To succeed as a company, you need to have an excellent team that challenges and understands each other, can work collaboratively, and keep the bigger picture in mind over their personal goals.
Do you have the option to work remotely at your current company? If so, how often do you meet with your team, leadership, or customers? What are the benefits and challenges you’ve experienced working remotely?