Remote working has mushroomed since the various social distancing measures introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us out of our workplaces.  It’s a move that has been generally welcomed by employees who have not had to battle with their commute each morning, and have enjoyed greater work/life balance as a result.

The move is not without risks, however, as new research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology illustrates.  The article explores the impact of remote working in an academic context and suggests that teamwork and collaboration tend to suffer in remote work environments.

No one-size-fits-all

The researchers collected data from two projects involving both students and staff that were undertaken during the COVID pandemic.  In total, this consists of around 1,600 students and 16 academics.  The students in the projects provided feedback through in-depth interviews, written exam reports, and questionnaires, while the academics were also interviewed in depth.

The data highlights the variance in the outcomes of the work achieved in the various groups, with some becoming more effective, and others much less so.  Some people were able to become more efficient with fewer distractions, while others struggled for motivation and through the lack of structure.  Some appreciated the peace and quiet of remote work, while others felt lonelier and missed the physical contact with colleagues.

Just as each individual is unique, their circumstances are also unique.  A number of participants struggled with an intense schedule, not least when home schooling their children.  Even outside of the unique environs of the pandemic, some participants struggled with their home environment, which affected their work.

Less freedom

One of the most interesting findings, however, was that working from home appeared to provide people with less freedom in terms of how work is carried out, especially when collaborating with colleagues.

“While working from a home office provides significantly increased flexibility for the work situation, it could provide less flexibility for carrying out the work,” the researchers explain.

This is largely due to the increased need for structure, planning, and communication when working remotely.  Any meetings require planning and coordination, which makes it hard to deviate from the agreed format of each day.

The researchers also believe remote working makes it harder to pick up on the various cues that are evident when working physically alongside one another, which can hinder the flow of communication.  This can be especially difficult in terms of the small, yet vital, clarifications that are such a key part of collaboration.

That’s not to say, of course, that remote working does not have various benefits, but if we are to make it the “new normal” then we also need to be open about some of the drawbacks it offers.