When I talk to executives and employees, it is very interesting to hear the different arguments for and against remote work.

As far as I can tell, most employees that have a remote office job appreciate the flexibility, less commuting, and overall more freedom in how they structure their day.

On the other hand, they often have difficulties working from home with a family around. It is hard to work concentrated when you have your children interrupting you or the mailman ringing. You also have to find a space for your new home office.

So we find advocates and skeptics alike among the employees.

The decision-makers often have a different viewpoint.

In my experience, younger, more agile startups often embrace remote work and the flexibility it offers to the company. The company culture is often very digital and people are used to working with an international team.

More established companies often have more trouble with adapting remote or flexible work models.

Maybe because industries like production often make it necessary to be on-site. Maybe because there is still an outdated "work by the hour" mindset at work that requires people to be in the office where they can be better monitored.

An argument I often hear from executives is: "Simon, I need my employees to be in the office. How else can I know if they work?"

You know it by looking at the results!

I never understood why companies measure productivity by hours worked, instead of the outputs. If you pay by the hour, you literally reward people for working slow.

I think that if companies shift their mindset and give their employees more responsibility and freedom, they will reduce friction, foster innovation, and in the long run, increase profitability.

Create a goal/benchmark in cooperation with your team. Mutually agree on it! Give your team the help and support it asks for.

And then let people go and do it the way they think is the best!

Your team is at the frontline, they often know best what works if you give them the opportunity.

And don't make the mistake and think in black and white about this situation. More than likely, you won't have a 100% remote company. Some things have to be done in person. And some people want to work in person.

But maybe you start with 20% of your workforce in a flexible remote model? Done right, that would probably save you 20% in office lease...

So don't be dogmatic here. Be pragmatic.

You can now hire talent from around the globe (reduce labor costs). And you also can get clients from all over the world (increase revenue).

Make use of these opportunities rather than seeing the current covid restrictions as hurdles.

Start thinking with a digital and remote-first approach.

As the leader of your team, you have the responsibility to make sure that you have a plan and are prepared for the next years.

Because I think it becomes clearer every day that there is no way back or a "new normal".

This is how the world is now. And this is how we will work for now.

So let's make sure we get the best out of it.

Best regards.

Simon Küpper

01.12.2021