{"id":113369,"date":"2020-11-24T16:28:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T15:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.furious-squad.com\/how-can-we-optimize-remote-work\/"},"modified":"2020-11-24T16:28:32","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T15:28:32","slug":"how-can-we-optimize-remote-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.furious-squad.com\/en\/how-can-we-optimize-remote-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How can we optimize remote work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of communications. You know, that world where, when you say, \u201cI work in communications\u201d at a dinner party or Sunday brunch, a spark of fascination flashes in your conversation partners\u2019 eyes. Suddenly, you\u2019re surrounded by a certain aura\u2014that of a member of the avant-garde elite, where creativity, passion, and coolness are the watchwords.
\nPicture yourself in this world, halfway between the satirical stories of \u201c99 Francs\u201d (yes, it\u2019s already been 20 years!) and the idyllic visions of tech giants like Google. It\u2019s a world where innovation and consulting<\/strong> go hand in hand, where your team members juggle flex office arrangements and brainstorming sessions, where lunch breaks sometimes turn into creative getaways, and where freedom seems to be the watchword.
\nA big thank you to Shutterstock for this lovely, stereotypical depiction of life at an agency. <\/p>\n

Thank you, Shutterstock, for this beautiful illustration of agency life.<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ping-pong tables, flexible workspaces, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities\u2014you\u2019re no stranger to any of these. Yet here\u2019s the paradox: when you request to work remotely<\/strong> \u2014whether for one, two, or three days a week (it\u2019s up to you to check the appropriate box)\u2014you\u2019re met with a flat-out refusal from your manager. <\/p>\n

“Why is that?” you might ask.<\/p>\n

Haven\u2019t flexibility issues been at the heart of discussions ever since the COVID crisis? Hasn\u2019t it become common advice<\/strong>\u2014a trend to embrace in order to ensure employee development and motivation? After all, examples are all around us. You\u2019re equipped to take on this challenge: a MacBook Pro, a state-of-the-art iPhone, seamless access to the agency\u2019s cloud storage, and that almost magical ability to forward calls with unmatched dexterity\u2014a talent you discovered during a random night out that has nothing to do with this.
\nBut you\u2019re not alone. Many agencies<\/strong>\u2014 digital<\/strong> or otherwise\u2014still seem hesitant to take the plunge. And this is despite a lockdown period that proved it was possible\u2014and even beneficial\u2014to stay on course while working remotely<\/strong>. With hybrid systems in place, employees\u2019 autonomy is put to the test, as is their ability to manage their teams remotely, maintain informal communication, and foster a sense of belonging\u2014even outside the company\u2019s walls.
\nSo, in this post-lockdown period<\/strong>, as commuting by public transportation becomes part of our daily lives once again, it\u2019s time to seriously address this issue. Why, despite the evidence and widespread adoption during the health crisis, is the widespread adoption of remote work<\/strong> struggling to take hold? Is this a matter of change management, or a deeper challenge related to how we view work and its environment?
\nLet\u2019s set aside preconceived notions and explore the answer to this puzzle together. Let\u2019s get started on untangling this issue and discover how adopting remote work can be beneficial\u2014and even essential\u2014for continuing to build quality relationships, maintain strong team dynamics<\/strong>, and ultimately give everyone the freedom and autonomy needed to excel in their roles, without compromising commitment or performance. <\/p>\n

Myth #1: We have to be physically together to create value at the agency.<\/h2>\n

First of all, that’s what you assume.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrainstorming is best when we\u2019re all in the war room, working our butts off on the Burger Queen campaign.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

We brainstorm, we argue, we get carried away, and we end up coming up with the three ideas we need for tomorrow. And then, how can we give Ben feedback on the creative work without hanging out next to him for half a day, sharing our breath\u2014and Haribo?
\nNot to mention the Monday team meeting\u2014you can\u2019t miss it!
\nSince the 2000s, however, researchers have repeatedly shown that the belief that group effort leads to greater creativity is a myth.
\nAn analysis of 241 different studies involving 24,000 participants published in the *Psychological Bulletin* concluded that the presence of other people had virtually no effect on task performance\u2014and certainly not in the way Osborn had hoped.
\nThe presence of other people \u201cincreases the speed at which simple tasks are completed and decreases the speed at which complex tasks are completed\u201d\u2026<\/strong>\t\t<\/p>\n

Myth #2: Does remote work undermine team cohesion?<\/h2>\n

Basically, you applied here after seeing the Instagram photos of the parties and following the agency\u2019s Snapchat. Obviously, when you\u2019re in your 30s (give or take 10 years), the atmosphere and relationships with coworkers are important.
\nYou love sharing stories about your vacations during coffee breaks<\/strong>. Discovering that little local spot that \u201clooks like nothing but is soooo good\u201d with your coworkers. And wrapping up intense weeks with a well-deserved after-work get-together.
\nAnd yet, several agencies have chosen to prioritize remote work<\/strong>\u2014some have even given up their office space following the lockdown! In-person gatherings, such as team-building events<\/strong> or seminars, are thus organized regularly. And it seems to be working out pretty well for employees\u2026
\nOf course, we\u2019re social creatures<\/strong> and need contact with others, but with the latest lockdown, it became clear that a certain kind of workplace camaraderie can also exist virtually. <\/p>\n

Myth #3: Distance means a vacation for the teams.<\/h2>\n

The main obstacle to remote work<\/strong>\u2014whether acknowledged or not\u2014is sometimes managers\u2019 belief that productivity will plummet.
\nAnd this is often true if the organization isn\u2019t restructured: all too often, company executives and department heads operate on a day-to-day basis. They don\u2019t know exactly what their employees<\/strong> are doing each day, and inevitably, this lack of knowledge breeds fear. After all, when working remotely, it\u2019s impossible to tell from a distance whether Martine or Franck looks busy.
\nWe can understand that in March, the situation took agency heads<\/strong> by surprise. No one expected a pandemic, let alone a lockdown.
\nSince then, some companies<\/strong> have managed to come out on top and move forward. These are the most agile organizations, best able to adapt and rethink their structure and operating methods.
\nSize may play a role here, but not necessarily. Small agencies may well be stuck in the rut of their traditional ways of doing business\u2026 while large groups<\/strong> have been quick to equip themselves with the right tools and processes.
\nAt Furious<\/strong>, we were fortunate to be in particularly high demand during this period.
\nIn fact, many agencies were unprepared to manage operations remotely\u2026 As a result, some found themselves at a loss during this time, and the issues were numerous:
\nPerformance management
\nCustomer relationship tracking
\nScheduling
\nKPIs
\nHR management
\nAbsence and leave management
\nBilling, etc.<\/p>\n

Understanding Remote Work: A Management Revolution<\/h2>\n

Remote work<\/strong> is not just a change in workplace location; it is a managerial revolution that is redefining the foundations of leadership and productivity. Through this revolution, managers are called upon to develop new skills\u2014namely, the art of motivating and managing remote teams while maintaining team spirit and effective communication. Remote management is a barometer of companies\u2019 ability to adapt to change. <\/p>\n

What does remote work reveal about current management practices?<\/h3>\n

Remote work<\/strong> has shed light on several aspects of current management practices. It has proven that work can be effective and productive outside the traditional office setting. This has prompted reflection on the importance of trust, autonomy, and flexibility in team management. Managers must now consider the best way to organize remote work while maintaining strong team cohesion and a strong corporate culture. <\/p>\n

What are the benefits and challenges of remote management?<\/h3>\n

The benefits of remote management<\/strong> include greater flexibility, reduced commuting time, and a better work-life balance. However, the challenges are no less significant; they include managing communication tools, maintaining employee productivity and engagement, and preventing employees from becoming socially isolated. <\/p>\n

Mastering the Tools and Skills of a Remote Manager<\/h2>\n

Remote management requires not only adapting traditional managerial skills but also mastering new technological tools.<\/p>\n

What training should you pursue to become an expert in remote management?<\/h3>\n

To excel as a remote manager, consider training programs that cover:<\/p>\n