Remote work is here to stay for developers, but we can do better. Despite the many arguments against remote work, it is clear that it is an increasingly popular option for developers. However, there are still valid concerns that need to be addressed in order to make remote work more effective and efficient.
One of the main arguments against remote work is the lack of supervision. While it is true that day to day supervision is limited and stifling, the output of a developer is still measurable and transparent. In order to address this concern, organizations should focus on setting clear goals and expectations for developers and providing regular feedback on their progress. This will help to ensure that developers are held accountable for their work, even when working remotely.
Another common argument against remote work is that communication is worse. While it is true that communication can be more difficult when working remotely, there are steps that organizations can take to improve communication. For example, insisting that people arrive on time to meetings, use headphones or headsets, and email before calling a meeting can all help to improve communication. Additionally, regularly getting on camera and connecting names to faces can help to foster a sense of community and connection.
Collaboration is another concern when it comes to remote work, but this issue has largely been solved by better tooling. From GitHub and Git to collaboration modes and co-editing features in various tools, developers have a wealth of options for working together remotely.
Isolation is a harder issue to address, especially for new graduates who may be looking to make friends and connections through work. However, encouraging employees to participate in outside of work events and promoting a healthy work/life balance can help to alleviate some of these concerns.
Finally, technical difficulties are another common concern when it comes to remote work. While it is true that developers need to have access to good internet in order to work effectively, most developers will be able to self-solve any technical issues they encounter. As long as organizations are upfront about their internet requirements and provide the necessary resources and support, technical difficulties should not be a significant barrier to remote work.
In conclusion, it is clear that remote work is here to stay for developers, and any organization that tries to fight this trend is doomed to fail. Not only will they struggle to attract and retain the best and brightest talent, they will also miss out on the many benefits of remote work such as increased productivity, lower overhead costs, and a wider pool of potential employees to choose from.
So why bother fighting a losing battle? Instead, organizations should embrace remote work and take steps to make it as effective and efficient as possible. By addressing common concerns such as lack of supervision, communication issues, collaboration problems, isolation, and technical difficulties, we can make remote work a more viable and successful option for developers. After all, the future of work is remote, and those who refuse to adapt will be left behind. So why not just get on board and make the best of it?