Considering making the transition from in-office managing to remote managing? If so, you’re headed in the right direction. And what direction is that, you might be asking? Well, simply put, it’s the future of work. After all, 64% of millennials are interested in positions that offer work from home flexibility and a whopping 68% of global employees already work remotely at least once a month. If there was ever a time to get behind remote working and its benefits, it’s now.

However, we understand that making the jump to remote managing can be scary for some. If you’re used to being surrounded by your employees, having to work across online networks might not be your comfort zone. But alas, change is good, and as intimidating as it may be to let go of the reins (so to speak), it can also lead to more productive and happier employees. And what do you get with more productive and happier employees? A more successful company, of course.

If you’re on the fence about remote managing, hang tight and hear us out. We’ve rounded up the top four reasons employers fear remote managing, and we’re here to disprove those myths. We promise you, allowing your employees to work remotely will not only benefit them, but will lead the company to a more productive, successful, and diverse future than you ever could have imagined.


Fear #1: Employees Won’t Be as Productive

The number one fear when it comes to remote working is that employees won’t be as productive as they would be in office. Where this rumor comes from, we’re not sure, because if you look at the facts, it’s clearly not true.

Truth: The truth of the matter is quite simple: remote employees are more productive than in-office employees. If you’re looking for a stat on this one, we’ve got it. A whopping 91% of remote workers found that they got more done when working remotely. If you’re wondering why that is, think about the amount and level of distractions that occur on a daily (if not hourly) basis in an office. Between coworkers stopping by your cubicle, the all around office chatter, and interruptions, it can be hard for those with certain personalities to get much done when spending all of their time in a typical office environment.


Fear #2: It Will Be Too Hard to Communicate

How are employers supposed to keep tabs on what their employees are doing if they can’t simply walk over and look over their shoulders? As it turns out, there are plenty of other ways to keep in contact with your employees that are far better received than micromanaging.

Truth: We’ve come a long way since the days of snail mail and landlines. Such a long way, in fact, that it’s quicker, faster, and cheaper to send an email, instant message somebody, or set up a video call than it is to walk over to somebody’s desk. Technology is amazing, isn’t it? As it has turned out, it’s harder to get off the grid these days than it is to stay on it. Communication is, without a doubt, the key to successfully running a business, but there’s no reason that communication can’t be done via the internet.


Fear #3: You’ll Have to Constantly Be Training New Employees

Think remote employees don’t stick around? Think again. Just because your employees might not be coming into the office on a regular basis doesn’t mean that they’re not devoted to the company.

Truth: If you want less turnover, then remote managing is a skill you should definitely be adding to your toolbelt. According to a recent survey, 82% of millennials (and remember, millennials are already on their way to taking over the job market) say they would be more loyal to employers if they had remote work flexibility. If you want to keep your current employees and reduce the costs and energy of constantly having to train new employees, give the people what they want: remote options. Additionally, fully remote companies hire new employees 33% faster, so when you do onboard new folks, you'll save time and money.


Fear #4: Time Zone Differences Will Keep Your Company from Being Productive

So it’s 8 am in your part of the world but 2 am in someone else’s? We understand that misaligned time zones can sometimes be a headache, but why not use the spectrum of hours your employees are working to your company’s benefit?

Truth: While it may be a tad more difficult (though not impossible) to plan an all-hands meeting with a globally remote team, you have to take into consideration that there are some major benefits to having employees all around the world. On top of amplifying cultural diversity within your company, having employees working around the world, and subsequently, working around the clock, means that somebody can always be on call to catch and handle company emergencies and correspondence.

Stop Fearing, Start Succeeding

Hopefully we’ve been able to bust some major myths about remote working and remote managing for you. We truly do believe that the future of work is remote, and if you want to succeed, allowing your employees remote flexibility will lead to a brighter future for you, your team, and your company.

Learn more about the Meeting Owl >>