Is Remote Work Bad For Younger Employees?
You've probably noticed how remote work is all the rage these days, promising crazy levels of flexibility and convenience. But here's the kicker - it's not all rainbows and butterflies, especially for the younger folks diving into their careers.
In this article, we'll explore the potential drawbacks of remote work for younger employees and delve into why a more traditional work setting could be more beneficial for their personal and professional development.
Lack of Mentorship and Skill Development
As a 39 year old professor and career coach, I have a very strong skill, experience and mentorship foundation that I’ve spent years developing. For me, working remotely gives me the opportunity to actually execute the things I am good at without distractions of in-person work.
For younger employers who are just starting out their career, remote work might hinder their access to crucial mentorship opportunities, where seasoned professionals provide guidance and help cultivate essential skills. In an office environment, the informal learning that occurs through interactions with colleagues and superiors is vital to being successful in a current role but also networking into future opportunities too.
Limited Networking Opportunities
Speaking of networking, my last three jobs I’ve landed have all come from my network. In one case, I didn’t even submit a formal job application until the very end because all my interviews were informal networking conversations, lunches and social chats.
Networking is a vital aspect of career advancement, especially for those at the early stages of their professional journey. Remote work could deprive younger employees of the chance to attend industry events, workshops, and informal gatherings that facilitate valuable connections.
It’s not that you can’t do these things and work from home, but let’s be honest, it’s a heck of a lot harder to get out of your house after a long day work vs. already being out and about post-work and simply stopping in to things on your way home. For many, building a strong professional network often requires face-to-face interactions that remote work cannot entirely replicate.
Impact on Collaboration and Communication Skills
When starting your career, you need other people to learn from, work with and develop your skills. Working remotely could potentially hinder the development of effective communication and collaboration skills because you just simply aren’t around people frequently enough. In an office, spontaneous discussions, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings foster the development of these skills among young employees.
Remote work heavily relies on digital communication tools, which might not adequately substitute for the richness of in-person interactions. If you decide to take a remote position, get intentional with reaching out to people online regularly and doing coffee chats and informational interviews to help replace the in-person equivalent.
Distorted Work-Life Boundaries
As I said, I'm nearly 40 years old and I am still learning the art of work-life balance or work-life integration. We’ve all experienced periods of under or overworking and the guilt that comes with both- not fun!
For younger employees, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life can be challenging and remote work definitely does a good job of blurring those lines. It’s important to not let this lead to burnout or negatively impacting your overall well-being. I try to have a clear separation of my work and home life by only working in my physical office space at home during the times I am supposed to be working and when I am not working, not even stepping foot inside my office.
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Limited Exposure to Organizational Culture
As a career coach working with folks transitioning from one type of industry to another, the biggest challenge they want to coach on is how to adapt to a new organization culture- particularly Corporate America. Each industry and company will have its own culture and you learn it by being in it and becoming part of it.
Being physically present in the workplace allows younger employees to immerse themselves in the company's culture, whereas remote work might disconnect them from the core values, mission, and dynamics of the organization. This can hinder their sense of belonging and alignment with the company's goals, potentially impacting their motivation and dedication. End result? Lots of people job hopping from one company to another, and often.
Professional Identity and Visibility
Younger employees often strive to establish their professional identities and make a mark within their organizations. This is natural. You just finished school and you want to do well in your career and impress your colleagues and supervisors! Good, this is a great attitude to have! Remote work might limit your visibility to key decision-makers and hinder your opportunities for recognition. Being physically present in the office enables you to showcase your dedication and contributions more effectively and organically vs. remote.
Final Thoughts…
Remote work is here to stay, as it should, for the right type of employee. While remote work undeniably offers numerous advantages, it's essential to recognize that not all employees, especially younger ones, might thrive in this environment. The absence of mentorship, networking opportunities, and face-to-face interactions could impede their growth and development.
Striking a balance between remote work and in-office experiences (hello hybrid, looking at you) could be a more suitable approach to ensure the holistic development of the younger workforce. As the professional landscape continues to evolve, considering the specific needs of different employee groups will be crucial in shaping the future of work.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
