This.

I have run fully-remote companies for the last 6 years and this way people are touting remote work these days makes me apprehensive.

We are laying a trap for ourselves right now.... https://twitter.com/polotek/status/1264673910974377984

I actually love being untethered from the traditional work environment.

But to be successful at it, your company must be extremely intentional, and be willing to give up control in ways that many corps are not comfortable with, and not equipped to do.

For instance, part of what makes physical offices effective is the controlled environment literally built for business productivity.

Most people’s home environments... just aren’t.

So you can’t expect people to do the same thing, just add video chat, and have it be sustainable.

Yes, there’s a responsibility for employees to “show up” ready to do their work and add value.

There is also a responsibility on the part of the employer to give them the space they need to do just that.

That last part is easier said than done.

Back to my apprehension: anecdotally, the way I’m watching this “remote work” conversation unfold...

I think that most leaders don’t really have a plan” around how to empower their employees, which is actually the most critical piece imho.

I should avoid blanket generalizations, because that’s part of the problem, too. But:

“Cracking the whip,” and/or capitalizing off the tacit fear most workers have right now may get you short term productivity results, but will bite you in the ass later.

My prediction:

Companies who lean more toward “control” in how they implement policies and process for remote work will struggle long term.

And those who lean heavily toward “empowerment” will thrive.

More thoughts and considerations via @polotek: https://twitter.com/polotek/status/1264957025873563649?s=21