Is Remote Working?

We spent much of 2021 helping companies and employees design new strategies for a more sensible work life. These approaches address, in part, what was a rapid transformation around how we work and live. Some of this change was trending in that direction already but most of it was accelerated by a relentless, global pandemic.

Working remotely was quickly institutionalized (but hastily executed) and now employees are left navigating a poorly-designed ecosystem of constant screens, makeshift home offices, and perpetual isolation. Moreover, what were the hallmarks of a workplace culture –  things like values and teamwork – are reduced to superficial conversations at the start of a Zoom call and the occasional (and almost always glitchy) quarterly all-hands meeting.

The stretch assignments we used to encounter during a hallway conversation and the cross-functional relationships we easily initiated in the company cafeteria are gone. And not at all unlike our kids in distance learning, we are falling behind in our skills development and careers. Overall job satisfaction is down (see the Great Resignation) and many are still languishing at home and don’t know it (yet).

Many employees will not thrive in their lives or careers if they remain sequestered at home. When you are remote, you are out-of-the-way. When you are out-of-the-way, you may be missed/bypassed/forgotten and you may not grow in any meaningful way. Subsequently, many executives will not thrive leading (or retaining) their teams without going to extraordinary lengths to see beyond the obligatory smiles in online meetings. 

It is no coincidence that remote work is on the rise and simultaneously, employee engagement (and retention) is suffering across industries. Now the question is, what can we do about it? 

• If you’re a high performing employee, you have an insane amount of leverage. This guide provides you with the strategies and tools you need to approach your employer for things like better tech, ergonomics, professional development, conference attendance and a coworking membership.
• If you’re a manager, it’s time to act. Bring your people together as soon as they are comfortable and start building back the dynamics of a high-performing team. Coco offers on-demand meeting and event space at a fraction of the cost you’ll find at hotels and convention centers. Learn the difference between meetings and gatherings here.
• If you’re an executive or business owner, you’re no doubt still determining the best long-term course for your company. The great news is the traditional office lease is dead and environments like ours, with open and private spaces, offer flexible and low-risk packages to address the diverse working preferences of your staff. See for yourself by scheduling a tour. We’ll host the entire company for a week as a way for you (and us) to observe and learn how to optimize our spaces for your organization.