This is an excerpt from Lauren Parsons book “Pitfalls and Positives of Remote Work: How to maintain a thriving connected team even when you’re spread apart.” You can download a complimentary copy here.

For those who are able to, there are a range of significant benefits to working remotely.

1. ONLINE MEETINGS CAN BE MORE INCLUSIVE AND EFFECTIVE

Good use of the chat function in online meetings allows everyone to contribute at once, saving time. For introverts, this and the use of smaller breakout groups can help these quieter members of the team to be heard, meaning you gather a wider range of ideas. Online meetings also offer more flexibility to include staff who, for example, may be home with a sick child. 

2. WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE DEEP WORK

When working from home, with fewer interruptions, staff can complete work that requires deep thinking and sustained focus, meaning people can achieve more.

Researchers have found staff save an average of 70 minutes a day previously spent getting ready for the day and commuting. Of this time, most people report working an extra half hour. This creates a win-win where staff can enjoy more down time while also having more productive time. 

3. CONNECTING IN PERSON BECOMES EXTRA-SPECIAL

When teams are mostly working apart, coming together creates the opportunity for something extra-special. These moments should be carefully crafted, and this time used wisely and intentionally.

4. IT CAN BE EASIER FOR TEAM MEMBERS TO CONNECT AND COLLABORATE

Using tools such as online meetings where breakout groups can instantly be created and recreated, bringing together new combinations of people, allows for more flexible opportunities to connect, creating a wider variety of discussions. Digital tools like online whiteboards, planning pages and project management platforms can also enhance collaboration, capturing thoughts electronically and making them easier to work with, compared to a pile of flip charts and sticky notes at the end of a brainstorm session.

5. ASYNCHRONOUS COMMUNICATION REDUCES PRESSURE 

Asynchronous communication (for example sending out thoughts in a shared online document and inviting everyone’s feedback) allows people to get back to you when it suits them, rather than forcing people to come up with answers on the spot. It eases pressure, allows for more thoughtful reflection and reduces groupthink, all creating better outcomes. 

Download your own copy of  “Pitfalls and Positives of Remote Work : How to maintain a thriving connected team even when you’re spread apart.” 

About the Author – Lauren Parsons, CSP, AS

Lauren is a keynote speaker, author and consultant who’s passionate about helping busy people discover little-used techniques to boost their energy, vitality and performance. She’s the only speaker in the world to focus on lifting BOTH workplace wellbeing and productivity.

Awarded NZ Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year 2023/24 by the Professional Speakers Association. Lauren is a sought-after international speaker, one of only a dozen Certified Speaking Professionals and the only Accredited Speaker in New Zealand.

TEDx speaker, Author of Thriving Leaders Thriving Teams and Real Food Less Fuss, Founder of the Snack on Exercise movement and host of the Thrive TV Show. With over 20 years’ experience, Lauren integrates her wellness and business background to help leaders find the sweet spot between boosting both wellbeing and productivity.

Described as unforgettable and life-changing, Lauren is a dynamic and highly-engaging presenter, and master story-teller who will have you laughing, moving and learning in a memorable way. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, you will leave Lauren’s session feeling uplifted and empowered to create positive change, today!

Based in the Manawatu, New Zealand, where she lives with her husband and three children, Lauren can often be found hosting dinner parties, playing board games, running, reading or getting out in her gumboots to walk the paddocks. She travels regularly to speak at conferences and in-house and specialises in helping leaders create positive, energised workplaces where people thrive.

Check out all the goodness at Lauren’s “Free Stuff” page at www.LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com

Ways to connect with Lauren

• Find out about conference keynotes 
• See her most popular topics
• Make a time for a virtual cuppa over zoom