The document discusses common myths about remote work. It addresses four myths: 1) that creativity and collaboration only happen in person, arguing they are altered, not weakened, remotely with the right elements like trust and open exchange of ideas; 2) that communication is poor remotely, but effective communication requires policies and practicing communication less but more thoughtfully; 3) that employees can't be trusted remotely, but studies show they are more productive, happier, and less likely to leave, and trust is built by being reliable, a good listener, and showing one's work; 4) that remote work risks culture, but culture emerges naturally from individuals and can be fostered with dedicated team and organization time.

1. MYTHS OF REMOTE WORK
Christian Vasile
CHRISTIANVASILE.COM

2. Myth
#1
Creativity and collaboration
only happen when people
are in the same room
06

3. “Creativity and collaboration are
not weakened by distance – merely
altered”
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK
– InVision

4. • Safe environment
• Willingness to learn
• Acceptance of failure
There are three key elements
that help foster creativity

5. • Safe environment
• Trusting each other
• Open exchange of diverse ideas,
perspectives, and expertise
There are three key elements
facilitating collaboration

6. Myth
#2
Communication is poor,
off-beat, and chaotic
06

7. Working remotely exposes your
poor communication practices
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK

8. Sort out your communication
practices and policies
• Create a communication charter
• Speak up openly about your
needs
• Test and share with the rest of
the organisation

9. Communicate more by
communicating less
• Be thoughtful of others
• Consider the importance of your
message and timing
• Protect your time

10. Consider if a write-up is
better than a video call
• They are considerate of
everyone’s time
• Give everyone the time to
consider and think
• Protect quiet individuals

11. Real-time sometimes,
asynchronous most of
the time
• Gives time to focus
• Allows people to respond when
they’re ready
• Tests the trust in the
organisation

12. Myth
#3
Employees can’t be trusted
when working remotely
06

13. 20% more productive
25% less employee turnover
29% happier employees
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK

14. A lack of trust from the leadership
makes remote working less effective
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK

15. Behaviours that show a lack
of trust
• Requiring people to be online at all times
• Asking employees to answer within a
short period of time
• Using surveillance software
• Judging performance by anything else
other than deliverables

16. Trust should be given with no strings
attached, but it should also be
fostered – it’s a two-way street
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK

17. Tu build trust, you need to be
reliable
• Set expectations with your team
• Meet deadlines and do
everything you say you will
• Helps you earn “credit”

18. Tu build trust, you need to be
good at listening
• Make listening part of your job
• Listen to intent, not to words
• Adapt depending on what
you’re hearing

19. Tu build trust, you need to be
showing off your work
• Always update the team
• Express how remote working is
better for your productivity
• Ask for help and critique

20. Myth
#4
Not being in the office is a
risk to our culture
06

21. Culture can’t be forced; it’s the
natural result of unique individuals
letting their personalities shine
CHRISTIANVASILEMYTHSOFREMOTEWORK

22. Dedicate time for the team
and wider organisation
• Show and tell
• Design critique
• Open call with the rest of the
organisation

23. Thank you
06
CHRISTIANVASILE.COM