Even though I entered the workforce on a full-time basis back in the late 1980s, I consider myself a progressive thinker that constantly challenges norms and looks for ways to improve. While I hold conservative values, I do aspire to innovative and creative processes. I encourage individuals and organizations to pursue purpose, clarify identity, and find an approach that accentuates their capabilities regardless of what others are doing.
One example of innovative thinking that really grew during Covid was the ability to perform work remotely or from home. The educational systems also found ways to incorporate various aspects of remote learning during this time. The concept of not requiring workers to be in a defined workplace or students to be in a physical classroom has opened numerous benefits to people and organizations.
While not everyone can take advantage of the remote options, many are electing this approach in both work and education. Flexible schedules, increased personal freedom, cost savings, and attracting more workers/students are all positive aspects of remote work and learning experiences. This option will clearly be a strategy for many organizations moving forward.
However, there are some downsides that need to be considered. I have witnessed the effects of excessive remote work (work from home) as I have engaged with various organizations over the last two years. My primary concern with excessive remote work is that we are not equipping young professionals with the skills necessary to function effectively in the future. These young people are not working directly with others to build teams, resolve conflict, engage in difficult discussions, or communicate directly with coworkers without reading from a PowerPoint slide. I am afraid they are going to be ill-equipped to lead in the future!
Similarly, I have seen some poor examples of remote education where the instructor only posts a PowerPoint slide once a week on the student page as an assignment. There is no class dialogue, no interaction with the professor, nor any teaching. These courses cost just as much as classroom experience with professor led instruction, class dialogue, questions, and group interaction. With the ability to use online interactive sessions, I wonder why that is not the practice. Surely there is a reasonable approach. I don’t know that remote based education was supposed to be self-taught as well.
Whether we are talking remote, at home, virtual, or any other descriptive term for work or education that is outside the normal approach, let’s consider how it’s utilized. It can be an enhancement and not a detriment if used properly. If we aren’t careful though, it can become an apathetic approach to work and education that leaves both workers and students unprepared for the future. Ultimately, it will lead to a decline in productivity, effectiveness, and general decline in our economic and educational systems.
I am a strong believer in “better together”, but I also understand the need for flexibility at times. The organizations, institutions, and individuals that gain a grasp of the balance between together and flexible will be the ones best equipped to navigate the challenges in the coming years.
