As the world continues to navigate the benefits and challenges of remote work, a recent trend has emerged where organizations are mandating a return to office (RTO) work in an effort to improve performance. However, research suggests that this approach may not be the most effective solution. In fact, studies have shown that remote workers report higher well-being scores and lower turnover rates compared to in-office employees.

One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that among 7,700 participants, those working remotely reported higher well-being scores and lower turnover rates on average than hybrid or in-office employees. On the other hand, an influential study of Microsoft employees found that the sudden shift to remote work caused by the pandemic disrupted the way employees communicated, threatening team performance.

Communication Breakdowns

The real problem, research shows, is clumsy asynchronous communication. When employees are not in the same physical location, it can be more difficult to communicate effectively, leading to delays and bottlenecks in work. A question that might take moments to answer in person can delay a project for hours or even days.

Strategies for Smarter Communication

So, how can teams boost productivity while remaining remote? Here are a few strategies to help you stay productive when collaborating with remote teammates:

• Stop sending messages that create another message. Before clicking the send button, ask yourself: ‘Can my recipient give me exactly what I need without asking for more information?’ If the answer is no, add more context.

• Streamline decision-making by suggesting a response. Instead of asking a question like, ‘Which option do you prefer?’ try: ‘Unless I hear otherwise, I’m planning to use Option A. If you disagree, let me know by Thursday.’

• Give yourself 48 hours of buffer with important deadlines. When you’re accountable to an important timeline, adjust your thinking and your calendar to make your personal deadline at least 48 hours earlier than the formal deadline.

• Pay attention to time zones and vacation calendars. Be sure to note the vacation days of any key stakeholders, so you can get their input before they step away. Similarly, it’s essential to note where your collaborators live, as time zones can reduce your window for quick communication.

Ravindra Kondekar, a productivity coach and software professional, emphasizes the importance of designing work so that the time difference doesn’t even slow you down. He suggests creating a brief write-up at a regular cadence to provide visibility and keep the work moving continuously.

By focusing less on location and more on communication, we can design a future in which both companies and the people who run them get to thrive. It’s time to stop blaming remote work for sloppy communication habits and start finding solutions that work for everyone.