A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the increase in unemployment among young workers may be partially related to the popularization of remote work, reports CNBC. In turn, analyzes by the US National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) indicate that people who work entirely outside the office have less access to feedback and are slower to gain the experience needed for promotion.
— At the beginning of your career, a lot of learning comes from observing others, says Megan Hellerer, executive trainer and author of the book “Directional Living.” — This is difficult to learn solely via Slack or Zoom.
NBER research shows that software engineers working full-time received an average of 18 percent. more feedback than people working remotely. The effect was particularly visible among employees with less experience.
— The benefits of remote work are obvious and easy to see. The risks are less visible, but can be of great importance for career development – says Joseph Fuller from Harvard Business School.
Office as a career accelerator
Experts emphasize that, especially in the first years of work, regular presence in the office can significantly accelerate professional development.
Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University, recommends that young employees come to the office at least three times a week for the first five years of their career.
— There is no need to return to the five-days-in-the-office model. But full remote work at the beginning of your career is a solution that is better to avoid, he points out.
As he explains, many professional competences are acquired informally — by observing co-workers, communication style and decision-making. “A lot of learning is silently observing: how people solve problems, how they conduct meetings, and what are the unwritten rules of how a company operates,” says Bloom.
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Joseph Fuller adds that being in the office allows you to develop communication, presentation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills – crucial for advancement. — Interactions with colleagues or superiors limited to remote contact do not provide an opportunity to develop social skills, he notes.
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Contacts may be more important than a higher salary
According to Douglas Boneparth, financial advisor and president of Bone Fide Wealth, young people should take a long-term view of their first job – even if it means a lower salary.
“It's worth considering a lower-paid hybrid job over a higher-paid fully remote job if you surround yourself with people you can learn from,” he says.
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The expert argues that access to good managers and mentors can translate into faster raises and career development, which in the next few years will compensate for the lower starting salary.
At the same time, he points out that Mere presence in the office does not guarantee success.
— A great remote manager can provide more than an average office environment. On the other hand, a toxic team is not worth the daily commute says Boneparth.
How to develop your career while working remotely
Experts emphasize that remote work does not have to mean professional stagnation – but it requires greater proactivity.
— For some people, e.g. those with disabilities or caring responsibilities, remote work remains the best solution, notes Bloom.
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Megan Hellerer advises remote workers to regularly update their managers on their achievements, initiate informal conversations online and schedule occasional visits to the office.
“It's not about choosing between flexibility and development, but about consciously combining both elements,” he sums up.
Megan Hellerer recommends that remote workers send regular summaries of their successes and progress to their managers and host virtual coffee meetings with colleagues and leaders. It is also worth planning office visits to intensively build relationships.
“The goal is not to choose between flexibility and growth,” Hellerer concludes. — The idea is to consciously combine both of these aspects.
