In the wake of the pandemic, both individuals and industries are discovering the benefits of remote work. It can increase accessibility and be more inclusive for those who face barriers to work. It could even increase productivity. However, it reduces the opportunity for vital aspects of working in technology, primarily hands-on experience and the chance to work side by side with experienced peers and mentors.
How can the top talent of tomorrow navigate the world of remote working for the best early career development opportunities?
The Hybrid Workย Paradox
The Institute of Student Employers states that between 72 and 74% of graduates and apprentices currently work at home one to two days a week. With remote work now accepted as a part of life, itโs important for both employers and employees to understand its impact. Companies like Microsoft have started to look at the hybrid work paradox. While there are many benefits to working remotely, it could be cramping creativity and developmentโโโespecially for young people.
Pros of remoteย working
ยท Increased flexibility and work-life balance
ยท Accessibility for disabled workers
ยท A more inclusive workplace for workers with multiple commitments e.g., working parents
ยท Increased productivityโโโwhile measuring this is not an exact science, some studies suggest that efficiency could increase by between 13 and 22%.
Cons of remoteย working
ยท Reduced training and learning opportunities
ยท Lack of meaningful feedback
ยท Isolation
ยท Reduced collaboration
ยท Stunted creativity
Nicole Jao is a 22-year-old who started her role as a cybersecurity risk consultant from an apartment in West Los Angeles. She stated that beyond the difficulties of having no one to observe to โlearn the ropes,โ she missed the simple fun of hanging out with co-workers.
Digital burnout or fatigue is also a potential issue. Constant remote meetings and never leaving the home office can blur the lines between the home and work environment. Young people, in particular, should be able to relax and unwind when not at work, which becomes increasingly tricky when home is also work.
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Early Career Development in Remoteย Work
The potential impact of remote working on early career development has not gone unnoticed by academics. A recent study called The Power of Proximity looked specifically at how going back to the office could improve the working lives of software engineersโโโparticularly young people and women in tech roles. The researchers discovered that on-premise engineers received 21% more feedback on their coding skills than their remote colleagues.
However, the study also found that for senior members of staff, productivity dropped when they were in close proximity to other workers. It seems that the clear solution is a hybrid work environment. Engineers who know exactly what to do and want to focus and get the job done should have the opportunity to work remotely. Young, developing engineers should be allowed to learn from their peers in an environment where they can get hands-on experience and receive immediate feedback.
Another benefit of embracing this way of working is it could increase the volume of women in tech. The study found that increased in-person feedback reduced the number of women who quit their jobs. Hybrid work environments or those that focus on ensuring everyone has a chance to work the way they want could be the key to making genuine progress regarding diversity and a more inclusive workforce.
Success is Possible with Remoteย Work
The good news is that there are opportunities for success, even with remote work. Kings College London reports that 40% of 16 to 24-year-olds find it easier to put themselves forward for opportunities via remote methods of communication, and 45% state it makes it easier to ask questions about their role. 63% of all hybrid workers state that they feel more freedom and control over their jobs.
Youth Employment UK encourages managers to regularly check in with their young workers, and ensure theyโre not overlooking them for training and development opportunities. The organization also advises against taking a blanket approach and cautions that itโs vital to remember that every employee has differing needs. Tech companies need to ensure that they have a robust remote onboarding process that ensures home and hybrid workers get the same training and support as those in the office. Offering remote mentorship, virtual team-building events, and regular one-on-one sessions can be key to engaging and developing young people who work from home.
Young people can also take control of their own development. They could consider joining online communities of others in their industry or attending networking events. As well as helping them in their current role, taking this type of proactive attitude could further their career trajectory.
Tech companies need to keep in mind that experienced workers who suddenly switch to working from home have far more contacts and relationships to keep them grounded and connected to the workplace than those just starting out.
22-year-old Katie Dillon of SeatGeek combines rolling out of bed 20 minutes before Zoom meetings with toggling between multiple tech platforms and absorbing tons of information via Slack, video chat, and online collaboration. Sheโs found remote working suits her and her career path, and also benefits from not having had to move to a more expensive city to take a leading role in a tech company. While success is possible, tech companies must be mindful that by investing in the world of remote work, they donโt leave their future top talent behind.
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