The workplace today looks very different than it did 20 years ago. Improvements in technology have enabled millions of people around the globe to access their work from anywhere. Remote and hybrid work was steadily increasing until the Covid-19 pandemic forced employers to aggressively pursue alternatives to office work. Although the pandemic is largely behind us, most employees want to keep this way of working because of the benefits of flexible schedules and improved work-life balance—especially when it comes to service companies. When surveyed, 65% of all employees in the US want the option to work remotely, either full-time or in a hybrid arrangement.

Across the professional services industry, more and more companies are moving their operations from a traditional office environment to virtual workplaces. There are many advantages for business owners who embrace remote work, including access to a wider pool of talent, reduced overhead and operational costs, and improved employee satisfaction and productivity.

While there are many benefits to moving to a remote or hybrid model, it is not without challenges. As a company owner, it's important to understand the obstacles you may face along the way and how to mitigate them as you lead your team into the future.

Connected: How to transition your team to remote work

1. Creativity and innovation

For service companies, creativity and innovation are often the lifeblood of the organization. This can be challenging when you can't bring your team together to brainstorm in a traditional, in-person space.

One of the best ways to mitigate this is by making sure the team has access to technology platforms that foster a highly interactive and collaborative environment. For example, tools like Miro act as a virtual whiteboard for the team to work together in real time.

2. Communication barriers

People rely on a wide range of social and nonverbal cues when communicating. Communication in a virtual environment can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which can ultimately affect the team's ability to coordinate and successfully complete projects.

The best way to address this concern is by establishing clear communication protocols and norms for the team. For example, if you're used to having the team stop by your office with questions and concerns, you can set up office hours calls twice a week for team members to “show up.” You may also need to create more frequent check-ins or team meetings to make sure everyone is on the same page.

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3. Team cohesion and culture

One of the main benefits of in-person work is driving a strong and cohesive culture throughout your organization. This is much more challenging in a remote environment where team members are more isolated and can feel disconnected from each other. Business owners may need to prioritize organizing regular social events, team building activities and celebrations to recognize achievements and milestones to foster a sense of community. These activities can be done virtually, or you can decide to have casual meetings in person.

Adjusting to a remote work environment can be difficult for many employees as the lines between work and home become blurred. This can make it difficult for employees to disengage, potentially leading to burnout or reduced productivity. Expecting employees to be available around the clock simply because they're always in their home office is a recipe for disaster. It's critical to create an embracing culture from the start flexible working hourstaking regular breaks and being mindful to cut off evening and weekend hours.

4. Performance management and accountability

Managing your team's performance in a remote environment can be challenging without the right tools and processes in place. Technologies such as project management and performance tracking tools can help. It is important to carefully balance performance management without becoming a micromanager. Set clear and measurable goals for each team member. Having a results-based work environment is much easier to manage without having to constantly check how your team members are spending their time every day.

5. Management of customer relations

Having face-to-face interactions with customers is a great way to build trust and rapport. In a remote environment, it can be difficult to build and maintain relationships, especially with new clients. To fill this gap, companies may need to provide frequent progress reports in a video meeting format. This provides a face-to-face option while allowing your team to be geographically dispersed.

6. Accessibility of technology

Technology is the most critical element when it comes to transitioning a professional services company to a remote environment. It is important for business owners to ensure that every team member has access to the same quality technology and internet connection. Resources such as IT support should also be readily available if team members run into problems as technical issues can disrupt productivity and COOPERATION.

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Remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Service companies that fight this trend are more likely to struggle to attract the right talent and keep their operating costs low enough to remain competitive. While you can expect bumps along the way, embracing remote work is key to building and growing a dynamic company that can navigate the many challenges that the ever-changing future brings to the business world.