Remote working - Unit 2

C1 Advanced · Cross Text Multiple Matching · Complete Advanced Workbook, Cambridge University Press

You are going to read four extracts from articles written by people who have experienced remote working. For questions 1–4, choose from the extracts A-D. The extracts may be chosen more than once.

One of the main benefits of remote working has been its effect on family life. Those who had long commutes or spent a long time in the office rarely shared a meal with their families. Now, they have ample time to do so. The increase in family time can only be a positive impact. I would also argue that work itself is proving more pleasurable for most people as a result of the move to remote working. And managers, as I see it, are reaping the rewards. By giving employees more independence and flexibility to manage their workloads, they've found themselves with a more empowered and motivated workforce. It would seem that the more autocratic approach to management is a thing of the past. It's not all plain sailing, though. For people who live alone, the isolation from supportive colleagues can be extremely challenging.

There's a lot to be said for remote working. It's striking to see the increased number of businesses promoting it. Many have now realised it's an incentive that can attract good people to their companies. Some are even offering to cover the cost of utility bills, which I feel is a step in the right direction. The important question is though, when our office and personal space are indistinguishable, can we ever truly switch off from work? It's tempting, and understandably so, for workers to check an extra email or finalise a report when the computer is just there, but the prospect of longer hours and increased stress makes the threat of burnout all too real. This is compounded by the absence of co-workers with whom one can vent one's frustrations, often a major benefit of workplace life. To ensure that employee well-being is maintained, it's something that managers are going to have to keep a close eye on.

When it comes to making remote working a success, there's one key factor that mustn't be overlooked: trust. There's an old saying 'out of sight, out of mind' and it's one that I feel bosses are all too aware of, even fearful of. No longer being able to poke their heads round the door or glance up from the desks to see how staff are working, they're overcompensating, setting up a seemingly endless number of meetings and drop-in sessions to find out what their employees are up to or whether they're at their virtual desks. This is counter-productive, in my view, and something that could negatively impact on worker motivation, well-being and productivity – three things remote working should, in theory, help to improve. There is some evidence, however, that the physical distance from one's colleagues may actually be beneficial to mental well-being as workers no longer need to invest mental energy in interactions with people they haven't chosen to be with.

One of the main attractions of remote working is putting a distance between the individual and those sometimes toxic office 'friendships' which sap one's energy. Being able to take care of home and garden during the day and thinking about something other than work during breaks, in my view, makes for a less stressful life. Now that remote working is almost the norm, managers have realised no-one has reduced their output, which has resulted in a more 'hands off' leadership style. I assume that more experienced employees find working without distractions has helped them rediscover the joy and satisfaction of a job well done. However, newer members of staff might find the lack of supervision a little nerve-wracking. The need for reliable internet connectivity has caused many companies to pay for their staff's home Wi-Fi, saving them money. This is in addition to the money saved by not commuting to the office every day.

Which writer has a different view from the others on the effect of remote working on work-life balance?

Which writer shares A's view on how enjoyable remote working is?

Which writer has a similar view to B on how remote working influences work relationships?

Which writer has a different opinion from D on the consequences for managers of remote working?

Remote working

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