Remote leaders failing to provide basic support, research reveals

Wundamail uncover the challenges facing remote managers, in a survey of 2,500 UK remote workers in the Wundamail State of Remote Work Report 2019*. 

According to results, 74% of respondents felt that working remotely increased their productivity overall: certainly a positive sign for companies looking to reduce overheads.

The prevailing narrative is that remote workers are isolated, disengaged or cut off from company culture. Wundamail research indicated that many of these preconceptions are unfounded, particularly when companies prioritise good quality online communication. 

For example, 60% of remote workers feel their contributions are valued highly within their team, and 71% receive all forms of praise and recognition via communication technology.

Potential dangers do still lurk for those managing remote teams, however. 

An overwhelming 42% still feel they suffer a lack of support on a daily basis, compared to their regular office counterparts. 

Furthermore, 61% admitted they did not feel “part of the team” to the same extent as regular office workers.

An astonishing 55% reported that their manager or “does not fully understand what I do each day” – a very worrying revelation indeed for those who monitor, motivate and lead teams across the globe. 

A shocking 34% of respondents admitted that they had “previously taken advantage of the lack of supervision” remote working offers, and 66% admitted that they “had been tempted to push the boundaries” in the past. 

* Based on research of 2500 remote workers representative by region across the UK, ethnic background, socio-economic status, gender, and inclusion of both high-income and low-income bracket workers. Wundamail collected all data between 16/08/19 and 18/08/19.