I've been working remotely for some time, about seven years now. Although it was initially intimidating, one gets used to it rather quickly. The first thing you notice is that you work more. Without the fatigue of commuting, socializing, and taking breaks, you find yourself sitting at the computer for 4-5 hours straight without standing up.

Remote work has two distinct aspects. When tasks are clearly defined, work flows smoothly, and one's motivation to work is at its peak. Problems start when the tasks become unclear.

The biggest problem is the need for communication. People generally place great importance on verbal communication. After all, for many, talking is more straightforward than writing and reading. Direct communication creates a dependency. This dependency isn't noticeable in an office setting, but problems can arise when information isn't documented. When working remotely, these dependencies become more pronounced. Who has the information you need? Are they online right now? When will they respond? Many companies force remote work within regular working hours to prevent communication disruptions. They assume that this ensures efficient communication by having everyone online simultaneously.

The second problem arises with workflow disruptions and delays. You've probably experienced or observed this in an office setting. Sometimes, you wait for someone else to finish their task or for a client to respond. It doesn't seem odd to stay doing anything until the task is handed over because you're already in the office. No one expects you to produce output just because you're in the office. However, even if your superiors don't expect any output from you, you might feel uncomfortable waiting idly when working remotely.

Though remote work seems problematic up to this point, it highlights issues that go unnoticed in an office setting. So, what should be done to overcome these issues? Here, management plays a crucial role with long-term goals, pre-defined milestones, and decomposed short-term milestones.

These allow employees to see long-term goals. They can understand where their current tasks fit these goals and take initiative when necessary. This method increases efficiency as employee qualifications improve and lightens the management load. Having each employee select their next task, document their work after completion, report any blockers to their superiors, and then choose another task prevents delays. It also eliminates the need for ceremonies like Scrum and daily stand-ups.

Over time, as you get used to working this way, tasks are better planned, and dependencies between tasks decrease. It allows employees to work at times they feel most productive rather than sticking to standard office hours. Having completed and upcoming tasks documented prevents information loss and eliminates the need for verbal communication layers.

Moving to an asynchronous remote work model can make work more efficient and flexible. By clearly setting long-term goals and breaking down tasks, workers can understand their roles better and be more independent. This change reduces the need for constant communication and allows people to work when they feel most productive, not just during regular office hours. This approach can lead to a better and more effective work experience for everyone.