How Working From Anywhere Can Fail

For many professionals, home and work have become synonymous. Over the last few years, white-collar workers have been given the chance to eliminate the daily office commute and instead get their day started from the comfort of their homes. 

However, working remotely means more than just these two locations: now people are taking advantage of this newfound freedom to work from anywhere. 

This has had a rippling effect on the rest of the real estate world. Now, Airbnbs are marketing their rentals’ office amenities, while hotels are offering rooms to be booked by the work day.  

While the merging of travel and work may seem like a dream for some, there are roadblocks that can make this experience nightmarish. 

For starters, companies that hire remote workers often face challenges managing the payroll and taxes for these professionals. Additionally, typically simple IT complications become muddled when dealing with employees abroad.  

Beyond these surface-level problems with managing a remote team, the opportunity to embrace the work from anywhere trend can impact company culture too.   

Most of these workers likely do not have responsibilities outside of work. For those with families or partners that are unable to work remotely, feelings of resentment could arise.  

Business travel, or “bleisure,” also comes with its own share of setbacks. Instead of enjoying the scenic views of Spain, remote workers may be spending more of their time trying to find the best WiFi in Barcelona so they can attend the company’s weekly sales meeting. 

Working from anywhere has become a fundamental trait of the future of work, but how companies address the challenges that accompany this arrangement will reveal its sustainability moving forward.