Benefits and challenges of remote work: Insights from Bojoko CEO Joonas Karhu

In recent years, remote working has gained traction as a viable and attractive work option for both employees and employers. The trend of remote work has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more businesses adopting remote work policies as a means of ensuring the continuity of operations.

But what are the challenges and benefits of remote working, and how can companies make it work for them?

To gain some insights, we sat down with Joonas Karhu, CEO of Bojoko, an award-winning online casino comparison site that operates with a remote team.

What are the benefits of remote working, and how has it impacted Bojoko as a company?

Employers and employees both benefit from remote work in numerous ways. It allows us to hire the best talents from all around the world. We have team members from different countries, and this has brought different perspectives and ideas to the table. 

Our team members have more control over their work environment, they can work from the comfort of their homes or anywhere they choose. Also, they can manage their time better and can work during their most productive hours, and have a better work-life balance. This has resulted in higher levels of job satisfaction and increased productivity. 

To our team, remote working offers autonomy and flexibility to work in a way that suits them best and allows us to reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining a physical office.

What are some of the challenges that you’ve encountered with remote working and how can they be overcome?

One of the biggest challenges of remote working is the lack of face-to-face interaction. It can be difficult to build relationships with colleagues and managers when you’re not physically in the same office. Communication can also be a challenge, especially when working with team members in different time zones. Another challenge is the potential for distractions at home, which can impact productivity. 

These challenges can be overcome by establishing clear communication channels, setting expectations from the beginning, and holding regular group calls and check-ins. It’s also important to create a dedicated workspace at home to minimise distractions.

Can you tell us a bit about how remote work works in Bojoko?

At Bojoko, most of our team members work remotely and are situated in different countries. Our employees work from either their homes or coworking spaces based on their preferences. To ensure seamless collaboration, communication, and project management, we utilise diverse online tools and platforms. We have established an effective communication structure and deadlines that guarantee every team member is well-informed and up-to-date with the ongoing projects.

How does Bojoko ensure that remote working does not negatively impact employee productivity and job satisfaction?

We prioritise results over the number of hours worked by entrusting our employees with the responsibility to manage their time effectively and meet their targets. To facilitate their remote work, we equip them with the necessary tools and resources required to work from home. Additionally, we encourage them to take frequent breaks and prioritise their mental and physical well-being to ensure optimum productivity.

What advice would you give to companies considering implementing remote working policies?

My advice would be to focus on communication, trust, and flexibility. Communication is key to ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. Trust your employees to manage their time and get their work done, and be flexible with schedules and working arrangements.

It’s also important to invest in the right tools and equipment to support remote working and to provide training and support for employees to ensure they can work effectively from home. 

It’s important to establish clear communication channels, set expectations from the beginning, follow key performance indicators, and invest in the right tools and technologies to ensure that remote working runs smoothly.

How do you think remote working will evolve in the future, and what impact will it have on the workplace?

I believe that remote working will become even more prevalent in the future. Companies will continue to see the benefits of hiring the best talent from around the world, and employees will continue to value the flexibility that remote working offers. However, I also think that we’ll see a hybrid model emerge, where employees have the option to work remotely or in the office – like we at Bojoko offer. The key will be to find the right balance that works for both employees and employers.

In terms of the impact on the workplace, I think that we’ll see more emphasis placed on communication and collaboration. Companies will need to find new ways to build relationships and maintain a strong company culture in a remote working environment. It will also be important to prioritise employee well-being and provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that employees can manage their work and personal lives effectively.