A phrase I have heard several times these days: it seems that we are crazy and we do not know what we want. So much time dreaming about remote work as a positive formula, which helps us to reconcile, more sustainable and efficient and, now, when we have it, it is not exactly what we are doing well either: there are complaints, people are not happy...

Are we really crazy? Don't we know what we want? I would say that we are simply people. People who live and feel the changes; each in our own way.

Remote work implies profound and structural changes in the way we work and relate to each other, it forces us to adopt new habits in an accelerated manner and often catches us unawares.

In this transformation, it is clear that technology is key. But as with any change, it must not only be approached from the hard side, but also from the soft side. Keeping in mind how the people who make up our organizations will experience these changes will make all the difference.

To address telework effectively, it is essential to accompany individuals and teams in this transition, develop new skills and provide them with resources to navigate this change. Aspects as basic as being more autonomous in managing priorities and our energy throughout the day now take on special relevance. For leaders, fleeing from micromanagement and "meetingitis" and not losing sight of the fact that human beings are social animals. The virtual does not have to be impersonal: maintaining proximity as well as effectiveness in our remote communication also requires development and learning, whether one-to-one or in a team.

An essential aspect is to recognize that we do not all live this reality in the same way. We are unique people, with different personalities, life moments and contexts. This means that we experience this reality differently and we do not all need the same "coffee for everyone" or the same solutions. This is where it makes sense to design and co-create together the formulas that suit us and help us, empowering people and thus improving the employee experience. The employee centricity we have been talking about for some time now makes more sense than ever. Implementing teleworking policies well can be a great opportunity to improve not only the efficiency of our work but above all the engagement of the teams.

The success of relationships in the team from now on unequivocally depends on an efficient combination of teleworking and office presence. Knowing how to integrate this paradigm shift is key to the future of work and companies.

As Ketama's song says "We are not crazy, we know what we want...". Just do not forget that we are people.

Silvia Fradera

Founder of Ready for People