Post COVID, working from home (WFH) became a norm across many industries. About a decade back, I found myself at the center of this revolution, working for an employer that gave me the freedom of working from home. Little did I know that a 3 AM call would become a defining moment, illustrating the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility in the world of remote work.
It was a regular day, and I was providing remote support from India for a company event in the United States. Working the night shift to sync with U.S. time zones, I had a VoIP phone for seamless communication. I had no idea that this device would become a symbol of trust and responsibility.
The decisive moment came when my boss, faced with an unexpected challenge, reached out to me at 3 AM IST. I answered the call on the first ring, ready to assist. My boss, surprised by the prompt response, showered appreciation, expressing that he hadn’t witnessed such a thing before. Even after 10 years, he keeps on reminding me about this experience. While I perceive it as merely fulfilling my professional duties, the lasting impact suggests that perhaps I exceeded expectations.
This incident sheds light on the essence of the trust-responsibility in remote work. It emphasizes the importance of making judicious use of the autonomy granted by employers. While working from home offers flexibility, it should be reciprocated with a sense of responsibility and commitment. Trust, after all, is a two-way street.
The freedom to work from home is a privilege that, when misused, can erode the very foundation of trust that makes remote work possible. In my case, the unexpected 3 AM call showcased the trust my employer had placed in me to handle critical situations, regardless of the time zone. It demonstrated that the freedom to work remotely is not just about physical location but about proving oneself reliable, even in unconventional circumstances.
The 3 AM call taught me that the true power of remote work lies not only in the flexibility it brings in, but in the mutual trust established between employers and employees. It’s a trust that goes beyond geographical confines and time zones, established on the bedrock of conscientious and committed individuals.
What are your experiences working remotely?
