---
title: "7 common pitfalls you should avoid when shifting to remote"
date: 2021-11-05
author: "David Wippel"
category: "Remote Work"
url: https://www.davidwippel.com/blog/7-common-pitfalls-you-should-avoid-when-shifting-to-remote
---

# 7 common pitfalls you should avoid when shifting to remote

Making the shift to remote is no easy task. It's better to know possible bumps along the road.
Here are 7 common pitfalls you should avoid:

## 1. Do not assume that there are no resources available yet.

Businesses all over the world are working remote for years. e.g., GitLab's remote resources are the inspiration for this list.

## 2. Do not replicate the in-office/colocated experience, remotely.

Remote work is different from office work. By replicating the in-office experience, you're missing a lot of the benefits of remote work.

## 3. Do not transfer all in-person meetings to virtual.

For instance, moving all meetings to Zoom but not asking yourself if there is a better way is the direct route to “Zoom Fatigue”.

## 4. Do not assume that everyone has access to an optimal workspace.

Not everyone has the necessary space and equipment to work from home. If you own a company, support your employees to set up a proper work environment.

## 5. Do not assume that remote happens overnight.

Every major change takes time to settle in. Expect difficulties and don't give up too early.

## 6. Do not assume that remote management is drastically different.

It all boils down to trust, communication and shared goals. Leading people is no different in a remote setting. Over-communicate and be supportive.

## 7. Do not assume your existing values can remain static.

Some values might exist to support an office environment. Don't keep 'em just for the sake of keeping it. Embrace change because a remote company is very different from a colocated one.

_Inspired by [What not to do when implementing remote: don't replicate the in-office experience remotely](https://about.gitlab.com/company/culture/all-remote/what-not-to-do/)_