Last updated on Mar 28, 2024

What do you do if you're a business professional facing challenges of remote work in different time zones?

Remote work has become a common practice for many business professionals, especially during the pandemic. However, working from home also comes with some challenges, such as managing different time zones with your colleagues, clients, and partners. How can you overcome these difficulties and ensure effective communication and collaboration across the globe? Here are some tips to help you out.

1 Plan ahead

One of the most important aspects of remote work in different time zones is planning ahead. You need to be aware of the working hours, holidays, and preferences of the people you are interacting with, and schedule your meetings, deadlines, and tasks accordingly. Use online tools, such as calendars, time zone converters, and project management software, to keep track of your appointments and deliverables. Also, communicate your availability and expectations clearly and regularly with your team and stakeholders, and respect their boundaries and needs.

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Leane Harding, GMS-T

Head of Global Mobility at Deloitte
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In my experience, making sure you communicate appropriately about your period of remote working, the times that you will work / the impact on your & your teams' way of working, goes a long way to set expectation and reduce frustration.

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Ryuya Matsumoto

AIG-Digital Transformation/EMBA
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In my opinion, planning ahead is very important to do remote work in different time zones because participants can adjust their time previously. In addition, using online tools are effective methods to check joiner's current schedule and block. Of course, sharing purpose is essential to understand them why a meeting is necessary.

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2 Be flexible

Another key factor of remote work in different time zones is flexibility. You may need to adjust your work hours, routines, and methods to accommodate the differences in time and culture. For example, you may have to work earlier or later than usual, take breaks at different times, or use different communication channels, such as video calls, emails, or instant messages. Be open to trying new ways of working and collaborating, and be willing to compromise and negotiate when needed. However, don't forget to take care of yourself and avoid burnout by setting limits and boundaries for your work-life balance.

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Ryuya Matsumoto

AIG-Digital Transformation/EMBA
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I think having flexibility is essential to do remote work in different time zones. We have to adjust our work hours, routines, and methods to gather the differences in time and culture. However, it should be careful to avoid burnout and prevent mental desease.

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3 Be respectful

A third essential element of remote work in different time zones is respect. You need to be mindful of the diversity and sensitivity of the people you are working with, and avoid assumptions, stereotypes, or biases. For example, you may need to learn about the cultural norms, etiquette, and values of the people you are communicating with, and adapt your language, tone, and style accordingly. You may also need to be patient, empathetic, and supportive when dealing with misunderstandings, conflicts, or delays. Respect is the foundation of trust and rapport, which are crucial for effective remote work and virtual collaboration.

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Ryuya Matsumoto

AIG-Digital Transformation/EMBA
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In my experience, being respectful is necessary to procced remote work in different time zones. We have to be mindful of DEI. In addition, being patient is important in first phase in remote work because of different background in joiners. Finally, it is good to make a good relationship and it leads to be effective.

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4 Be proactive

A fourth important aspect of remote work in different time zones is proactivity. You need to take initiative and responsibility for your work and communication, and not wait for others to tell you what to do or how to do it. For example, you may need to update your team and stakeholders regularly on your progress, challenges, and feedback, and seek help or guidance when needed. You may also need to anticipate and prevent potential problems or risks, such as technical issues, missed deadlines, or unclear expectations. Proactivity is the key to efficiency and quality in remote work and virtual collaboration.

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5 Be creative

A fifth vital factor of remote work in different time zones is creativity. You need to be innovative and resourceful in finding solutions and opportunities for your work and communication, and not let the time differences limit your potential. For example, you may need to use various tools and platforms to enhance your collaboration, such as cloud-based documents, online whiteboards, or virtual brainstorming sessions. You may also need to create and participate in fun and engaging activities with your team and stakeholders, such as virtual coffee breaks, games, or quizzes. Creativity is the spark that ignites motivation and satisfaction in remote work and virtual collaboration.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you're a business professional facing challenges of remote work in different time zones?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Be flexible

3 Be respectful

4 Be proactive

5 Be creative

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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What do you do if you're a business professional facing challenges of remote work in different time zones?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Be flexible

3 Be respectful

4 Be proactive

5 Be creative

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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