Remote work is here to stay. As more companies embrace decentralized work environments, the benefits are clear: flexibility, productivity gains, and access to a global talent pool. According to Forbes, 16% of companies are already fully remote without a physical office, and it’s expected that 32.6 mln Americans will be working remotely by 2025. That’s 22% of the whole workforce. 

At Apliteni, a remote-first company, these benefits are embraced wholeheartedly. But along with these perks come unique challenges—challenges Apliteni’s team has learned to tackle successfully.

In this article, we will share our experiences and offer practical tips on overcoming common hurdles in remote work, from managing communication across time zones to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Five Common Remote Work Challenges

While remote work offers great flexibility, it also brings specific challenges. Issues with communication, productivity, and well-being are common. In fact, a 2023 Buffer report found that 52% of remote workers struggle with communication. Isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life are other frequent concerns.

1. Communication Struggles

At Apliteni, team members span multiple time zones, which can make staying in sync a bit tricky. Frontend Developer Gleb Ambrazhevich explains, “Not being in the same room can lead to misunderstandings. It’s important to set clear communication guidelines and use tools like Slack or ClickUp to stay connected. I also take regular breaks—just 10-15 minutes to do some push-ups or squats really helps me stay sharp.”

Apliteni encourages regular team calls via video conferencing tools to maintain personal connections. Gleb adds, “It’s hard to focus when your workspace is also your living space. Creating a dedicated, comfortable work environment, like turning part of my living room into an office, has really helped me stay on track.”

2. Work-Life Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges remote workers face is keeping work and personal life separate. Sophia Matveeva, from People Ops at Apliteni, says, “I used to love the office vibe, and at first, working from home was tough. I tried all the advice—creating a perfect workspace, dressing like I was going to the office—but it was still hard to disconnect from work.”

Sophia eventually found her balance by working in different locations, like cafes or libraries. “Changing my environment helps me keep work and personal life separate,” she says. Apliteni supports this kind of flexibility, encouraging experts to find what works for them, whether that’s setting up a home office or working in different spaces to refresh their focus.

3. Feeling Isolated

Remote workers often miss the social interactions of an office, which can lead to loneliness. Product Manager Alisa Khurtina balances work and caring for her two kids at home. “Sometimes my kids interrupt me during meetings when I have my mic on with not-too-appropriate-for-work requests, and we laugh about it. It’s part of remote life,” she says. 

Apliteni keeps remote teams connected through virtual social activities, like casual conversations on a dedicated Slack channel and Friday meetings. Harvard Business Review found that remote teams who engage socially see a 19% increase in collaboration—a result Apliteni has seen as well.

4. Staying Productive

Home distractions can make it hard to stay focused. Gleb advises tackling the most challenging tasks, like code reviews, early in the day. “Getting those out of the way first clears my mind for more creative tasks later,” he says.

Having a structured schedule is key to staying productive. At Apliteni, team members are encouraged to set work hours that work for them, communicate clearly, and prioritize their tasks to get the most out of their day.

5. Career Growth and Visibility

Remote workers sometimes worry they’ll be overlooked for promotions or new opportunities. At Apliteni, career development is a priority. Regular one-on-one check-ins with senior team members ensure progress is tracked and recognized. Volunteering for high-visibility projects is also encouraged to help showcase contributions.

While remote work has its challenges, Apliteni’s remote-first culture shows that these obstacles can be overcome with the right strategies. From maintaining clear communication to setting boundaries between work and home life, the experiences of Apliteni’s team provide valuable insights on how to make remote work both rewarding and productive. With flexibility, adaptability, and a strong sense of community, Apliteni proves that remote work can truly thrive with the right support.

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