Remote work has redefined the way we work, offering flexibility, increased productivity, and access to global opportunities. But could it also be limiting career growth?
In a thought-provoking article, Uzoma Dozie argues that working remotely may actually be stunting professional development. His reasoning? Limited access to mentorship, networking, and real-time learning opportunities—all of which are crucial for career advancement.
The Case Against Remote Work
Uzoma highlights the key advantages of traditional office environments, including:
- Real-time mentorship & feedback – Employees learn by observation and direct coaching.
- Stronger networking & relationships – Office environments provide organic connections that fuel career opportunities.
- Leadership visibility & promotions – Face-to-face presence increases recognition and chances for career advancement.
Without these, remote employees might struggle with:
- Reduced networking opportunities – Fewer casual interactions mean fewer chances to build relationships with leadership.
- Limited mentorship – Informal learning moments—like overhearing strategic conversations—are lost.
- Slower career progression – Without direct visibility, remote employees may be overlooked for promotions.
But is this the full story?
The Case for Remote Work: More Growth, More Freedom
While Uzoma raises valid concerns, remote work advocates argue that working remotely can actually boost career growth in several ways:
- Increased Productivity – Eliminating long commutes allows employees to focus better and achieve more.
- Access to Global Opportunities – Remote work opens doors to international companies and higher-paying roles.
- Flexible Learning & Upskilling – Employees can take online courses, join virtual mentorship programs, and attend global conferences.
The Numbers Speaks: What Do Studies Show?
Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index found that:
- 85% of leaders say hybrid work makes it harder to track employee productivity.
- 68% of business decision-makers believe remote setups make it harder to build company culture.
- Networking & mentorship remain major concerns—employees who have strong workplace relationships thrive more in their careers.
Meanwhile, a Zoho study on Nigerian remote work trends revealed that only 14% of Nigerian businesses operate fully remotely. The study also found that connectivity issues, digital fatigue, and app overload remain key challenges.
So, is career success about where you work—or how you work?
The African Startup Perspective: Are We Falling Behind?
Africa’s startup ecosystem has been quick to embrace remote and hybrid work models, but the challenges remain:
- Lack of structured mentorship – Unlike in-office setups, mentorship must be intentional.
- Leadership bias – Some companies still believe in-office employees are more dedicated and promotable.
- Culture shift – How do startups maintain team cohesion and engagement in a remote setting?
For startups, the key solution is to build structured mentorship programs and ensure visibility for remote employees. For professionals, the best way forward is to take control of career growth by actively networking and learning.
Read Uzoma Dozie’s full article here: Remote Working Stunts Growth
