It’s no surprise to most that remote work has increased dramatically since 2020. In fact, according to U.S. News, it may turn out to be “one of the lasting legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic.” As someone who has worked remotely for over 5 years, I can attest to the pros, such as a more flexible work schedule, better work-life balance, and even positive environmental impacts. But not all that glitters is gold all the time!
How does working remotely affect a person who stutters (PWS)? Whether you’re an in-person or a remote employee, we will break everything down so you know which type of work environment will benefit you the most!
Advantages and Challenges of Remote Work
Yay! You just landed a new remote job. You should know that much like in-person work, remote work has benefits and challenges for everyone, and they can vary from person to person.
However, PWS can face a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. One significant positive aspect of remote work is that you are in complete control over your work environment, which means a lot of things:
Typically, there are fewer face-to-face interactions than in-person work. In-person interactions can be very stressful, especially in a busy or fast-paced environment like journalism.
Digital communication mediums such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and email provide opportunities for you to communicate thoughtfully, clearly, and concisely. No more substituting words or anticipating which words you might stutter on during impromptu water cooler chats.
Your workspace can be tailored to fit your needs and make it comfortable. For example, you can purchase ergonomic office furniture, schedule time away from your desk to stretch throughout the day, or even add a diffuser to enjoy calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or citrus. Since stress can lead to more stuttering, consider investing in yourself by investing in your environment.
Moving onto the cons, there are several to keep in mind if you’re a PWS:
If you strongly dislike calls, which is a common theme amongst PWS (including myself), video meetings might be a substantial challenge for you.
Sometimes, being a remote employee can feel pretty isolating. There’s only so much you can bond with a coworker over a screen. If you are an extrovert and crave face-to-face interactions with others or rely on in-person interactions to build your communication skills, remote work may not be the right fit for you.
You may develop an overreliance on text-based communication. This is something I have personally dealt with. In early 2023, I became so self-conscious and fearful of my stutter that I would write a note on my phone introducing myself and explaining why I was there to check in for appointments. Some people assumed I was deaf, and I almost always got a weird look from the receptionists. Text-based communication can be beneficial for PWS, but it cannot be used in every situation.
Tips for Effective Communication in Virtual Meetings for PWS
Don’t dread those virtual meetings; they’re a staple of remote work. While they can be daunting for PWS for a variety of reasons, here are some helpful tips to help you communicate more effectively:
Come to the meeting prepared. Nobody likes to be unprepared, especially me as a PWS. Go over the agenda ahead of time. If you have questions or topics you want to discuss with your team, jot them down so you know what to say and how to communicate those properly.
Visual aids can distract from your speech and lessen your feelings of pressure. If they will help you be a more successful presenter, utilize them.
If you feel comfortable, mention you are a PWS at the start of the meeting. Here’s an example: “Hi everyone! Just so everyone is aware, I am a person who stutters. I may take a bit longer to express my thoughts, but I look forward to contributing to this discussion.” In my experience, I could’ve avoided so many angering and frustrating situations with others if I had just told people outright that I stutter. Self-disclosure sets an expectation for everyone in the meeting and often alleviates the pressure on you to be covert or appear fluent.
Strategies for Reducing Anxiety in Digital Communication for PWS
Effective communication in a work environment is a valued skill for any employee, but it’s crucial in a remote setting. If you are feeling anxious about your digital communication skills, here are some tips for you:
Schedule regular breaks throughout your workday. We all know taking breaks can help reduce overall anxiety and prevent burnout, but breaks can also be helpful for stretching out your muscles and drinking some water (you can't fool us; we already know you're not drinking enough).
Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs to your manager or ask for accommodations. For example, I requested that I utilize the chat box function during virtual meetings. My work was more than willing to accommodate my request. As someone with a severe stutter, this has helped ensure my thoughts and input are heard. Also, you might request more written communication or suggest alternatives to frequent video calls.
Practice speaking in smaller meetings before speaking in larger settings. This is commonly known as exposure therapy, and it can help build your confidence and reduce anxiety over time. Acknowledge your successes. Give yourself a pat on the back, no matter how small your bravery or achievement is. You deserve it! A Guide to Remote Work for People Who Stutter
Embrace Your Communication Style as a PWS
It’s not all doom and gloom! Remote work allows you to embrace your unique communication style and leverage your strengths as a PWS. Here’s how to make the most of your remote work experience:
Focus on your strengths as a PWS, such as your fantastic empathy, ability to be a great listener, and attention to detail. These qualities are highly valued in any work setting.
Encourage your team to adopt inclusive communication practices, such as allowing more time for responses, providing written summaries, or using accessible tools. Promoting inclusivity benefits everyone and helps create a supportive work environment for all.
Educate your team and company. For International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024, I drafted a message for my entire company about stuttering, facts and myths, and resources for them to check out if they wanted to learn more. It was extremely well-received, and people even thanked me for educating them. I promise you, nobody cares more about your stutter than you.
Conclusion
We’ve talked about a lot, but if you’re taking anything away from this article, know that remote work has its unique opportunities and challenges for PWS. By thoroughly understanding them, practicing effective communication strategies in meetings, and using techniques to reduce their communication anxiety, anybody can excel in a remote position. A stutter does not define anyone’s ability to succeed—one’s resilience, adaptability, and perspective do.
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