November 2024

CEO Thoughts: Remote Work

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my job is connecting with local business owners. Lately, a recurring topic in our conversations has been the challenges surrounding remote work. Many of you have probably had similar discussions and heard different perspectives on the matter. During the Covid-19 pandemic, companies that successfully transitioned to remote work gained a clear advantage. However, now many of those same companies are struggling to bring employees back to the workplace.

This raises important questions: How does remote work affect productivity? What about team building? Does offering remote work give employers a competitive edge? And are employees missing out on valuable learning opportunities from their peers and managers when working remotely?

Another concern I’ve noticed is that remote employees may miss out on important offsite activities that are crucial for building relationships and integrating into the community. Events related to trade associations and nonprofits—such as fundraising events, board and committee meetings, networking events, golf tournaments, and conferences—are all integral to a banking career.

At Gainey Business Bank, we are committed to supporting local nonprofits, trade associations, and community organizations. We encourage every employee, including those with remote work privileges, to choose a nonprofit or trade association they are passionate about and get involved. We also ensure we provide financial support as needed.

As a leader, I recognize that remote work affects not just day-to-day operations but also after-hours activities. In our business, success is closely tied to community engagement, which often involves participation in events outside regular business hours. That’s why we make it a priority for every employee—whether working remotely or in the office—to stay involved in giving back to the community.