Michael Kidd, Associate
Edited by: Victoria Reyes, Associate
One of the worst-kept secrets of today’s job market is that remote work isn’t just the future—it’s the present. The modern public relations professional is expected, and often required, to work remotely. With the rise of Zoom meetings, Slack channels, shared Google Drives, and the always-on nature of social media management, the PR industry has reaped significant benefits. But with these benefits come notable challenges.
Challenge: Task and Time Management
A study from ZipRecruiter recently showed that “the biggest disadvantage of remote work that employers cite is how difficult it is to observe and monitor employees.” While that might not feel like a personal issue if you’re self-motivated, PR is a field that thrives on teamwork. Even if you don’t need close supervision to stay on track, chances are you’ll work with someone who does. Ensuring smooth collaboration in a remote setting often requires additional effort and strong self-management skills.
Rewards: Flexibility
The number of dual income households in the U.S. continues to rise, which means balancing professional and personal responsibilities is more important than ever. Remote work offers PR professionals the flexibility to attend to personal needs—whether staying home with a sick child, taking a mental health day, or squeezing in chores—without sacrificing productivity. This adaptability allows professionals to manage both their personal lives and careers more effectively.
Challenge: Communication Issues
Online communication of any type is far more likely to be misinterpreted than face to face conversations. The entire job of a PR professional is to effectively communicate messages. Misinterpreting a client’s request or a co-worker’s email is inherently a problem.
Reward: More Thoughtful Communication
On the flip side, remote communication often encourages more intentional and thoughtful exchanges. It's also far less likely to be reactionary. This slower pace allows individuals to carefully consider their responses, leading to clearer and more deliberate communication overall.
Finding Balance in Remote PR Work
Remote work isn’t going away any time soon. It has unique challenges PR professionals are going to need to adjust to. However, However, the rewards—greater flexibility, improved work-life balance, and more thoughtful communication—can have a transformative impact on the industry. By finding the right balance, remote PR professionals can thrive in this evolving landscape.
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