Remote Work: What is it?

Definition of Remote Work and Examples

Remote work is an employment arrangement in which an employee works outside the employer’s office. This often means working from home or in a location close to home such as a café, library, or co-working space.

Learn more about remote work, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.

How Remote Work Works

Instead of traveling to the office, the employee uses remote communication tools to connect with colleagues and employers. These tools can include phone, online chat programs, video conferencing platforms, and email.

For office workers, technology (like Slack and Zoom) has made working from home easier. Access to Wi-Fi can help ensure that communications are nearly seamless.

Occasionally, employees may need to visit the office for in-person meetings and to connect with the employer; however, with many options for remote meetings, there may be no need to visit the office.

Some employees work remotely full-time, while others work remotely part of the week and go to the office for the rest of the week.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Work

Advantages

Greater Flexibility: Remote work gives employees more freedom to set their working hours and work location. It also provides greater flexibility for employees in balancing work and personal commitments, such as picking up children from school or caring for a sick family member. The time saved commuting often results in more time for personal matters.

Cost Savings: Remote work can save money for both employees and employers. Companies can save costs related to running an office, and employees can save on commuting expenses. If the employer covers Wi-Fi, phone service, or other work-related remote services, employees can save money as well.

Employee Satisfaction: Full-time remote workers report being 22% happier in their jobs than individuals who do not work remotely. For employers, this typically translates to higher retention rates.

Disadvantages

More Potential Distractions: People working from home may find it easy to get distracted by children, pets, other people, or housemates. Working in a café or similar location can also be distracting.

Difficulty in “Separating”: Individuals working from home may find the lines between work time and personal relaxation time blur, making it hard to stop working at the end of the day. They also risk working during breaks.

Feelings of Isolation: Some remote workers may feel a bit isolated because they are not around colleagues. This is particularly true for those who live alone.

Key Takeaways

Remote work involves working outside of a physical office and using technology to perform tasks. It is also known as telecommuting, remote working, and work-from-home. Many types of employers allow remote work. Some people work remotely full-time, while others do so for a portion of their workweek. There are many benefits to remote work, such as increased flexibility, cost savings, and greater happiness, but there may also be some drawbacks.

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Sources:

Owl Labs. “State of Remote Work 2019.” Accessed June 27, 2020.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-telecommuting-2062113