What does remote work mean?

Remote work is in fashion. You are more likely to hear phrases like “I work away from the office” and not find it odd. Currently, working away from a traditional office is becoming the norm and acceptable in several industries. But, what does working remotely actually mean? If you have been wondering the same, and want to learn more, keep reading. 

What does a remote job mean?

Simply put, a remote job is when you work outside a “normal” office but still perform duties attached to your job position. Remote work eliminates the need to wake up early, put on work clothes and arrive at their office desk at a specific time every day to achieve set tasks. The concept is based on the idea that work-related tasks can be done at any location, time and still be successful.

People that work remotely enjoy the flexibility of working at their preferred location and timelines while executing various projects. In most cases, remote workers can seamlessly balance their personal and work lives with brilliant results. Because of the success of remote jobs and the ability of employees to adapt well, many companies are beginning to open up to remote work. 

How does remote working work?

Working away from a centralized office is an idea that several companies are slowly embracing. For remote positions to be effective, it is essential to understand that remote work has several approaches depending on the organization. Some remote employees work away from the office for most of the week but come in at least one day to attend meetings. For these workers, they can work at home or nearby cafes depending on their preference. 

Others enjoy the full benefits of remote jobs, where they set up their schedules independently which allow them to work when they feel productive. These workers can even decide to work as they travel as long as they meet the organization’s goals. In some cases, they may have to work overnight if their location is in a different time zone from their company headquarters.  

Co-working spaces are also a popular choice for remote workers that are looking for a hybrid location. The spaces are a combination of an office setting with a flexible working space comprising of several companies. Working in such spaces allows for flexibility and networking that those in remote work are likely to find beneficial. Additionally, some co-working spaces are found in various locations worldwide, making it easy for those with remote jobs to work from any of the offices and enjoy the same professional amenities. 

Is remote the same as working from home?

Although the words remote work and working home may be used interchangeably when referring to working outside a traditional office, they are not the same. Here are some differences between the two work approaches.

• Most times, working remotely is a permanent arrangement aimed at getting more workers on board regardless of their location. However, working from home is often a temporary situation where an employee decides to work at home on occasion and then goes back to a traditional office setting after a short break. 
• While working from home allows employees to take a break from the office routine, the rest of the co-workers must adjust to accommodate the missing employee. Full remote working doesn’t require going into an office, and works go on seamlessly irrespective of the location. Integration of work schedules for remote workers makes working together as a team as seamless as possible. 
• Employees that occasionally “work from home” still adhere to the framework and office structure of the company. Workers who do their jobs remotely create their schedules and primarily work independently. For most remote workers, meetings are done online or on the phone, depending on company policy. 
• Remote working allows employees to create a working space that makes it easier for them to be productive. Most remote employees cater for their office equipment and skills needed for them to work. The luxury of having an office cubicle or desk set up is only available to those working from home once they get back to the office.
• Working from home may be a bit lonely, especially for workers that have been hired as independent contractors. Physically it may be less social than a remote job, which may have digital communities or virtual connections that allow them to interact with other remote employees or industry professionals. 

Can you work from anywhere with a remote job?

Before applying for a remote position, you need to remember that not all remote jobs allow you to work from anywhere. In some states, employers only hire from their office location due to laws that govern labor and tax issues. Some companies require employees to reside near their company headquarters so that they can occasionally come to the office. 

Most remote work vacancies listed online are pinned to a particular country, state, or city. When applying for such jobs, applicants can narrow the search to view listings that can be done from your preferred location. That way, you only apply for jobs that are specific to your resident city or state. However, some listings for remote positions are open to people from all over the world.

The location of a remote job may also affect the remuneration provided to a worker. Therefore, it is vital to understand your prospective employer’s approach to remote work before applying for a job. Some companies pay the market rate salary regardless of your location, while others base the compensation on the cost of living in a city or state. Others base your remuneration on the national average of the job title. 

Overall, remote work is becoming the norm worldwide, with many organizations allowing their employees to work away from the office. The benefits for the employer are many, including better-engaged employees, higher productivity, and savings on office setup costs. Working remotely results in more desire to meet their job goals, less stress, higher morale, and greater flexibility on their job for employees.