Modern technology makes it possible to work in unconventional ways, and the job market has evolved dramatically because of this. Many companies have noticed the benefits of remote-based work, and the number of flexible jobs may continue to increase steadily. In this article, we discuss what remote work is and how to find it, what types exist, and the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for employees and employers. Key takeaways:
- Remote work, also known as telecommuting or working from home, refers to work done outside of a traditional office environment.
- Types of remote work include fully remote positions, flexible jobs that offer some schedule or location flexibility, and freelance work.
- Remote work offers employees and employers various advantages and challenges.
What is remote work?
Remote work is work done outside of a traditional office environment, also referred to as working from home or telecommuting. The concept of remote work is that employees can successfully execute projects and daily tasks without commuting to an office daily. Different levels of remote employment opportunities exist, but each type provides the benefit of flexibility in an employee’s professional and personal life.
Types of remote work
Telecommuting takes the following forms:
- Fully remote
- Flexible job
- Freelance
Fully remote
Fully remote employees work full-time from their remote locations for a company that may or may not have a traditional office. A company that embraces fully remote work usually has many remote workers and a structure that supports their employment. This helps maintain high levels of communication and productivity.Fully remote employees receive the same benefits and pay as on-site employees and participate in meetings and presentations remotely. Employees can normally live anywhere in the country, sometimes anywhere in the world. Here are some popular careers that can be done fully remotely:
- Digital marketing
- Copywriting and copyediting
- Web or graphic design
- Translation
- Customer service management
- Software development
- Social media management
- Online teaching
- Accounting
- Virtual assistance
Flexible job
This type of remote job provides some flexibility with schedule, location or both. Normally, a flexible job is a regular in-office position that offers telecommuting opportunities at least once a week. Sometimes, organisations allow current in-office employees to transition to a flexible position based on how long they’ve been employed, their job success and whether their tasks can be performed remotely. Some flexible jobs work in the opposite way, allowing employees to work remotely most of the time but commute to in-person meetings at the office weekly or monthly. In this case, employees usually must live within the city where the office is located. Here are fields that commonly offer flexible jobs:
- Computer and IT
- Sales and marketing
- Healthcare
- Software development
- Project management
- Account management
- Accounting and finance
- Education and training
- Customer service
Freelancer
A freelancer is a remote entrepreneur who often completes side projects and smaller-scale work. Some freelancers work in addition to a full-time or part-time job. Some freelancers seek to build their side business into their full-time job. Others choose to freelance on the side as a passion project or to make additional money. Fields where freelance work is most common include:
- Digital marketing
- Social media management
- Consulting
- Design services
- Coding
- Writing and editing
Advantages of remote work
Remote work is popular because of its many benefits for both employees and employers. Here are the main advantages:
For employees
Employees gain several benefits from working remotely, including:
Flexible lifestyle
The most common reason people seek a remote job is the lifestyle flexibility it provides. Fully remote employees often get to set their own schedule within general business hours, while freelancers can work whenever they choose. For parents, people with side businesses or those pursuing higher education, remote jobs offer more work-life balance and time for other important aspects of their lives.
Better health
Remote employees tend to be less stressed and more enthusiastic about their work than their in-office counterparts. This style of work allows people to work in comfortable environments and eliminates the chaos and time-waste of morning and evening commutes. Working outside the office also leads to an increase in healthy eating and exercise. Happier, healthier employees produce better work and feel more dedicated to their jobs.
Renewed passion
Remote employees often feel more motivated and inspired to complete work outside the office. They can remove environmental distractions and seek work areas as quiet and isolated as they need to be the most productive. The ability to work from anywhere also provides a sense of reward, making employees more excited to work toward and surpass goals.
For employers
Employers gain several benefits from allowing their employees to work remotely:
Higher productivity
Employers like remote work because it usually leads to increased productivity. Employees give more effort, completing their work more efficiently and with better outcomes.
Cost savings
For employers that hire a completely or even partially remote team, the costs of office furniture, equipment, rent and office supplies are lower.
Engaged employees
Beyond greater productivity and costs, the increase in engagement leads to higher employee retention. The longer employees stay, the more connected and loyal the entire team will be. A team that works well together helps a company grow faster and reduces hiring and training costs.
Disadvantages of remote work
Like all working conditions, remote work comes with some challenges. Here are the most common ones and some tips to overcome them:
For employees
Employees can sometimes experience potential setbacks when working remotely, including:
Isolation
One disadvantage of working away from a team is feeling alone. Moving from a busy office environment to the solitude of your own home might make your day feel monotonous. Working from coffee shops or co-working spaces is a great way to feel more sociable.
Requires self-motivation
Working away from the office requires a self-starting attitude since no one is around to check on you. If you find yourself slowing down when working from home, try a new environment or different routine.
Non-immediate access to team
Because remote work has a flexible schedule, the people you need to contact may not always be available. Sometimes, you might realize you have an important question, but the person you need to ask has already signed off for the day. Usually, there is a second go-to person for these situations, and planning tasks ahead can help cut down on unexpected needs.
For employers
Employers can sometimes experience potential setbacks when their employees work remotely. These include:
Potential increase in distractions
While distractions happen in the office, remote employees may experience more. Working from home comes with its own set of interruptions depending on the employee’s home life, such as kids, spouses, pets and the TV.
Lack of community
Working together in the same space provides community and the opportunity to connect more. Because remote work tends to be isolating, there may be a lack of bonding. Many remote companies utilize teleconferencing, online chat and other tools to maintain an engaging community.
Less reliability or accountability
With less supervision, an employee’s reliability and accountability for work may suffer. Weekly performance measures and incentives can help keep employees on track and motivated to work hard.