Work done without commuting to a traditional office space is the simplest definition of remote work. It is a malleable working arrangement that permits employees to work outside of conventional offices, usually from their homes or a favorite work spot. Pandemic and the need for social distancing have led to an accelerated trend of flexible workplace policies.
Understanding remote work
While all work from home(WFH) arrangements are remote working, not all remote working is WFH. Working from home doesn't require you to travel anywhere but a remote work location could be a coffee shop or an informal co-working space, basically anywhere with high-speed internet access.
Remote working offers various benefits. The biggest upsides are the flexibility and enhanced work-life balance in remote work. It is easier to juggle family responsibilities. Saving commuting time and costs, reducing office chatter, increased autonomy, a lower carbon footprint, and a customized workspace are a few advantages to employees. Whereas employers get access talent pool without worrying too much about geographical boundaries.
There are challenges to working remotely, too. Fewer networking occasions, productivity concerns, coordination issues, social isolation, and difficulty in team management are a few points of discussion that may refrain organizations and individuals from adapting to remote work as a lifestyle.
To sum up, there are three prerequisites for work to fit the definition of remote working:
- Location
- Flexible work hours (depending on company policy)
- Virtual communication (typically via emails, virtual meetings, and phone calls)
Are you cut out for remote working?
Are you concerned about how productive and effective you will be working remotely? Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you confident working by yourself?
- When working remotely, do you have a dedicated workspace?
- Are you able to manage your time effectively?
- Do you consider your days off seriously?
If you can affirmatively respond yes to the majority of these, remote employment may be right for you. Setting your work hours, respecting your off-time, eating healthily, taking breaks, having a designated workplace, dressing for work, and connecting with a WFH/remote working community can all help you be more productive and at your best while working remotely.
If you have figured out if you are cut out for remote work, your next step should be to apply for amazing remote opportunities at AllRemote.
