Working From Remote: Will It Work?

Is Working Remotely Right For You?

Work-life balance has been an issue for a long time. With the rapidly evolving remote work trend, this issue is only becoming more problematic as employers give their employees greater autonomy to set their own hours and location.

Early in our relationship with computers, it was easy to use them to check email when we got home from work; then it became easier still with the advent of smartphones and tablets (the latter of which are designed specifically for working remotely). But now that technology has evolved even further and we have the option of not even leaving our homes, is this something that can be done for a lifetime?

With more remote jobs open in recent years, some people have made the decision to stay at home permanently as a remote worker. These people have found that working from home is more enjoyable than traditional jobs, but it’s important to understand what you are getting into when working from remote locations. This post will help you make that important decision.

Man working remotely on laptop

What is a remote job?

A remote job is a position that can be performed anywhere there is an internet connection. A remote worker might work from home, or they might work in their local coffee shop. The location of the job does not matter, as long as the worker can do their work.

Teleworking is described as a “work arrangement in which an organization employs individuals who work from a location other than the normal workplace of the business”. Often teleworking, telecommuting, and remote working are used interchangeably.

Remote jobs are becoming more common in many industries and for various reasons. Telecommuters have been found to be more satisfied with their jobs than those who do not telecommute. There are also more “work anywhere workspace” locations popping up.

Why is remote work so popular?

There are many reasons why remote work has become so popular in recent years. With advances in technology, more and more people are able to work from home or from anywhere they have an internet connection. This gives people a lot of freedom and flexibility when it comes to their work life. Here are some of the other benefits of remote work:

  • You can take on projects from any co-working space
  • There is no need to commute, which saves time and money
  • You can create your own schedule and take breaks when you want
  • You can keep the same job while traveling the country

Overall, remote work is a great way to have a more flexible and freeing career. If you’re thinking about making the switch, there are plenty of resources to help you get started.

Why do employees prefer to work remotely?

There are a few key reasons why employees prefer to work remotely:

  • They can take work with them wherever they go.
  • No need for expensive office space or equipment.
  • Increased flexibility and freedom when it comes to hours and working from home.

A remote job is a position where an employee can work outside of a traditional office setting. This could mean working from home, a coffee shop, or even traveling while still being able to do their job. In order to work remotely, all an employee needs is a laptop and an internet connection.

Many people prefer remote jobs because of the increased flexibility and freedom it offers. For example, someone with a remote job can take their work with them when they travel. They can also set their own hours and work from home if they need to. Employee satisfaction was shown to increase when they were allowed workplace flexibility.

What percentage of companies have some remote work?

There’s no definitive answer to this question since it can depend on how you define “remote work.” For some people, remote work simply means working from home occasionally or working from a coffee shop. For others, it means working from anywhere – a different city or even a different country.

A recent study by Owl Labs found that 70% of companies allow some form of distance working. There are many benefits to working remotely, both for employees and for employers.

Employees often enjoy increased flexibility and freedom when it comes to their work schedule and location. And employers can save money on office space and other overhead costs by having fewer employees in the office at any given time. For many, it is a win-win situation.

If you’re interested in finding jobs with flexible hours and locations, there are many resources available online that can help you get started. Sites like We Work Remotely and FlexJobs specialize in listing remote job openings in a variety of industries.

What percentage of jobs are working from remote locations?

A remote job is a position that can be done from anywhere in the world. The worker does not need to be physically present in the office to do the job. Many jobs can now be done remotely, thanks to advances in technology.

There is no definitive answer when it comes to the percentage of jobs that are remote. However, a study by Ladders projected that 25% of all professional jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022, and remote opportunities will continue to increase through 2023. A survey by McKinsey stated “when people have the chance to work flexibly, 87% of them take it.”

Senior executive working remotely on laptop

What is the difference between remote work and working from home?

The difference between remote work and working from home is that remote work is a type of work arrangement where employees are not required to be physically present in the office, while working from home refers to the practice of working from one’s own home.

There are many benefits to both remote work and working from home, such as increased flexibility and independence, decreased commute times, and improved work-life balance. However, there are also some challenges that come with both arrangements, such as isolation from co-workers and distractions at home.

The key is to find the right balance for you and your situation. If you feel like you would thrive with a more flexible work arrangement, then remote work or working from home might be a good option for you.

What are 3 advantages of remote working?

There are many advantages of remote working, including:

1. Increased flexibility and freedom: With remote working, you have the ability to work from any location, at any time. This increased flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance and improved mental health.

2. Cost savings: Working remotely can save you money on things like commuting costs, office space rental, and child care.

3. Improved productivity: Studies have shown that employees who work remotely are more productive than those who work in an office setting.

Working remotely with laptop at coffee shop

What are challenges of remote work?

How productive can an employee be when they’re not under constant supervision?

There are a few disadvantages of remote work that are worth considering. One is that it can be harder to stay focused and motivated when you’re not in an office environment. This is because there’s no one around to provide immediate feedback or help keep you on track.

Additionally, working from home can sometimes make it difficult to separate work and personal life, which can lead to burnout. And finally, there can be communication and networking challenges when working with a remote team, as it’s not always easy to build rapport or establish trust when you’re not face-to-face.

On the other hand, with discipline, you can become more productive when working away from the office. You no longer have co-workers stopping by your desk, you skip all water cooler chats, and you can focus on the task at hand more easily. Many employees have found themselves much more productive when they moved to a home office.

How is performance measured?

When it comes to measuring performance, it’s a bit trickier with remote workers. Without being in an office it can be harder to monitor employee performance.

Some employees may feel like they need to put in longer hours to look productive since they are not physically present in the office. As a result, they may end up working more hours than they would if they were in an office setting and this can lead to burnout.

There can also be communication challenges when employees are not all in the same place. This can lead to a perceived performance decline when it’s actually a lack of communication issue. It is important to have systems and protocols in place to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that tasks are getting completed efficiently.

When working with remote teams, measuring performance is done by collaboration between the employee and employer. Both should develop goals and a baseline of work for performance measurement. On-time deliverables are one of the main key performance indicators. If the work is getting done correctly and on time, performance is on par. If it isn’t, some discussion is required.

Executive lady working on laptop at remote location

How do I find a remote only job?

How do you ask for remote work?

There are a few key things you can do to increase your chances of landing a remote job.

First, make sure your resume and online presence reflect your ability to work remotely. Include any relevant keywords (“remote work,” “telecommute,” etc.) in your resume and make sure your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts show that you’re comfortable working virtually.

Second, research companies that have a history of hiring remote workers. You can use job search engines like Indeed or Glassdoor to filter for remote jobs, or look up companies that have been featured in lists of the best companies for remote workers.

Finally, when you reach out to potential employers, be clear about your desire to work remotely. In your cover letter or email pitch, explain why you would be a great fit for the role and why you prefer to work remotely. This will show that you’re serious about the opportunity and give the employer a chance to picture you in the role.

How do you send an email asking to work from home?

When inquiring about the possibility of working remotely, be sure to include the following:

  • Your name and contact information
  • The name of the company you currently work for (or have worked for in the past)
  • Your job title
  • A brief description of your job duties
  • The reason you are interested in working remotely
  • If you have worked remotely in the past, how did it go?
  • What do you think would be the biggest obstacle to working remotely?

Be professional, positive, and specific in your email. It’s also a good idea to research the company’s remote work policy before sending your email.

Image of man and woman at remote job

What are some common misconceptions about working from home?

There are a few common misconceptions about working from home that often come up. The first is that working from home is easier than working in an office. While it’s true that there are some advantages to working from home, it’s not necessarily easier. For example, you may have to deal with distractions from family or roommates, you may have a harder time staying focused, and you may miss out on office camaraderie.

Another misconception is that working from home is less productive than working in an office. Again, while there are some challenges to productivity when working from home, this doesn’t mean that it’s inherently less productive. In fact, many people find that they’re more productive when they’re not commuting and they have more control over their environment.

A third misconception is that everyone who works from home works alone. While it’s true that many people who work from home do work alone, this isn’t always the case. There are plenty of remote teams and co-working spaces where people can socialize and collaborate with others.

Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to working from home. It’s important to be aware of the challenges so you can set yourself up for success.

Laptops on table for remote work

What technology is needed for at-home work?

In the short-term, remote work might seem like a temporary solution. But as technology and culture continue to evolve rapidly, remote employment may soon become permanent.

Remote workers are able to interface with their co-workers from anywhere on Earth thanks to emerging digital technologies that support video chat and virtual meetings. But, working remotely can only work if the technology is in place.

In order to combat the strain of in-person meetings, organizations are investing in technology and design that facilitates remote collaboration. Many companies are building in-house solutions to facilitate remote work, or they’re investing in third-party solutions that promise increased productivity and collaboration. Some of these technologies include video conferencing, chat and messaging tools, digital whiteboards and virtual reality.

Collaboration is the key to remote work because, if you can’t collaborate, you can’t be productive.

How can employees connect with each other?

There are a few different ways that employees can connect with each other while working from home. The most common way is through email, which can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. Other ways to connect include instant messaging, video conferencing, and VoIP (voice over internet protocol) phone calls.

For email, all you need is a computer with an internet connection and an email client (like Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail). For instant messaging, you’ll need a computer with an internet connection and a chat client (like Slack or Google Hangouts).

For video conferencing, you’ll need a computer with an internet connection and a webcam (most laptops nowadays have one built-in). And for VoIP phone calls, you’ll need a computer with an internet connection and a headset (or just use your regular phone if you have unlimited minutes).

What are the best resources for remote working?

There are a few different types of technology you might need for at-home work, depending on the type of job you have.

For example, if you’re a writer, all you might need is a laptop and an internet connection. But if you’re a web developer, you’ll need a laptop with coding software installed, as well as an internet connection.

Here are some common pieces of technology you might need for at-home work:

  • A computer or laptop: This is pretty much essential for any type of at-home work. If you don’t have one, it will be difficult to do your job.
  • Internet connection: Again, this is essential for most jobs that can be done at home. Some jobs might even require a certain speed of internet connection, so make sure to check that before applying for a job.
  • Headset: A headset can be really useful if you’re going to be doing lot of phone calls or video calls for your job. It’s also helpful if you want to block out distractions while you’re working.
  • Printer/scanner: A printer and scanner can come in handy if you need to print out documents or scan them to send them electronically.
  • Coding software: If you’re a web developer or software engineer, you’ll need coding software installed on your computer. Some of the most popular ones are Atom, Sublime Text, and Visual Studio Code.

These are just some of the common pieces of technology you might need for at-home work. Of course, the specific requirements will vary depending on the job you have. But in general, having a computer and an internet connection is essential.

Do you need approved devices and applications for business use?

If you plan to do business from home, you will need to have certain devices and applications approved for business use. This includes a computer, a printer, a high tech webcam and possibly a fax machine. You will also need high-speed internet access and a phone line. Some businesses may require additional technology, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service.

What communication technology should you use?

There are a few different types of communication technology that you can use for at-home work. The most popular ones are:

  • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): This is a type of phone service that uses the internet instead of a traditional phone line. It’s usually cheaper than a regular phone service, and you can use it for things like making calls, video conferencing, and sending text messages.
  • Web conferencing: This is a type of software that allows you to have meetings and presentations online. It’s great for team collaboration, and you can use it to share your screen, chat with other participants, and even record your meetings.
  • Project management software: This type of software helps you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and progress on projects. It’s great for team collaboration and can help you stay organized.
  • Chat software: This type of software allows you to communicate with others in real time via text chat. It’s great for quick questions or conversations, and you can use it on your computer or mobile device.

Are all internet service providers the same?

No, all internet service providers (ISP) are not the same. Differentiating features among ISP can include:

  • Download and upload speeds
  • Data limits
  • Price
  • Contract terms
  • Equipment rental fees

It is important to research different ISPs in your area to find the best deal for your needs. You can use an online search tools to compare features and prices of different providers. Another factor to consider when choosing an ISP is whether or not they offer discounts for bundling services, such as TV and phone service.

Man and woman collaborating while working remotely

What is the future of remote working?

What has to change for more people to be able to work remotely?

There are a number of things that need to change in order for more people to be able to work remotely.

There needs to be a shift in employer mindsets. Currently, there is a lot of skepticism surrounding remote work – many employers believe that employees will be less productive when working from home. However, this is not always the case – in fact, many employees are more productive when working from home, as they are not distracted by office politics or water cooler chat. If more employers were open to the idea of remote work, it would become more accessible for employees.

There needs to be an infrastructure in place to support remote work. This includes things like fast and reliable internet connections, access to video conferencing tools, and so on. Without these things in place, it can be difficult for people to work remotely effectively.

We need to see a change in social norms. Currently, there is still a lot of pressure on employees to be present in the office during traditional working hours – even if they don’t need to be. This needs to change if we want more people to be able to work remotely. There should be no expectation that employees are available during set hours, as long as they are getting their work done.

Below are just a few of the questions that need answering for any company to provide a fully remote job.

  • What are the factors that affect the performance of remote employees?
  • What are the challenges and opportunities associated with working from home?
  • How do you measure employee performance in a virtual environment?
  • How can organizations manage their workforce in a distributed environment?
  • How can organizations leverage the benefits of remote work?
  • What are the best practices for managing remote workers and teams?

If these questions are answered, it would open up the possibility of remote work for many more people.

What extent will remote work affect where people live?

The future of remote work is likely to have a significant impact on where people live. Currently, many people choose to live in close proximity to their workplace in order to minimize their commute. However, with the rise of remote work, this will become less necessary. People will be able to work from anywhere in the world, and as a result, they will be able to choose to live wherever they want.

There are a number of factors that could influence the extent to which remote work affects where people live.

First, it will depend on the type of job that people have. Jobs that can be done remotely are more likely to have an impact on where people live than jobs that require physical presence.

Second, it will also depend on the availability of internet and other communication infrastructure in different parts of the world. In some parts of the world, remote work will not be possible due to a lack of reliable internet access.

Finally, it is also worth considering how employer policies regarding remote work might change in the future. Some employers may require employees to live in certain locations in order to be eligible for certain positions or benefits.

Overall, the future of remote work is likely to have a significant impact on where people choose to live. This impact will be influenced by factors such as the type of job people have and the availability of communication infrastructure in different parts of the world.

What will happen to all the offices?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses and workers around the world to re-evaluate the way they operate. For many, remote work has become the new normal. But what does this mean for the future of offices?

There are a few different scenarios that could play out. First, companies could continue to allow their employees to work remotely on a permanent basis. Or, they could bring everyone back into the office, but with strict safety protocols in place. Finally, we could see a hybrid model where some employees work from home and others come into the office for certain days or tasks.

It’s difficult to say which option will become the most popular in the post-pandemic world. It will likely depend on a variety of factors, including company culture, employee preferences, and industry norms. However, one thing is certain: The way we work has changed forever.

Pam Wiselogel
Pam Wiselogel

Hi, I'm Pam! A corporate girl turned entrepreneur who has been working from home for over 20 years and loving it. From a corporate IT Director to an online business owner, I found success while working remotely (sometimes in my PJs). I've been able to find balance in life and career and love to share what I've learned with others. With my master's degree in software engineering and a career in technology, my drive is to help others learn how to bypass the hurdles and technology challenges to gain the confidence to build the dream business they've always wanted to reach financial freedom. My work has been quoted on Forbes, Bloomberg, European Business Review, Hive, and Business Partner Magazine to name a few. Click my little head above to read all of my posts!

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