The definition of remote work is constantly evolving. But according to the Telework Research Network, it’s generally defined as a “type of work that allows employees to work from home or another location other than the office.”
Tanks to evolving technologies, the number of people working remotely is on the rise. In fact, a 2017 Gallup study found that 43% of Americans reported working remotely at least some of the time.
So what are the benefits of remote work? We asked five experts to weigh in.
What is remote work?
So what is remote work? Simply put, it’s when you work from a place other than your employer’s office. That could mean working from home, working from a coffee shop or even traveling to different countries as you work.
The beauty of remote work is that you can literally do it from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. And with the prevalence of coworking spaces and coffee shops with wifi, finding a place to work is increasingly easy.
There are a number of benefits to remote work, the biggest of which is that you can save a lot of time and money on transportation. You also don’t have to worry about office politics or dress codes, and you can take advantage of flexible hours and working arrangements.
What are the benefits of remote work?
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the way we work is changing too. The once-standard 9-to-5 office job is becoming a thing of the past, as more and more people are working remotely.
There are many benefits to working remotely, chief among them flexibility and freedom. With a remote job, you can work from anywhere in the world (as long as you have an internet connection). You can set your own hours, take time off when you need it, and work on your own schedule.
Remote work also allows for more creativity and collaboration. You can team up with people from all over the world to work on projects, and there’s no need for expensive travel costs.
Finally, remote work can also lead to better work-life balance. You can take care of personal errands during the day without having to worry about losing hours of pay. And since you’re not tied to a physical office, you can more easily take time off for family emergencies or illnesses.
What are the challenges of remote work?
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is staying motivated and productive. When you’re not in an office environment, it can be tough to maintain focus and stay on track.
Another challenge is communication. It’s important to have strong communication tools in place in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Miscommunication can lead to a lot of wasted time and frustration, so it’s important to make sure that all your bases are covered.
There are also challenges when it comes to working with a remote team. Sometimes it can be hard to build trust and camaraderie when you’re not physically together.
But with the right tools in place, these challenges can be overcome. And the benefits of remote work are definitely worth it!
How do you know if remote work is right for you?
The great thing about remote work is that it can be a perfect fit for anyone and everyone. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. So how do you know if it’s the right path for you?
First, ask yourself if you’re comfortable working independently. Remote work depends on strong self-motivation and discipline, so if you’re not someone who typically works well on their own, it might not be the best option.
Second, think about your work style. Are you someone who likes to be constantly surrounded by people or do you prefer peace and quiet? The latter is definitely preferable for remote work.
Finally, consider your geographical location. If you’re not located in a place where there are a lot of remote job opportunities, it can be hard to find a job that’s a good fit for you.
All in all, remote work is a great option for many people, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.
How to stay connected when working remotely
Believe it or not, one of the most challenging aspects of remote work is staying connected. When you’re not physically in the office, it can be difficult to feel like you’re a part of the team.
But it’s not impossible! Here are a few tips for staying connected when you’re working remotely:
- Use video conferencing tools like Skype or Zoom to stay in touch with your team.
- Stay active on Slack, and participate in chat threads and group discussions.
- Make sure to set aside time for regular check-ins with your boss or supervisor.
- Plan regular team meetings, even if they’re just virtual ones.
- Cultivate a good work/life balance. Working from home can be great, but it’s important to take time for yourself, too!
Conclusion:
Although the concept of working remotely is nothing new, it seems to be gaining more popularity in recent years. And for good reason! Working remotely has a ton of benefits, from improving work-life balance to boosting productivity. But what does it actually mean to work remotely? We asked five experts to weigh in.
