Our New World of Work survey showed that 56.5% of companies plan to have at least some of their workforce work remotely permanently. Tremendous advances in technology and tools to facilitate remote working has paved the way for a seamless transition from office to home.
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If you’re looking for a job that offers a “lifestyle advantage” (remote work and flexibility are in high demand in the current market), you should know what the buzzwords mean before you jump in. They may all sound like ways to improve your work-life balance, but they come with clear expectations and their own pros and cons.
Let’s look at some new ways of working that might be on the table when looking at job ads and what they mean.
What is remote work?
The term “remote work” usually means working outside of a traditional office. With remote work, you don’t have to commute to an office. You can complete projects and communicate with your team – even lead a team – without being in the same room. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a laptop. You’ll have a secure workplace and a company benefits package worth thousands of dollars per year.
However, don’t assume that a remote work job posting comes with flexibility. Many companies require remote workers to use time tracking tools to ensure they’re at their desks during regular working hours.
Telecommuting (which you may see referred to as home-based jobs or virtual work) deserves a side note. This term is not commonly used today, but it’s similar to remote work. A telecommuter usually works in the same geographic region as the company but spends some or all of their hours at home. They may come into the office occasionally as needed. On the other hand, remote work can technically take place on a different continent from the company’s headquarters.
