Remote work has boomed as more companies embrace the benefits of flexible working schedules. Although forms of remote work have been around for decades, it’s only recently become a viable option for full-time employment and large companies.
Companies can implement quite a few types of remote work models. Read on to find out more.
Definition of remote work
Remote work is any work done at a location away from the official premises of the employer. Communication technology is used, which includes both software and hardware tools for telecommunication like email or video conferencing.
Remote workers typically need to work from anywhere with the employers’ intention. “Remote work” is often used interchangeably with freelancing, telecommuting, and even independent contracting.
What are the different types of remote work?
Remote work covers a broad spectrum of jobs, but it generally refers to any job that doesn’t require you to show up at an office physically.
There’s great flexibility in the definition, and many employers tend to have their own meaning depending on their workplace model.
Below are the classifications of remote work:
Freelancing
Freelancing is a great way to take advantage of the remote work trend. This option is one of the most popular types of remote work.
Freelancers are independent contractors who work on client projects and get paid by the hour, day, or project. They have more flexibility and freedom than regular employees, but their success depends on their motivation to seek out clients.
The freelance economy has been growing steadily for years. Upwork’s 2022 Freelance Forward survey revealed that 60 million Americans performed freelance work, making up 39% of the total workforce. This was a solid growth from the previous year and an all-time high.
Joining the gig scene
The gig economy describes a business model where workers are paid for each piece of work rather than as employees with benefits. Depending on the nature of the work, this type of remote work frequently overlaps with freelancing.
The gig economy is also a growing trend among companies that need flexible workers who can do tasks anytime and anywhere. There are many advantages for workers, including more freedom and the ability to set payment rates.
Work from home (WFH)
Events of the last few years have accelerated this type of remote work to be the most popular. It involves working from home or another location far from an office building.
WFH jobs can be full-time or part-time, but you’ll likely need some experience in your field before you’re hired for a position like this.
This type of remote work enables you to work from your couch or even your bed. The key point is that you don’t have to commute to work every day, which saves you time and money.
Hybrid
A hybrid setup is when you work from home one day, then come into the office the next. This is a great option if you want to spend more time on personal matters during the week but still want to maintain a high level of productivity.
This is among the most common types of remote work setup for startups and small businesses. They may need more resources to support a fully remote workforce, yet they still want to create a culture where employees can work from anywhere.
Another hybrid model is when a company has on-site and remote workers collaborating on projects, but each group has its own responsibilities.
For example, you may have an in-house team that manages the servers and infrastructure while a remote team handles customer service and marketing.
Fully remote
Fully remote companies are where employees have no physical presence at a head office and can work from anywhere in the world. Employees usually report directly to someone in another location via online video chat software.
The company can have no physical office space and does everything online. The only time one would need to travel for work would be for emergencies.
The benefit of remote work for employees
Here are the common benefits of remote work for employees:
- Flexibility. Setting your own schedule means choosing when, how long, and what type of work you want to do. You can basically work from anywhere as long as you have the internet.
- Productivity. Remote workers can get right to work without the stress of commuting or waiting for events that delay progress. The freedom to personally organize your workspace also allows for better focus.
- Health benefits. There are numerous health benefits to working remotely. You’re not trapped in an office staring at a screen all day, and it’s even good for mental health.
- Better work-life balance. Remote workers can schedule their days around personal commitments, such as school or childcare. This means they can spend time with family and friends while maintaining a steady income.
The benefit of remote work for employers
Here are a few of the benefits remote work has for employers:
- Reduced costs. Businesses save on office space and other overhead expenses.
- Recruitment. With types of remote work so widespread, workers will seek them out. Companies that offer remote work can attract and retain talented employees in an increasingly competitive job market.
- Wider talent range. Remote work allows employers to outsource the best candidates for the job. Hiring someone in another state or country can be beneficial if they’re the best candidate for the position.
Choosing the right type of remote work model
Remote work is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some points to consider before choosing which types of remote work to implement in your company:
- Which jobs can be done remotely, and which must absolutely be done at an office?
- Do you have the technology and network for seamless communication between workers?
- What policies will you set, so everyone is on the same page regarding what is expected of them?
- Will your company data and information be kept safe in an online environment?
- Are you willing to give your employees the freedoms involved with remote work?
Remote work can be an excellent model to apply. Fortunately, there are different types that companies can experiment with to ensure their employees are satisfied and capable of producing the best results they can.
