Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working was a popular job among freelancers. After two years of isolation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many organisations unplanned to carry out a remote work system or work from home (WFH) initially.
Now the work from anywhere norm is increasingly popular and is becoming a trend among workers. Working from anywhere is referred to as workplace flexibility which makes many workers embrace it. Whether as part-time or full-time workers. According to McKinsey's survey, 87% of Americans take the opportunity of flexible work if they have a chance for it.
WFH and remote work are two different work concepts. However, do you know what the difference is? Let's take a look at the difference between remote working and working from home below.
The definition of Work From Home
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Working from home is partially the same thing as being a remote worker. It refers to a perk or benefit provided by companies. Some companies have the rule that employees may work from home one or more days each week.
It is frequently referred to as flex days and times when you can take a break from your hectic workday to complete some focused work. Some companies also used the term hybrid working to combine working from home and working from the office.
You can simply work from home to change the situation. You can set up your work environment at home. Even if you're working from home, you still need to follow the office work rules. Each company has different rules regarding working from home. Since the pandemic COVID-19, many companies have implemented these arbitrary rules.
The perks of working from home
1. Save money
You can simply reduce your costs by working from home. When you work from home, you don't have to pay for the daily commute to the office. Being at home means you're also less inclined to spend money going out to eat or getting beverages to cheer you up.
Besides, you can avoid spending a lot of money on professional attire. By making these minor lifestyle adjustments, you may end up saving more money than you would if you were an office worker.
2. Work-life balance
The ability to spend your time whatever you like is one of the biggest perks of working from home. Since it is possible, you can adjust your work schedule to better fit your priorities.
For example, if taking your pet for a walk or watching Netflix is what makes you happy, you have time to do it. Your work-life balance may improve if you feel your overall happiness.
3. Spend less time commuting
You don't have to commute anywhere, which gives you more time to do what you want before and after work. This enables you to relax, more laid-back routines. You have more time to do your task since you spend less time commuting. Your productivity may increase and your stress levels decrease as a result.
4. Quality time with family
You can spend more time with your family because you can work from home. For example, if your partner works from home as well, you can meet each other while working in the same space. If you have kids, working from home lets you focus more on them. You are able to pick up and care for your child at home if they are absent due to illness. You may adjust your calendar to match your children's needs and plans, which makes it simpler to manage their extracurricular activities.
The definition of Remote Work
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Remote work can occur from some locations including coworking spaces, coffee shops, etc. Even though remote working is more flexible, it can not be referred to as flex days because working remotely is the norm. Some remote workers called them digital nomads. Because they work in a place they are comfortable enough and don't always stay at their home.
Remote working needs some competencies, such as self-motivation and time management skills. Since you don't regularly interact face to face with the team, it also needs communication. In order to work remotely, you must set up your own work environment, which best fits your lifestyle.
Some part-time workers or full-time workers work remotely while travelling. Either travelling across the city or the country. Using the right tools for work and productivity tips while working remotely, you can feel a different way of working. Do you wanna try it?
The perks of remote working
1. Increase productivity
According to a Great Place to Work research, remote workers reported consistent or higher productivity when working remotely compared to in an office. The absence of daily commutes and long in-person meetings was largely responsible for this.
Remote working helps workers stay productive and relaxed without feeling pressure as they commute and have long meeting schedules. This is one of the great perks of remote working.
2. Flexibility time
Employees that work remotely can work from any venue, doesn't mean from their home. The possibilities now include coffee shops, beaches, and other countries. Organisations can even run operations beyond the normal 9 to 5 workday if asynchronous work is appropriate.
For you who are night owls or have young children, flexible work hours can be a great privilege. For businesses seeking to extend their working hours with a small team, this freedom is priceless. The ability to access a wider range of applicants during the hiring process is another great opportunity.
3. Work-life balance
Same as working from home, you can put up on your work-life balance while working remotely. Without the appropriate technology, you would have had to commute to the workplace to do your work.
What are the drawbacks to these technological developments? Unclear lines between job and personal life. As a result, maybe you're one of the workers who prioritise maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The key to feeling happier and more productive at work has been the capacity to strike a balance between these two things, job and personal life. You can achieve a better work-life balance and add hours to your days by saving the time you would have spent on a long commute.
4. Improve workplace technology
When the pandemic began, many organisations unplanned to have the appropriate technology to support remote work. This way allows organisations and workers to experience the technology for their work. Such as project management tools, virtual meeting platforms, etc. Using the best technology to support your work efficiency is the way you can improve your workplace technology.
Embracing the future work
Both remote working and working from home are future jobs that are becoming options for some workers. It offers flexibility and autonomy for workers, as well as increases productivity and cost savings. But, you need to know before exploring future work. Know about the office culture, the team culture, and the goals.
What is the organisation's expectation with the work from home or remote work system for the team?
What are the technologies, especially tools that are needed for workers to support remote systems?
Do the remote systems fit in with your lifestyle?
How do you create your work-life boundaries?
Wrapping up
Furthermore, our world work system can be different post-pandemic. Both remote working and working from home need similar competencies for workers. The system and lifestyle that make it different from each other. Hence, organisations need to hire employees who can work professionally. The employee needs to adapt to this digital shift culture and enhance the skills that help them with remote system work.
Last but not least, using technology ensures efficiency while communication and collaboration are the main keys to supporting the work from anywhere. As organisations, perfect team collaboration tools can help your team collaborate and work effectively, as well as individuals who professionally remote work.
