In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way people work. With advancements in technology and an increasing need for work-life balance, more and more people are opting for flexible work arrangements. Two such arrangements that have gained a lot of popularity are ‘Work From Home’ (WFH) and ‘Remote Working’. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between WFH and Remote Working.
What is Work From Home (WFH)?
WFH refers to an arrangement where an employee is allowed to perform their job duties from the comfort of their own home. This can be a part-time or a full-time arrangement depending on the company’s policies. Employees who work from home typically have access to all the necessary tools and software required to do their job. They communicate with their colleagues and managers via email, instant messaging services or video conferencing. The main benefits of WFH are the flexibility and the time saved on commuting to the office.
What is Remote Working?
Remote Working is a broader term that refers to an arrangement where an employee is allowed to work outside the office, not necessarily from home. In this arrangement, the employee might work from a coworking space, a coffee shop, or any location where they can access the internet and perform their duties. Remote workers often have to provide their own equipment and tools to perform their job. Communication with colleagues and managers is done through email, video conferencing or other online tools. The main advantage of Remote Working is the freedom to work from any location which provides more opportunities for travel and a better work-life balance.
Differences between WFH and Remote Working
Location From Where Work Is Performed
One of the primary differences between WFH and Remote Working is the location from where work is performed. WFH is a specific arrangement where an employee works from their home, while Remote Working allows for even more flexibility in terms of location. In Remote Working, an employee can work from any location they choose, as long as they have the necessary tools and equipment.
Level of Freedom
Another difference between WFH and Remote Working is the level of freedom provided. In WFH, the employee might have a certain level of freedom in terms of their work schedule, but they are still tied to their home. On the other hand, Remote Working provides employees with more freedom to choose when and where they work. This can lead to higher job satisfaction as employees have more control over their work-life balance.
Degree of Independence
The degree of independence can also differ in these arrangements. WFH employees may have more interaction with their colleagues and managers, even if it’s through video conferencing, whereas Remote Workers are often more self-directed and have less interaction with their colleagues.
Equipment and Tools
When it comes to the necessary equipment and tools, WFH employees are typically provided with everything they need by their employer. This includes a computer, software, and any other necessary equipment or tools. Remote Workers, on the other hand, are responsible for providing their own equipment and tools. They need to ensure that they have a reliable computer or laptop, a high-speed internet connection, and any other necessary equipment or tools required for their job. This can also include things like renting a workspace if necessary.
Management and Communication
Both WFH and Remote Working arrangements require communication and management from employers to ensure employees are achieving their tasks and meeting objectives. However, the level of management and communication can differ. WFH employees are more likely to have regular check-ins with managers via video conferencing or email. Remote Workers, on the other hand, may have less frequent check-ins, as they are generally more independent and self-directed in their work.
Accessibility to Company Resources
Another significant difference between WFH and Remote Working is the accessibility to company resources. WFH employees still have access to the company’s resources through the internet and VPN connection, as they are still considered part of the company’s network. Remote Workers, however, may not have the same level of access to company resources, making it important for employers to prioritize their resource access and ensure they have the necessary tools to perform their jobs.
Legalities
Remote Working may involve legal considerations that are different from WFH. In some cases, Remote Working may require specific licensing or permits, depending on the location where the Remote Worker is located. Legal requirements also apply to taxes, benefits, and compliance with local laws, such as employment regulations and data privacy, which employers have to pay attention to. On the other hand, WFH usually doesn’t have many of these legal requirements, as employers know that their employees are working in their primary residence, which is usually located in the same location as the company’s headquarters.
Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between WFH and Remote Working can be highly dependent on a company’s policies and the specific job requirements. Remote Working can be ideal for employees who require more flexibility, as it allows them to work from any location they choose. This can be beneficial for people with family responsibilities, health conditions or travel frequently. WFH is ideal for employees who require more work-life balance, but still want to keep a fixed work location. With more employers adapting to the new normal of flexible work arrangements, employees have more options in terms of how and where they work.
In Conclusion
As more companies adopt flexible work arrangements, the distinction between WFH and Remote Working will become increasingly important. Employers need to have clear policies and guidelines to ensure these arrangements work smoothly for both the company and employees. It’s worth noting that while these arrangements provide more flexibility to employees, they also require more responsibility in terms of self-management, work ethic, and communication. It’s important for both employers and employees to keep these considerations in mind while deciding on the best work arrangement that suits their requirements. With the global pandemic forcing companies to adopt remote work, it’s crucial to keep these differences in mind, especially as remote work is becoming more of a norm.