Teleworking: Definition, Benefits and Tips

What is Teleworking?

Teleworking, also known as remote work, is a way of doing your job from a remote location. It could mean employees work from home or anywhere else with an internet connection and a functional device, like a laptop. This flexibility can help you balance work and personal life and save time and money commuting while allowing you to work in different locations.

Teleworking vs. Telecommuting: The Differences

Teleworking and telecommuting, the terms might appear to be similar, but they aren’t. 

Telecommuting refers to an arrangement where you work from home (or anywhere else) without traveling (by car/bus/train). On the other hand, in a teleworking job, you may also travel while working remotely. Simply put, telecommuting is a kind of teleworking without any commute/travel.

Look at the table below to learn about the key distinguishing factors between them.

These differences highlight how teleworking is a broader term, while telecommuting is a subset of teleworking that often centers around working from home. 

Benefits of Teleworking

This flexible approach to work has transformed the traditional office space and setup, bringing about various positive outcomes for both, the employer and employee.

For Employers

The benefits for the employer are:

1. Increased Productivity

Employees often find it easier to concentrate on their job duties in the comfort of their chosen setting, as it is free from the potential distractions of the main office. 

This enhanced focus improves the ability to accomplish more in less time. Thus, teleworking can catalyze higher employee productivity due to its conducive work environment. In fact, over 60% of managers agree that workers are more productive in a remote environment. 

2. Cost Savings

Companies can reduce their expenditure on office-related costs by allowing employees to work from home, or remotely. The need for large office spaces, utilities, and maintenance diminishes, leading to substantial savings. 

These financial resources can then be redirected toward other strategic initiatives. Therefore, adopting teleworking can be economically advantageous for employers. 

3. Access to a Larger Talent Pool

Teleworking broadens an employer's reach when recruiting talent, as the geographical constraints of a traditional office setup are no longer an issue. 

By allowing remote workers to work from home or anywhere, companies get access to a vast pool of skilled individuals around the globe. This enhances the potential for finding the best-suited candidates for specific roles.

4. Reduced Absenteeism

It contributes to a decrease in employee absenteeism. Even when your employees find it hard to commute, they can continue working from home. 

This also reduces the number of sick days taken and a lower rate of unplanned absences, benefiting both individual productivity and overall team dynamics.

5. Higher Employee Retention

Teleworking can improve employee satisfaction and loyalty. It offers the option to work remotely, demonstrating trust and flexibility that resonates positively with employees. 

This enhances their commitment to the organization, further lowering turnover rates and retaining valuable talent over the long term.

For Employees

Teleworking comes with several benefits for employees as well. Here are some:

1. Flexible Work Environment

Teleworking empowers employees to design work surroundings that complement their preferences and working style. This flexibility allows them to work in an environment that encourages productivity and creativity.

2. Improved Work-Life Balance

Teleworking lets employees synchronize their professional commitments with their personal and familial responsibilities. This equilibrium is particularly crucial in boosting mental and emotional well-being.

3. Reduced Commuting Stress

Teleworking eliminates the daily commute. This offers a profound relief from the stress and strain often accompanying rush-hour traffic or crowded public transportation. 

The time formerly spent traversing to and from the office can now be utilized more judiciously, contributing to increased energy levels.

4. Cost Savings

Teleworking also helps financially by slashing the costs associated with daily commuting. Remote employees can save on fuel or transportation fares, reducing a significant monthly expense. Moreover, the need for elaborate work attire diminishes, leading to additional savings.

5. Health and Well-being

Teleworking also contributes to mental health by eliminating office distractions. The freedom to personalize the working environment can strengthen concentration, job satisfaction, and happiness. After all, a comfortable and personalized work environment reduces stress, enhances mental clarity, and brings a heightened sense of well-being.

Tips for Efficient Teleworking

Teleworking can be highly practical with the right approach. It majorly affects employees and employers, which is why some of the things they must keep in mind.

For Employers

Some of the tips for an employer are:

1. Clear Expectations

You must effectively communicate your expectations for remote work. Start by outlining when independent contractors and employees are expected to be available, what tasks should take priority, and how communication should be carried out. This avoids confusion and ensures everyone knows what's expected of them.

2. Provide Resources

Adequate resources ensure that workflow remains smooth and efficient, even from a distance. Therefore, you must provide your remote teams with the necessary tools, software, and equipment to stay connected with their teams and perform their tasks effectively. 

3. Regular Check-Ins

Ensure you regularly schedule check-ins through video calls or chats. It will help you maintain a strong connection among team members despite working from different locations. Such brief check-ins provide a way to review progress, address issues, and promote a sense of belonging within the team.

4. Set Goals

Make sure you set clear and measurable goals for your remote teams. When everyone understands their objectives and knows how their work contributes to the company's larger goals, it boosts motivation and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

5. Encourage Collaboration

Virtual collaboration tools facilitate team communication and brainstorming sessions, even when team members are scattered. This encourages sharing of ideas, enhances problem-solving, and promotes teamwork.

6. Scheduled Feedback

You must also establish a culture of feedback. It will encourage open communication where employees can share challenges and offer suggestions. This enables an environment of continuous improvement and growth.

For Employees

Here are some tips for employees working in a teleworking environment must keep in mind:

1. Designate a Workspace

A designated workspace creates a mental boundary that signals when you are in work mode and when it is time to unwind. Therefore, ensure you choose a specific area in your home where you will work. This spot should be comfy but away from relaxation spaces like a bed or couch. 

2. Stick to a Schedule

Treat teleworking like regular working hours. Stick to a consistent routine to align your body and mind with work expectations. This way, you would be reachable when your team needs you, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

3. Prioritize Tasks

Start your workday by making a list of tasks you need to complete. Also,  make sure you highlight the most important ones. This keeps you on track and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed with too much to do.

4. Minimize Distractions

Fewer distractions mean you can focus better and work more efficiently. Therefore, you must silence your phone's non-essential alerts and let others know when you're in work mode. 

5. Stay Connected

Even though you're not in the same office, stay connected with your team using digital tools. Regular chats and updates help you feel part of the team and collaborate effectively.

6. Take Breaks

Remember that breaks are not a waste of time. They are essential for your well-being and productivity. These pauses help prevent burnout, keep your energy levels up, and improve your focus when you return to work.

Related Read: 15 mistakes to avoid in every remote setup

Building and Scaling Global Teams is Easy with Skuad

Today, most companies seek to onboard experts by crossing geographical boundaries and expanding globally. This is why most companies regard teleworking as a preferred and prominent practice. However, getting in touch with professionals around the globe can be challenging. But you need not worry; this is where Skuad can help you.

Skuad is an EOR platform that can help you manage all your HR processes in one place. With Skuad’s unified platform, you can easily hire, onboard, and pay employees in over 160 countries. Moreover, the platform helps you stay 100% compliant with employment laws in over 160 countries without setting up any other local entity. So, get in touch with our experts today to expand globally.

FAQs

Q1. Is teleworking the same as remote working?

Yes, teleworking and remote working are essentially the same. Both terms refer to working from a location outside the traditional office. This often involves using technology to stay connected to work tasks and colleagues.

Q2. What are the examples of teleworking?

Teleworking examples include:

• Working from home.
• Collaborating with colleagues through video calls.
• Participating in virtual team meetings.
• Accessing work files from personal devices.

Q3. Why is it called teleworking?

It is called teleworking because it involves using telecommunication technology like phones and the Internet to work from a distance. "Tele" refers to distance, and "working" indicates performing job tasks, thus combining to describe remote work done using communication tools.