Telework vs telecommute vs remote work: Similar or Different?

​The concept of telework, also known as remote work or working from home, has a long history. People have been working from home or remotely for centuries, but the term "telework" was first coined in the 1970s.

In the early days of telework, the main drivers were cost savings for employers and the desire for workers to have more flexible schedules. With the advent of the internet and the widespread availability of computers and other technologies, telework has become increasingly popular in recent years. 

Today, telework is often seen as a way to improve work-life balance, increase productivity, and reduce carbon emissions by reducing the need for commuting. It has also become an important option for businesses to consider during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employees can log in from any location and start their work. This may be the local coffee shop, a shared office in a distant city, or even a studio apartment in another country.

Now more than ever, thanks to advances in virtual communication and project management tools, many workers prefer working at least one day a week remotely. But some people would prefer to have a job that would permit them to do so entirely from the comfort of their own homes (or elsewhere).

It can be difficult to know which remote work model is best for you among the many possible options. You could, for instance, prefer a position that allows you considerable autonomy but requires little interaction with others in the workplace, or you might prefer to combine elements of both the work-from-home and office-based lifestyles.

To help you decide which model is best, we'll compare telework with telecommuting and remote work. 

The impact of remote working on workers and organisations

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the way people work, with many people around the world being required to work from home in order to slow the spread of the virus. This shift to remote work has happened very quickly, and many businesses and organizations have had to rapidly adapt to this new way of working.

One of the main changes brought about by the pandemic is the increased use of technology to facilitate remote work. Many companies that previously did not allow or encourage remote work have had to implement systems and technologies, such as video conferencing tools and collaboration software, to enable their employees to work remotely. There has also been a significant increase in the use of online communication and collaboration platforms, such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, to help teams stay connected and productive.

Data on remote and hybrid working from UK parliament show that:

• -2019, around 1 in 10 (12%) of the of the UK workforce had worked at least one day from home in the previous week and around 1 in 20 (5%) reported working mainly from home.
• -This increased substantially during the pandemic, to a peak of around half of workers (49%) in Great Britain (GB) working at least one day from home in June 2020; 11% of the workforce worked at least one day from home and 38% worked from home exclusively.
• -As pandemic restrictions have been lifted, these numbers have gradually decreased again, but remain higher than pre-pandemic numbers. In September 2022, around 1 in 5 (22%) of the GB workforce had worked at least one day from home in the previous week and around 1 in 8 (13%) worked from home exclusively.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for businesses to be more flexible and adaptable, as well as the importance of having contingency plans in place for unexpected disruptions. Many companies that were previously resistant to the idea of remote work have now come to see the benefits and may continue to allow or encourage remote work even after the pandemic ends. 

What is remote work?

A remote employee is someone who is employed by a company, but works outside of a traditional office environment.

Work from anywhere, or remote work, is a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to perform their duties from any location with reliable internet access.

While they may not be physically located in the workplace, remote workers often maintain tight ties with their colleagues.

It's also possible that remote workers and their managers will only ever virtually interact with one another. Last but not least, remote workers might gain by having more leeway in terms of when and how they get in and get their work done. Because of the mobility it affords, working remotely is a popular choice for people who are frequently on the go, such as travelers, students, and others who cannot commit to regular office hours.   This freedom of choice also appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and hikers who got used to combining work and active rest. If you have a few holiday days to spare, you can visit popular destinations depending on your preferences. Consulting the trekking experts from Bookatrekking.com might help you choose a route to give you new positive impressions and rest from the routine workflow.

There are several factors that define remote work, including:

• Location: Remote work allows employees to work from any location, as long as they have a reliable internet connection and the necessary equipment and resources. This could be from home, a co-working space, or any other location of their choosing.
• Flexibility: Remote work allows employees to have more control over their schedule and work environment, as long as they are able to meet the requirements of their job.
• Technology: Remote work relies on technology and communication tools to stay connected with colleagues and complete tasks. This includes things like video conferencing software, collaboration platforms, and project management tools.
• Autonomy: Remote work requires employees to be self-motivated and able to manage their own time and work independently.

Working from home allows you to design a workspace that best suits your needs and preferences. 

It also lets remote workers fit their jobs around other activities like school, travel, and family obligations. 

What is telework? 

Remote work and telework refer to the same concept, which is working outside of a traditional office setting. The terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the practice of working from any location, as long as the necessary equipment and resources are available and a reliable internet connection is present.

Employees that participate in telework are able to complete their work even when they are not physically present at the office. This could mean using a different location than the main workplace, such as a coffee shop, a library, or a shared office.

A teleworker is different from a remote employee because they are rarely required to be physically present at the workplace. In contrast to a distant employee, a teleworker is typically located close to the main office.

Writing, researching, reading, data analysis, computer work, telemarketing, etc., are all examples of occupations and jobs that lend themselves well to remote participation. 

Overall, both terms refer to the practice of working from a location other than a traditional office setting, and they can be used interchangeably

What is telecommuting? ​

 Workers who normally report to an office can also take advantage of the option of "commuting" to their jobs by working from home. It usually means that workers in one place can do a portion of their duties from another.

It's the best of both worlds, giving workers a break from the office's stresses while giving them access to the advantages of a physical, shared workspace.

The off-site location can be anywhere, from the employee's house to another office. An ideal location would shorten the time it takes to get to and from work daily.

Employers can select how many days a week or a month their workers can telecommute. Making a good decision for everyone involved requires considering the company's and its workers' needs. Some industries and processes may benefit most from having employees telecommute part-time, while others may find that having them work remotely full-time is the best solution.

The attractiveness of telecommuting stems from the fact that it permits workers to maintain a connection to their regular work environment while also providing them with the freedom to work from anywhere. 

This is an example of the more general phenomenon known as "hybrid work," which entails working from home and commuting to an office.

Remote vs. telework: What will work better for your workforce? 

 While there may appear to be no distinction between remote work and telework, there are important distinctions. It's up to you to decide if remote or telework is feasible, given your personal preferences, family obligations, work obligations, and geography.

That being said, there are some potential benefits and challenges to both remote work and telework. 

Some possible benefits of remote work include:

• Increased flexibility and autonomy for employees, allowing them to choose their own work environment and schedule
• Potential cost savings for both employees and employers, as there is no need to commute or pay for office space
• Improved work-life balance for employees

However, there are also some challenges to remote work that should be considered, such as:

• The need for strong communication and collaboration tools to stay connected with colleagues
• The possibility of feeling isolated or disconnected from the team
• The need for self-discipline and self-motivation to work effectively without the structure of a traditional office setting

Telework, on the other hand, may involve some different benefits and challenges. 

Some possible benefits of telework include:

• The ability to work from any location, as long as there is a reliable internet connection and the necessary equipment
• Potential cost savings for both employees and employers
• Improved work-life balance for employees​

Ultimately, the decision of whether to implement remote work or telework should be based on the specific needs and circumstances of the workforce and the organization. It may be helpful to conduct a thorough analysis of the potential benefits and challenges to determine which approach is the best fit.

Those who are full-time carers or parents may find that telework is a good fit because it allows them to be connected to their jobs from wherever they happen to be. Conversely, digital nomads might thrive in a more isolated environment.

Remote work vs telecommuting: What will be better for your business?

There are several elements to think about before deciding on a course of action in order to determine which employment choices would ultimately set you and your organization up for success.

Get started by taking stock of what you and your organization require. 

Employee satisfaction and retention 

Over 75% of workers in the United States want the option to work remotely at least once a week, per research from Global Workplace Analytics. Fewer than half of the respondents stated they would look for new employment if their company did not offer flexible work choices in the wake of the pandemic. If this applies to your organization, find out what your employees want to see as a choice.

Cost effectiveness ​

According to research by Global Workplace Analytics (using data from U.S. businesses), companies can save an average of $11,000 annually for every part-time telecommuter. It's estimated that workers can save $600 - $6,000 annually by putting in just half their time at the office. Setup and equipment costs for employees to work remotely and comfortably should also be factored in.

Employee productivity ​ 

If you're considering a job allowing you to work from home, map out a routine that maximizes your productivity. Locate potential sources of disruption to establish what environmental variables would most favorably affect production (e.g., focus, creativity, collaboration). Remember that certain of your onsite staff may need help working in an appropriate remote setting. Telecommuting and remote work can be productive, but only if the individual, the task, and the organization all work together.

Think about company culture ​ 

It takes deliberate effort, but fostering a work climate conducive to employees working from home is possible. Consider how important it is for your team's productivity that they can communicate, collaborate, and be motivated with one another face-to-face. It's possible that newer and younger recruits will require more one-on-one training and mentoring at first.

Considering these considerations, figure out what parts of your company's job could be performed outside of the office. Most likely, they'll fit into one of the types mentioned above of remote jobs.

The next step is to determine whether or not employees who are physically located close to the site location are required to do the work or if any of the tasks can be completed remotely.

If workers need to be on-site occasionally to complete their tasks, consider allowing them to telecommute instead.

If you want to attract top talent from all over the world, cut down on overhead, and rapidly expand your business, working with remote employees, contractors, or freelancers is a great option to explore. Find out more about the concept of a global workforce and the potential benefits it might provide by reading about it.

What are the advantages of telecommuting?

Many office workers find the option to work from home to be enticing, but the advantages of telecommuting extend beyond the workers themselves. Businesses can benefit significantly from a well-thought-out and carried-out remote work policy.

Since there have been so many opportunities to research the phenomenon, it is reasonable to assume that the pandemic was a significant factor in businesses' decisions to implement telecommuting programs. Many of the following advantages of working from home were already well-known before the present crisis, while others have emerged very recently.

Increase in productivity

Even though employees seem to slack off when they aren't being watched, studies, polls, and anecdotes demonstrate otherwise. From what we saw in the data presented in the preceding chapter, it is clear that remote workers outperform their in-house colleagues when it comes to output.

So why has productivity risen so dramatically? Those who work from home have more flexibility to set their own schedules and work in the most productive way. They are spared the usual office-related distractions and annoyances.

Improvement in business continuity

The influence on business continuity is yet another advantage of telecommuting that COVID-19 has highlighted. Telework has been a lifesaver during this pandemic. Many folks talk about returning to work, but many of us are already at it. Twenty years ago, this would never have been possible.

The pandemic will be remembered for the havoc it wreaked on society. Companies that value continuity in the face of disruptions and want to cultivate a culture that draws and retains top people recognize the value of a well-executed telecommuting initiative.

The ability to hire from a wider talent pool

Companies that allow their employees to work remotely no longer have to compete with one another for the best local talent or shoulder the high cost of relocating employees. When companies can advertise to a larger and more diverse pool of potential candidates, they have a better chance of finding and hiring the best person for the job, wherever they may be. This is a step toward achieving a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

Provide better work-life balance to employees ​ 

Telecommuting's appeal lies in the flexibility it offers workers, which is why many people are drawn to it. Telecommuting allows employees to work when they are at their most productive, take breaks when needed, and still take care of their families and other personal obligations. Providing such leeway typically leads to a more positive work-life balance, content workers, and increased output.

Telecommuting's benefits include not having to deal with traffic on the way to and from work and having greater freedom over one's daily routine. A telecommuting worker can take a break from their desk during the day to do things like exercise or eat lunch at home.

What are the benefits of teleworking?

 Teleworking can offer many advantages, such as increased flexibility and convenience for both employer and employee. Having employees work remotely can reduce overhead costs, maximize productivity, and increase employee morale. Remote employees are also less likely to take time off from work since they do not have to come into the office every day, which results in enhanced job satisfaction. 

Furthermore, when working remotely, employees do not have to worry about commuting or dealing with in-person distractions like conversations around the water cooler that distract from work goals. 

Employee teleworking also reduces stress levels since both employers and employees enjoy greater freedom in setting their own hours and locations. Finally, having a remote workforce can equip businesses with talented individuals who may live too far away or relocate often to make regular office attendance possible.

Decrease distractions

As a result of fewer interruptions, remote teams can produce higher-quality work. Workers can focus for long stretches on a single project when necessary rather than being constantly interrupted by coworkers. Slack, like other asynchronous chat systems, allows users to easily jump in and out of conversations as needed, simulating some of the casual "water cooler chats" that remote employees may miss.

Increase the quality of work ​

Telecommuting improves not only productivity but also the quality of output. According to Adobe, the use of technology to encourage innovation in the workplace is on the rise.

Reduce stress level ​ 

There are several different ways in which telecommuting might help you feel less stressed. Not only do workers not have to deal with the stress of a long commute or public transportation delays, but they also have the freedom to design their ideal office space. 

Working from home allows people to stay near to their families and friends, which is a huge stress reliever.

Eliminate travel fatigue ​ 

The stresses of business travel, such as delays, cancellations, illness, and jet lag, can wear a person down over time. By eliminating the need to meet physically, businesses can save money on travel expenses and boost output through virtual meetings.

Instead of wasting time waiting in airport lines or relying on unreliable in-flight Wi-Fi to get work done, meetings can be a natural extension of the workplace. 

Maximize productivity ​ 

Those working from home report more positive emotions and loyalty to their employers. Society for Human Resource Management research shows that remote teams are more productive, with workers putting in an extra three hours a day on average.

What are the advantages of remote working?

 Remote working is becoming increasingly popular due to the many advantages it offers. By eliminating the need for a commute and allowing employees to work from any location, remote work can reduce stress levels, increase employee engagement and satisfaction, and save employers money in overhead expenses. 

Employers also benefit from having access to a global talent pool as they are no longer constrained by geographical limitations when hiring. Furthermore, research indicates that remote teams tend to be more productive than in-person teams as members can avoid distractions, set their own hours, and have access to better tools and resources when working remotely.

All of these advantages make remote working an attractive option for both employers and employees alike.

Promote inclusivity

Since employees of remote businesses need not be physically located near their headquarters, they tend to be more racially and ethnically diverse. Those who may have trouble finding employment at a brick-and-mortar establishment now have more options thanks to the rise of remote work.

Working and caring responsibilities must be balanced, especially for those with disabilities, those providing care for others, and stay-at-home parents.

Since not everyone can afford to or desires to reside in a major city, working remotely increases one's chances of interacting with people from various economic, geographical, and cultural backgrounds.

Bring more opportunities

One of the major advantages of working from home is having more options available to you. It's easier for remote workers to find work than it is for office workers who are limited by where their offices are located. 

You don't have to uproot your life and move to a big city only to find decent-paying work if you prefer rural or small-town living.

Allow working from anywhere ​ 

 Those who work completely remotely can settle down wherever they like. Some people who work from home can afford to uproot their lives and become "digital nomads," able to work from wherever in the world.

Working for a remote company that requires you to be in a certain country or time zone doesn't prevent you from relocating to a place where living expenses are lower or where the quality of life is prioritized over commute times. Working from home is convenient for people who constantly relocate, such as military spouses.

You won't have to leave your house very often as a remote worker. As an alternative to sitting in a cubicle all day, you may, for example, work from your local coffee shop while visiting relatives or even in the great outdoors.

Improve work-life balance

You can generally set your own hours for working from home, provided that your tasks are finished by the allotted time.

If you're the kind of person who does their best work at odd hours, the freedom to choose your own hours is invaluable. Some people are morning people, while others are night owls. You recognize the value of a customizable work schedule, whether you're a morning person or a night owl.

Having the ability to manage your time is also quite helpful when unexpected things pop up. Working from home makes it easier to manage your personal life, such as getting the kids to school, doing the laundry, going to the gym, or having a break.

How can a modern intranet facilitate remote work? 

Creating a remote workforce that doesn't hurt morale or output is possible with the help of your organization's intranet. In truth, a powerful, cohesive, and cooperative staff is guaranteed by the skillful use of the company's Intranet. As businesses learn how to maximize their remote workers' efficiency, effectiveness, and happiness, they must maintain a flexible, open-minded approach to experimentation and change.

The ability to support work through mobile devices is a key feature of the modern remote worker. Especially among young professionals, there is a blurring of the lines between work and life, and many choices for remote work because they would rather live the nomadic lifestyle of a digital nomad than be tied to a specific location. Access to vital company data, no matter where your employees may be, requires a robust and secure mobile Intranet.

As more and more companies implement telecommuting policies, the nature of employment itself will evolve. Maintaining a competitive advantage requires businesses to adapt to the changing demands of their employees to keep their teams at peak performance and morale. Organizations can bring together their distributed workforce by utilizing intranets and extranets as a central hub for communication and collaboration.

Wrapping 

This article has explained the differences between telework, telecommute, and remote work. The term "telecommuting" refers to working away from the office but maintaining a physical location. What we call "remote work" encompasses any job that can be done away from an office. 

The majority of telecommuting takes place in the comfort of the employee's home, but the practice is by no means restricted to that setting. 

Any location that allows for using the necessary equipment to complete the operation is suitable for remote workers.